Median Income
$70,517
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,600
60% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.4%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$796
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Belle Plaine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,412
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density758/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,517
Per Capita$39,158
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$1,274M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,600
Rent$796
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$149,488
Health
Obesity41.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.0 in/yr
Elevation819 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.4%
High School+94.2%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute25 min
Libraries5
Is Belle Plaine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Belle Plaine receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Belle Plaine stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Belle Plaine is $70,517, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Belle Plaine is $111,600, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $796 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
18.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Belle Plaine experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.0 inches, including 27.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Belle Plaine has a population of 2,412 with a density of 758 people per square mile. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (94.7%).
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Belle Plaine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Belle Plaine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Belle Plaine is $70,517, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Income: Belle Plaine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,517 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,158 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $969 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,587 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 708 |
| County GDP | $1,274M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 100 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,550 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.9 min |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Belle Plaine is $111,600, 60% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $796 (32% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,488.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,600 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $149,488 |
| Median List Price | $270,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $270,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $107 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 12 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $796 |
| 32% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,550 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.08% |
In Belle Plaine, 41.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 21.9% report depression. 23.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Belle Plaine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,417/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Crime Rates: Belle Plaine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Belle Plaine has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 36.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 36.0 inches |
| 5% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 27.9 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 819 ft (250 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 758/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8956°N, 92.2757°W |
| County FIPS | 19095 |