[3] Benkelman was originally called Collinsville, in honor of Moses Collins, and under that name was founded circa 1880.

[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.80 square miles (2.07 km2), all land.

There were 556 housing units at an average density of 695.0 per square mile (268.3/km2).

42.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 576 housing units at an average density of 725.8 per square mile (280.2/km2).

38.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The BNSF Railroad passes through Benkelman from east to west generally following the Republican River.