Saline County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 123,416. Its county seat and largest city is Benton. Saline County was formed on November 2, 1835, and named for the salt water springs in the area, despite a differing pronunciation from saline. Until November 2014, it was an alcohol prohibition or dry county. Saline County is included in the Central Arkansas region.