Benson, Arizona
Fastest projected population growth in Cochise County
Benson (pop. 5,355) is the third largest municipality in Cochise County, located approximately 45 miles southeast of Tucson, along Interstate 10, AZ 80 and AZ 90, and the main line of the Union Pacific Railroad. Of the county’s seven municipalities, Benson is projected to see the fastest population growth to 2050, due in large part to the Villages at Vigneto, a 28,000-home and commercial development slated to break ground in 2019. Benson is home to Kartchner Caverns State Park – named best cave in the nation by USA Today – which attracts thousands of visitors annually. The city also has the only AMTRAK passenger station in the county.
EPA Brownfields Program
Brownfield Assessment Grant funding is available through September 2022 for projects in Cochise County. Money is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Property owners, developers, and community members are encouraged to nominate local properties for brownfield site assessments as soon as possible.