Healthcare
The Franklin Hospital, which serves Franklin County, is located in Benton. An 84 bed skilled care nursing unit is located adjacent to the hospital. Two other nursing homes are located in Benton. There are additional senior centers as well.
Services and help are also available for the chronically ill or disabled patients, making it possible for them to remain at home in familiar surroundings. Home Health Agencies such as the Visiting Nurses Association makes it possible for the recovering patient to leave the hospital sooner. The Air Evac Lifeteam is available for quick transportation in critical care need cases. Businesses such as Therapy Resources located here offer rehabilitation therapy for all sorts of illness and injuries.

Housing
New subdivisions are being constructed all over Benton. New homes are being constructed on Lake Moses and Mirror Lake, in addition to many other sites in town. There are 70 units of low-income housing and 70 units of housing for the elderly. Benton and West City also have a number of apartment units, town houses, and other rental properties available.

Media
The Benton Evening News is Benton and Franklin County's newspaper, published six days a week. The Southern Illinoisan covers all of Southern Illinois.
Radio Station WQRL, 106.3FM is Benton's local radio station with a variety of 'oldies' music. WSIL-TV3 in Carterville, the local ABC affiliate, provides local area news coverage.