Median Income
$39,878
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,900
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,542/100K
306% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.7%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$945
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.7%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.0%
150% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
20% lower than US avg
How Bel-Ridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,714
Median Age31.6 yrs
Density3,525/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 13%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$39,878
Per Capita$19,050
Unemployment9.0%
Poverty9.9%
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,900
Rent$945
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$74,330
Housing Units1,183
Rent Burden37.9%
Crime
F
Violent1,542/100K
Property4,222/100K
Murder36.7/100K
Assault1,101/100K
Burglary1,872/100K
Health
Obesity45.7%
Uninsured14.3%
Smoking25.3%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.6 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation614 ft (187 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.7%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband86.2%
Is Bel-Ridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bel-Ridge receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Bel-Ridge has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bel-Ridge is $39,878, 47% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.0%, unemployment is notably high. 9.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bel-Ridge is $88,900, 68% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $945 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
With 1,542 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,222 per 100,000, 115% above the national average.
Education
9.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Bel-Ridge enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches, including 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bel-Ridge has a population of 2,714 with a density of 3,525 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 31.6 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.4% female and 47.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (70.3%), with 12.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 83.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.6yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bel-Ridge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 96.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.9% |
| 71% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Bel-Ridge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bel-Ridge is $39,878, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,050 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 9.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bel-Ridge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,878 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,050 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.0% |
| 150% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 10.2% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Bel-Ridge is $88,900, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $74,330, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $945 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 1,183 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. 37.9% 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 | $88,900 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $74,330 |
| Median List Price | $125,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $125,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $85 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $945 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 49.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,183 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
In Bel-Ridge, 45.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 46.7% have high blood pressure. 25.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.6% report binge drinking. 42.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 14.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Bel-Ridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.7% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 46.7% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 4.9% |
| Stroke | 5.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.3% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 42.6% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Short Sleep | 45.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.8% |
| Uninsured | 14.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 79.8% |
| Dental Visits | 43.3% |
Food & Exercise
Bel-Ridge has a violent crime rate of 1,542 per 100,000 residents, 306% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 1,101.3 per 100,000, robbery at 257.0, rape at 146.8. The murder rate is 36.7 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,222 per 100,000, 115% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,093, burglary at 1,872, vehicle theft at 257 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Bel-Ridge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bel-Ridge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,541.9/100K |
| 306% above US avg |
| Murder | 36.7/100K |
| 483% above US avg |
| Rape | 146.8/100K |
| Robbery | 257.0/100K |
| Assault | 1,101.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,221.7/100K |
| 115% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,872.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,092.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 257.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bel-Ridge enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches. The area receives 7.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 614 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.2°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 45.6 inches |
| 20% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 7.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 614 ft (187 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,525/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7095°N, 90.3254°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
Bel-Ridge has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F — from 34°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (2.0").
Frequently Asked Questions About Bel-Ridge
What is the population of Bel-Ridge?
Bel-Ridge has a population of 2,714 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 3,525 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
Is Bel-Ridge expensive to live in?
Bel-Ridge is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $39,878, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,900 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $945 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-Ridge safe?
Public safety is a concern in Bel-Ridge, with a violent crime rate of 1,542 per 100,000 — significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,222 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bel-Ridge receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bel-Ridge?
Bel-Ridge enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.6 inches, with 7.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bel-Ridge?
The job market in Bel-Ridge faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.0% — significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bel-Ridge?
The median home value in Bel-Ridge is $88,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $74,330. For renters, the median monthly rent is $945. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How are the schools in Bel-Ridge?
Schools in Bel-Ridge score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.7% of adults in Bel-Ridge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bel-Ridge?
The obesity rate in Bel-Ridge is 45.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.3% of adults are smokers. 42.6% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 14.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Bel-Ridge?
The average commute in Bel-Ridge is 26 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, 10.2% use public transit, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bel-Ridge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bel-Ridge is 12.6% White, 70.3% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 83.8% have health insurance coverage.