Median Income
$70,517
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,600
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
199/100K
48% 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%
Veterans7.5%
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
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$149,488
Housing Units1,177
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
F
Violent199/100K
Property239/100K
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.9%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation819 ft (250 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.4%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute25 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Belle Plaine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Belle Plaine receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 high obesity rates. Belle Plaine offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Belle Plaine is below the national average at 199 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 239 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
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 6/10.
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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.4% female and 56.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $39,158. The average weekly wage is $969, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 708 business establishments, including 40 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Belle Plaine is $111,600, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,488, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $796 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,177 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $4,550 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.4% 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 | $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 |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,177 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.1% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,657. The dentist ratio is 1:2,746. 67.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,657 |
| Dentists | 1:2,746 |
| Mental Health | 1:910 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,417/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Belle Plaine has a violent crime rate of 199 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 239 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Belle Plaine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Belle Plaine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 199.1/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 239.0/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Belle Plaine experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 36.0 inches. The area receives 27.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 819 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 819 ft (250 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 758/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8956°N, 92.2757°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iowa County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.0"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
657 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 28 fatalities, 635 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
88 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
91 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
4 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
6 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
16 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
5 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Belle Plaine has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Belle Plaine. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $598 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $456 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Belle Plaine
What is the population of Belle Plaine?
Belle Plaine has a population of 2,412 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 758 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.4% female and 56.6% male.
Is Belle Plaine expensive to live in?
Belle Plaine is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,517, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,600 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $796 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 Belle Plaine safe?
Belle Plaine is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 199 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 239 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Belle Plaine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Belle Plaine?
Belle Plaine has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.0 inches, with 27.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Belle Plaine?
The job market in Belle Plaine is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $969. There are 708 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Belle Plaine?
The median home value in Belle Plaine is $111,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,488. For renters, the median monthly rent is $796. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,550.
How are the schools in Belle Plaine?
Schools in Belle Plaine score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.4% of adults in Belle Plaine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Belle Plaine?
The obesity rate in Belle Plaine is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,657.
What is transportation like in Belle Plaine?
The average commute in Belle Plaine is 25 minutes. 86.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Belle Plaine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Belle Plaine is 94.7% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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