It is known well in the area for its duck hunting and fishing industries, and in the past, was recognized for sorghum production, although it is no longer produced there.

It was named in honor of David Benton (1779–1860), who was an early settler in the county and a member of the Third Regiment, Tennessee Militia in the Creek War.

[6] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 15,864 people, 6,762 households, and 3,832 families residing in the county.

As of the census[13] of 2000, there were 16,537 people, 6,863 households, and 4,886 families residing in the county.

25.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.