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Bel-Ridge, MO

Missouri

Bel-Ridge is a small town in Missouri with a population of 2,714. Residents earn $39,878 per year, which is 47% below the national average.

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
2,714 Population 3,525/sq mi density
$39,878 Median Income $19,050 per capita
$88,900 Home Value $74,330 Zillow
$945 Median Rent 37.9% income on rent
58°F Avg Temperature 293 sunny days/yr
1,542 Violent Crime/100K 4,222 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$39,878 median income, 9.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$88,900 home value, $945/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,542 violent crimes/100K (306% above avg)
D
Education
1.8 / 5.0
9.7% bachelor's degree or higher
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

2,714
Total Population
3,525
People / sq mi
31.6yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
0.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 47.6%
Female 52.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Bel-Ridge vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish3.9%
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.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$39,878
47% below US avg
Per Capita Income$19,050

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment9.0%
150% above US avg
Poverty Rate9.9%
20% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.2 min
Drive Alone77.9%
Public Transit10.2%
Work from Home4.6%

Walkability

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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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 Sold2
Sale-to-List Ratio96.2%
Price Drops0.0%
Inventory2

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$945
19% below US avg
Rent Burden37.9%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied49.7%
Housing Units1,183
Median Year Built1957

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

Obesity45.7%
42% above US avg
Diabetes18.1%
Heart Disease7.3%
High Blood Pressure46.7%
Asthma13.7%
COPD10.1%
Cancer4.9%
Stroke5.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking25.3%
81% above US avg
Binge Drinking12.6%
Physical Inactivity42.6%
Depression23.1%
Mental Distress22.7%
Physical Distress18.0%
Short Sleep45.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate83.8%
Uninsured14.3%
66% above US avg
Checkup Rate79.8%
Dental Visits43.3%

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 Violent1,541.9/100K
306% above US avg
Murder36.7/100K
483% above US avg
Rape146.8/100K
Robbery257.0/100K
Assault1,101.3/100K

Property Crime

Total Property4,221.7/100K
115% above US avg
Burglary1,872.3/100K
Theft2,092.5/100K
Vehicle Theft257.0/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 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 Average58.2°F
8% above US avg
January Average38°F (3°C)
July Average78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days293 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall45.6 inches
20% above US avg
Snowfall7.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation614 ft (187 m)
Area0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²)
Population Density3,525/sq mi
Coordinates38.7095°N, 90.3254°W
TimezoneAmerica/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").

9.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 71% below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 86.2% of households have broadband internet access. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, while 10.2% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+9.7%
71% below US avg
High School+84.9%
Graduate Degree+5.1%
School Test Score5.51
D Education Grade (1.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density3,525/sq mi
Total Area0.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access86.2%

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.2 min
Drive Alone77.9%
Public Transit10.2%
Work from Home4.6%

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.

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