Median Income
$31,058
59% lower than US avg
Home Value
$50,000
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% 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
F
Median Income$31,058
Per Capita$18,944
Unemployment17.3%
Poverty40.8%
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$50,000
Rent$367
Ownership56.2%
Zillow$142,547
Housing Units238
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,194/100K
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
D
Bachelor's+12.1%
High School+78.6%
Graduate+4.2%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations3
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 low crime rates, 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.
Safety & Crime
Bell City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,194 per 100,000, 39% below the national average.
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
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
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.
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 |
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% |
The median home value in Bell City is $50,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,547, higher than the Census estimate. 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. 56.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 Values
| Census Median | $50,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,547 |
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
| Homeownership | 56.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.8% |
| 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 has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,194 per 100,000, 39% below the U.S. average. Overall, Bell City receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Bell City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,194.0/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
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 |
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 |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.6"
25% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.00"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
401 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
23 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
50 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
135 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
68 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
120 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
102 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
75 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
119 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
129 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
39 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
96 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
49 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
104 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
96 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
86 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 100 fatalities, 1,211 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
86 km |
57 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
75 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
71 km |
1 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
81 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
84 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
36 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 2002 |
EF3 |
31 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
70 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
MCKENZIE HILL |
2,722 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
60 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
BRAWLEY HOLLOW |
1,575 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,552 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
66 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,483 |
99 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
47 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
52 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
69 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
94 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,147 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
Average costs for common services in Bell City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
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.
Is Bell City safe?
Bell City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,194 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bell City receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
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. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,547. For renters, the median monthly rent is $367. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.2%.
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.
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