Median Income
$87,636
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$189,700
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
240/100K
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.1%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$761
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bel Air Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,894
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density15,386/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans22.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,636
Per Capita$32,923
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,542M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,700
Rent$761
Ownership90.9%
Zillow$462,255
Housing Units761
Rent Burden21.1%
Crime
F
Violent240/100K
Property1,996/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured2.4%
Smoking20.5%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Elevation858 ft (262 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.1%
High School+88.8%
Graduate+8.1%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute19 min
Broadband96.1%
EV Stations13
Libraries6
Is Bel Air a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bel Air receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Bel Air offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bel Air is $87,636, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bel Air is $189,700, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $761 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bel Air is below the national average at 240 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,996 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bel Air experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches, including 28.7 inches of snow.
Bel Air has a population of 1,894 with a density of 15,386 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88.1%), with 3.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 22.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,894
Total Population
2023 Census
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Bel Air is $87,636, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,923 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,577 business establishments, including 167 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,636 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,923 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,857 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,577 |
| County GDP | $3,542M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 167 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.0% |
The median home value in Bel Air is $189,700, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $462,255, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $430,000 with homes selling in an average of 11 days. Homes sell for 100.6% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $761 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 761 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $3,083. 21.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,700 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $462,255 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $430,000 |
| Median List Price | $300,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $430,000 |
| Median List Price | $300,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $203 |
| Homes Sold | 13 |
| Days on Market | 11 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.6% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 18 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $761 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,969 |
| Rent Burden | 21.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.1% |
| Housing Units | 761 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.63% |
In Bel Air, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 34.8% have high blood pressure. 20.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 32.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 2.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881. The dentist ratio is 1:1,294. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
5.1
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.5
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
7.1
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.9
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
164.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Bel Air vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.8% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.5% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 2.4% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,881 |
| Dentists | 1:1,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Bel Air has a violent crime rate of 240 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,996 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bel Air receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bel Air vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 239.9/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,995.8/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1,150 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bel Air experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The area receives 28.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 858 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 858 ft (262 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 15,386/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5813°N, 78.8555°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegany County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.22"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 11, 2024.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Sep 11, 2024 |
4 km WNW of Claysville, Pennsylvania |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Jul 27, 1997 |
5 km SSE of Culpeper, Virginia |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
182 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 109 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1989 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1969 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1965 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAITES RUN (5,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
90 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
72 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
76 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
81 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
33 km |
| 2024 |
SERENITY RIDGE FIRE |
877 |
100 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
76 km |
| 2019 |
KENNEDY PEAK |
769 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
GRACE MOUNTAIN |
760 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
75 km |
| 1994 |
ELKHORN TOWER |
696 |
76 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
696 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
618 |
93 km |
| 2001 |
SOUTH BRANCH |
519 |
45 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
30 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Bel Air has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 31°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Bel Air. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$263 ($158-$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210-$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105-$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840-$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79-$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158-$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26-$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53-$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158-$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21-$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420-$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105-$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63-$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53-$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158-$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200-$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420-$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775-$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525-$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250-$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100-$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840-$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210-$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050-$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32-$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79-$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26-$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53-$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15-$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63-$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63-$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15-$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20-$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63-$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84-$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32-$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42-$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42-$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32-$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53-$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79-$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260-$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32-$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32-$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16-$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630-$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525-$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210-$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26-$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420-$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250-$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32-$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53-$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32-$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21-$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158-$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105-$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,030 |
| Toddler | $695 |
| Preschool | $695 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $647 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bel Air
What is the population of Bel Air?
Bel Air has a population of 1,894 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 15,386 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Bel Air expensive to live in?
Bel Air has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $87,636, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,700 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $761 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bel Air safe?
Bel Air is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 240 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,996 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bel Air receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bel Air?
Bel Air has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches, with 28.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bel Air?
The job market in Bel Air is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,577 business establishments in the area, including 167 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 13.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bel Air?
The median home value in Bel Air is $189,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $462,255. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $430,000, with homes typically selling within 11 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $761. Fair market rent is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $1,648 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,083.
How are the schools in Bel Air?
Schools in Bel Air score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.1% of adults in Bel Air hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. 8.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bel Air?
The obesity rate in Bel Air is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.5% of adults are smokers. 32.6% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 2.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881.
What is transportation like in Bel Air?
The average commute in Bel Air is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bel Air?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bel Air is 88.1% White, 3.7% Asian. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 22.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.