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 to the Villages at Vigneto, a planned 28,000-home and commercial development in the city. 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.
Things to do
Events, attractions & activities
"Amid picturesque river-valley views, agreeable weather and the Home of Kartchner Caverns State Park, the City of Benson is ideally situated along Interstate-10 as the Gateway to Cochise County."
EPA Brownfields Program
Brownfield Assessment Grant funding is available through September 2026 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.