Median Income
$55,895
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,700
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
351/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$693
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.9%
92% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How Belding Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,949
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density1,260/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$55,895
Per Capita$25,270
Unemployment6.9%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$2,158M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,700
Rent$693
Ownership67.7%
Zillow$275,104
Housing Units2,254
Rent Burden30.7%
Crime
F
Violent351/100K
Property619/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking18.9%
Depression29.8%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain36.6 in/yr
Elevation773 ft (236 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+88.9%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score4.68
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute27 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Belding a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Belding receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Belding has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Belding is $55,895, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Belding is $152,700, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $693 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Belding is below the national average at 351 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 619 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Belding experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.6 inches, including 72.9 inches of snow.
Belding has a population of 5,949 with a density of 1,260 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 7% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,949
Total Population
2023 Census
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Belding is $55,895, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,270 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $909, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,086 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,895 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,270 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $909 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,319 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,086 |
| County GDP | $2,158M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 122 |
| Retail | 201 |
| Manufacturing | 74 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,619 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Belding is $152,700, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,104, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $249,500 with homes selling in an average of 32 days. Homes sell for 97.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $693 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,254 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $4,619 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,700 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,104 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $249,500 |
| Median List Price | $212,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $249,500 |
| Median List Price | $212,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $162 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 32 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.3% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $693 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.3% |
| Housing Units | 2,254 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,619 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.02% |
In Belding, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 29.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,201. The dentist ratio is 1:2,175. 50.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Belding vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 29.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,201 |
| Dentists | 1:2,175 |
| Mental Health | 1:334 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 122 |
Belding has a violent crime rate of 351 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 619 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Belding receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Belding vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 351.1/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 618.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Belding experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.6 inches. The area receives 72.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 773 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 773 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,260/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0965°N, 85.2330°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Montcalm County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.6"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.05"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
97 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
61 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
107 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
329 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 804 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
95 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
5 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
90 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
93 km |
2 |
| Aug 21, 2003 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
88 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
88 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Belding has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 22°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Belding. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $542 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $700 |
| Toddler | $717 |
| Preschool | $717 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Belding
What is the population of Belding?
Belding has a population of 5,949 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,260 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Belding expensive to live in?
Belding has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $55,895, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,700 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $693 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Belding safe?
Belding is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 351 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 619 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Belding receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Belding?
Belding has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 36.6 inches, with 72.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Belding?
The unemployment rate in Belding is 6.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $909. There are 1,086 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Belding?
The median home value in Belding is $152,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,104. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $249,500, with homes typically selling within 32 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $693. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,619.
How are the schools in Belding?
Schools in Belding have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 15.0% of adults in Belding hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Belding?
The obesity rate in Belding is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 29.8% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 50.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,201.
What is transportation like in Belding?
The average commute in Belding is 27 minutes. 87.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Belding?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Belding is 91.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.