Bell City, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $31,058

59% lower than US avg

Home Value $50,000

82% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 12.1%

64% lower than US avg

Median Rent $367

68% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 37.8%

18% higher than US avg

Unemployment 17.3%

381% higher than US avg

Poverty Rate 40.8%

229% higher than US avg

How Bell City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population554

Median Age37.2 yrs

Density1,007/mi²

Male / Female51% / 49%

Largest GroupWhite 87%

Veterans6.7%

Economy

Median Income$31,058

Per Capita$18,944

Unemployment17.3%

Poverty40.8%

Commute24 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$50,000

Rent$367

OwnershipN/A

Housing Units238

Rent Burden27.5%

Health

Obesity37.8%

Uninsured11.1%

Smoking22.4%

Depression28.0%

Heart Disease6.7%

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain47.6 in/yr

Sunny Days250/yr

Elevation331 ft (101 m)

Education

Bachelor's+12.1%

High School+78.6%

Graduate+4.2%

School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%

Commute24 min

Broadband89.9%

Is Bell City a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Bell City receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bell City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Bell City is $31,058, 59% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 40.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Bell City is $50,000, 82% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $367 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

12.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Bell City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 250 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 47.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Bell City has a population of 554 with a density of 1,007 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (86.6%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.9% have health insurance coverage.

Population

554

Total Population

1,007

People / sq mi

37.2yrs

Median Age

4% below US avg

0.6mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.4%

Female 48.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Bell City vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	100.0%
	27% above US avg
Spanish	0.0%
	100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Bell City vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Bell City is $31,058, which is 59% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,944 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 17.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 40.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 24 minutes. 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Bell City vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$31,058
	59% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$18,944

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	17.3%
	381% above US avg
Poverty Rate	40.8%
	229% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living


Cost of Living	90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	24.1 min
Drive Alone	73.3%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	2.8%

Walkability

The median home value in Bell City is $50,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $367 (68% 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 238 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$50,000
	82% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$367
	68% below US avg
Rent Burden	27.5%

HUD Fair Market Rent

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

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	56.2%
Housing Units	238
Median Year Built	1980

Property Tax

In Bell City, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 22.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 33.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Bell City vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	37.8%
	18% above US avg
Diabetes	11.6%
Heart Disease	6.7%
High Blood Pressure	34.6%
Asthma	11.5%
COPD	9.6%
Cancer	7.3%
Stroke	3.7%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	22.4%
	60% above US avg
Binge Drinking	17.0%
Physical Inactivity	33.0%
Depression	28.0%
Mental Distress	21.2%
Physical Distress	16.4%
Short Sleep	41.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	81.9%
Uninsured	11.1%
	29% above US avg
Checkup Rate	74.0%
Dental Visits	52.6%

Food & Exercise

Bell City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 250 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 47.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 331 feet.

Temperature

32°F Jan (-0°C) 79°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	57.1°F
	6% above US avg
January Average	32°F (-0°C)
July Average	79°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	250 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	47.6 inches
	25% above US avg
Snowfall	3.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	331 ft (101 m)
Area	0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²)
Population Density	1,007/sq mi
Coordinates	37.0237°N, 89.8198°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	32°F (-0°C)	3.1 in	Coldest, Driest
February	37°F (3°C)	3.4 in
March	47°F (8°C)	5.0 in	Wettest
April	57°F (14°C)	4.6 in
May	66°F (19°C)	5.0 in
June	75°F (24°C)	3.7 in
July	79°F (26°C)	3.7 in	Warmest
August	77°F (25°C)	3.5 in
September	71°F (22°C)	3.7 in
October	59°F (15°C)	3.1 in
November	47°F (9°C)	4.4 in
December	38°F (3°C)	4.4 in

Bell City has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F — from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.6 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (3.1").

12.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 64% below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. 4.2% 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. 89.9% of households have broadband internet access. 73.3% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	12.1%
	64% below US avg
High School+	78.6%
Graduate Degree+	4.2%
School Test Score	5.51

D Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	1,007/sq mi
Total Area	0.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	89.9%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	24.1 min
Drive Alone	73.3%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	2.8%

Frequently Asked Questions About Bell City

What is the population of Bell City?

Bell City has a population of 554 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,007 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.

Is Bell City expensive to live in?

Bell City 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 $31,058, 59% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $50,000 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $367 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Bell City?

Bell City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 250 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 47.6 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Bell City?

The job market in Bell City faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.3% — significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Bell City?

The median home value in Bell City is $50,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $367. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Bell City?

Schools in Bell City score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.1% of adults in Bell City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. 4.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Bell City?

The obesity rate in Bell City is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.4% of adults are smokers. 33.0% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Bell City?

The average commute in Bell City is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.

What are the demographics of Bell City?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bell City is 86.6% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 81.9% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Advance, MO 1,549 pop · 7.5 mi Oran, MO 1,137 pop · 10.0 mi Bloomfield, MO 2,011 pop · 11.3 mi Chaffee, MO 3,039 pop · 14.1 mi Sikeston, MO 16,231 pop · 16.3 mi Dexter, MO 7,906 pop · 17.5 mi Scott City, MO 4,354 pop · 21.0 mi Marble Hill, MO 1,781 pop · 21.2 mi Cape Girardeau, MO 40,047 pop · 25.6 mi Bernie, MO 1,772 pop · 25.9 mi Jackson, MO 15,532 pop · 26.2 mi Charleston, MO 4,565 pop · 26.9 mi East Prairie, MO 2,930 pop · 29.3 mi Lilbourn, MO 1,021 pop · 31.9 mi

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