Median Income
$68,929
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,300
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
248/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,000
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Bell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population507
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density309/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,929
Per Capita$30,835
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$576M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,300
Rent$1,000
Ownership71.7%
Zillow$287,863
Housing Units195
Rent Burden16.1%
Crime
F
Violent248/100K
Property1,785/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured20.1%
Smoking17.9%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain54.4 in/yr
Sunny Days314/yr
Elevation66 ft (20 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+83.9%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 16%
Commute26 min
Broadband63.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Bell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bell receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 a high uninsured rate. Bell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bell is $68,929, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.5% 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 Bell is $163,300, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bell is below the national average at 248 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,785 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bell enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 314 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bell has a population of 507 with a density of 309 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly White (77.3%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.2% of residents, while 12.8% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.2%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.8%
4% below US avg
The median household income in Bell is $68,929, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,835 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $901, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 394 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,929 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,835 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $901 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,014 |
| Gini Index | 0.489 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 394 |
| County GDP | $576M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,311 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Bell is $163,300, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,863, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,000 (14% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 195 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $4,311 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,300 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $287,863 |
| Median List Price | $245,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $245,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $168 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.2% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.3% |
| Housing Units | 195 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,311 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.64% |
In Bell, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 29.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.6% report depression. 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 20.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,295. The dentist ratio is 1:3,798. 48.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.1% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.1% |
| Uninsured | 20.1% |
| 134% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,295 |
| Dentists | 1:3,798 |
| Mental Health | 1:753 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 50.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,657/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Bell has a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,785 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 247.9/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,784.8/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 105 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 314 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 54.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 66 feet.
Temperature
53°F Jan (11°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 67.7°F |
| 25% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 314 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 66 ft (20 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 309/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.7568°N, 82.8620°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Gilchrist County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gainesville Regional (GNV)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.4"
43% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
8.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
82 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 3 |
230 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
54 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 3 |
284 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
239 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
185 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
209 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
125 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
213 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
290 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
177 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
216 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
208 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
140 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
188 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
242 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 1 |
287 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
295 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 113 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
94 km |
4 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
52 km |
1 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1998 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
29 km |
3 |
| Nov 5, 1988 |
EF2 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 1986 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1983 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1982 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1978 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FRIENDLY (75,089 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
26 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
87 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
78 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
73 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,543 |
79 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,873 |
72 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
13,806 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
IMPASSABLE BAY |
11,889 |
82 km |
| 2020 |
CPT 3 ALBERT/CPT 119 HANCOCK |
10,724 |
88 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,334 |
66 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
7,078 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,941 |
88 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
6,926 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
BENTON |
6,719 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,572 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
SANTE FE |
6,497 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
56°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
8.5 in |
|
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
8.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| October |
71°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
63°F (17°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
56°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Bell has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 53°F in January to 81°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 56.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (8.9") and October the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Bell. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bell
What is the population of Bell?
Bell has a population of 507 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 309 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
Is Bell expensive to live in?
Bell has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $68,929, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,300 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bell safe?
Bell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,785 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bell?
Bell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 314 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bell?
The job market in Bell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $901. There are 394 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bell?
The median home value in Bell is $163,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $287,863. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,000. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,311.
How are the schools in Bell?
Schools in Bell score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.9% of adults in Bell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bell?
The obesity rate in Bell is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 29.1% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 20.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 48.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,295.
What is transportation like in Bell?
The average commute in Bell is 26 minutes. 68.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bell is 77.3% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 87.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.8% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability. 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
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