Median Income
$73,393
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,000
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
171/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.8%
29% lower than US avg
How Belden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population114
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density760/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,393
Per Capita$40,141
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty8.8%
County GDP$562M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,000
Ownership86.8%
Zillow$161,048
Housing Units53
Rent Burden20.1%
Crime
F
Violent171/100K
Property2,456/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking13.4%
Depression18.1%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.5 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,580 ft (482 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+98.5%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 14%
Commute29 min
Broadband53.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Belden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Belden receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Belden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Belden is $73,393, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 8.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Belden is $90,000, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Belden is below the national average at 171 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Belden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.5 inches, including 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Belden has a population of 114 with a density of 760 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Belden is $73,393, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,141. The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 342 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,393 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,141 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,007 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.8% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 342 |
| County GDP | $562M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,860 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Belden is $90,000, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,048, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 53 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,860 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,000 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $161,048 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.2% |
| Housing Units | 53 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,860 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.18% |
In Belden, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 18.1% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,330. The dentist ratio is 1:2,790. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Belden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 18.1% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:8,330 |
| Dentists | 1:2,790 |
| Mental Health | 1:8,262 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,345/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Belden has a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,456 per 100,000, 25% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Belden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Belden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 170.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,456.5/100K |
| 25% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Belden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 27.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,580 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,580 ft (482 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 760/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4117°N, 97.2074°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cedar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Norfolk Regional/Karl Stefan Memorial Field (OFK)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.5"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
144 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
30 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
69 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
88 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
69 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
65 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
602 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 284 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
14 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
87 km |
6 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Belden has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Belden. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Belden
What is the population of Belden?
Belden has a population of 114 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 760 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Belden expensive to live in?
Belden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,393, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,000 (68% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Belden safe?
Belden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 171 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,456 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Belden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Belden?
Belden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.5 inches, with 32.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Belden?
The job market in Belden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $857. There are 342 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Belden?
The median home value in Belden is $90,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,048. The homeownership rate is 86.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,860.
How are the schools in Belden?
Schools in Belden score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Belden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Belden?
The obesity rate in Belden is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 18.1% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:8,330.
What is transportation like in Belden?
The average commute in Belden is 29 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Belden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Belden is 93% White. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 86.4% have health insurance coverage.
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