Median Income
$55,341
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$141,100
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
456/100K
20% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.7%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$511
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Belle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,476
Median Age34.0 yrs
Density1,101/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,341
Per Capita$28,014
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty9.1%
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,100
Rent$511
Ownership55.4%
Zillow$206,256
Housing Units641
Rent Burden19.1%
Crime
F
Violent456/100K
Property782/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault456/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured12.0%
Smoking23.1%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.9 in/yr
Sunny Days262/yr
Elevation1,033 ft (315 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.7%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute27 min
Broadband82.6%
EV Stations5
Is Belle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Belle receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Belle offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Belle is $55,341, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. 9.1% 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 Belle is $141,100, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $511 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 456 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 782 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
14.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Belle experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 262 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.9 inches, including 6.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Belle has a population of 1,476 with a density of 1,101 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 34.0 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 23.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.0yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Belle is $55,341, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,014 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 27 minutes. 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,341 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,014 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Belle is $141,100, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,256, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $511 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 641 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. 19.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $141,100 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,256 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $511 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.6% |
| Housing Units | 641 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
In Belle, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 23.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 35.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 12.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Belle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 10.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.1% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.3% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.2% |
| Short Sleep | 43.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 54.0% |
Food & Exercise
Belle has a violent crime rate of 456 per 100,000 residents, 20% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 456.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 782 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 587, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 196 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Belle receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Belle vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 456.3/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 456.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 782.3/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 586.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 195.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Belle experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 262 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 40.9 inches. The area receives 6.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,033 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.8°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 262 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,033 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,101/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.2857°N, 91.7225°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN) 44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.9"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
26 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
75 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
100 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
108 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
42 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
110 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Jul 15, 1990 |
7 km SW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.7 |
89 km |
| Nov 12, 1996 |
15 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M2.7 |
120 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
109 km |
| Feb 14, 2019 |
11 km WSW of Mountain View, Missouri |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Nov 25, 2013 |
8 km NE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
113 km |
| Sep 20, 1997 |
6 km NE of Ellington, Missouri |
M2.6 |
132 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
73 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
58 km |
| Jun 6, 2017 |
8 km ENE of Bonne Terre, Missouri |
M2.6 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
385 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 27 fatalities, 357 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
85 km |
3 |
| Feb 24, 1956 |
EF4 |
72 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Dec 8, 1966 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MINNINGHAW (4,792 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
98 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
56 km |
| 2022 |
SMITH MILL HOLLOW |
3,978 |
73 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
COUNCIL BLUFF |
3,035 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
LITTLE CREEK |
3,004 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
HODGE HOLLOW |
2,922 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
COUNCIL BLUFF WEST RX |
2,846 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,831 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,751 |
87 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,688 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
COUNCIL BLUFF LAKE |
2,651 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
MINNINGHAW |
2,516 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,409 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
KAINTUCK SOUTH RX |
2,387 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Belle has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Belle. 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 Belle
What is the population of Belle?
Belle has a population of 1,476 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,101 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Belle expensive to live in?
Belle 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 $55,341, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,100 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $511 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Belle safe?
The violent crime rate in Belle is 456 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 782 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Belle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Belle?
Belle has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 262 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.9 inches, with 6.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Belle?
The job market in Belle is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Belle?
The median home value in Belle is $141,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,256. For renters, the median monthly rent is $511. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.4%.
How are the schools in Belle?
Schools in Belle score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.7% of adults in Belle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Belle?
The obesity rate in Belle is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.1% of adults are smokers. 35.3% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 12.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Belle?
The average commute in Belle is 27 minutes. 85.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Belle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Belle is 93.9% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 23.1% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.