Median Income
$96,831
29% higher than US avg
Home Value
$280,400
1% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
28/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.6%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,336
15% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.2%
94% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.0%
92% lower than US avg
How Belle Plaine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,401
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density1,240/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$96,831
Per Capita$42,581
Unemployment0.2%
Poverty1.0%
County GDP$10,952M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$280,400
Rent$1,336
Ownership83.4%
Zillow$344,285
Housing Units2,698
Rent Burden32.6%
Crime
F
Violent28/100K
Property913/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault28/100K
Burglary41/100K
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking14.0%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain33.3 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation863 ft (263 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.6%
High School+90.1%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score6.86
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute27 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Belle Plaine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Belle Plaine receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. 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 $96,831, 29% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.2%. Only 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Belle Plaine is $280,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,336 per month. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Belle Plaine is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 28 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 913 per 100,000, 53% below the national average.
Education
27.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Belle Plaine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches, including 39.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Belle Plaine has a population of 7,401 with a density of 1,240 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%), with 3.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Belle Plaine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Belle Plaine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Belle Plaine is $96,831, which is 29% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,581. The average weekly wage is $1,195, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,996 business establishments, including 254 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Belle Plaine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $96,831 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,581 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,195 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $110,807 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.2% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.0% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,996 |
| County GDP | $10,952M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 254 |
| Healthcare | 327 |
| Retail | 322 |
| Manufacturing | 172 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,631 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Belle Plaine is $280,400, 1% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $344,285, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,336 (15% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,698 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1998. The average annual property tax is $5,631 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $280,400 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $344,285 |
| Median List Price | $367,400 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $367,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $145 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 11.8% |
| Inventory | 17 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,336 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,698 |
| Median Year Built | 1998 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,631 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.01% |
In Belle Plaine, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,044. The dentist ratio is 1:2,146. 95.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Belle Plaine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 28.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,044 |
| Dentists | 1:2,146 |
| Mental Health | 1:693 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,774/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 95.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 327 |
Belle Plaine has a violent crime rate of 28 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 27.7 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 913 per 100,000, 53% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 816, burglary at 41, vehicle theft at 55 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 12 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 | 27.7/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 27.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 912.6/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| Burglary | 41.5/100K |
| Theft | 815.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 55.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 294 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Belle Plaine has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 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 33.3 inches. The area receives 39.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 863 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 863 ft (263 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,240/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6198°N, 93.7646°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mankato Regional (MKT)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.3"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0475 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
52 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
550 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 1,142 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
18 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
50 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
3 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
96 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
98 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
93 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
62 km |
| 1992 |
UNIT 25 |
1,460 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Belle Plaine has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,689 |
| Toddler | $1,505 |
| Preschool | $1,338 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $888 |
| Toddler | $787 |
| Preschool | $801 |
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 7,401 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,240 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Belle Plaine expensive to live in?
Belle Plaine has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $96,831, 29% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $280,400 (1% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,336 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Belle Plaine safe?
Belle Plaine is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 28 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 913 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.3 inches, with 39.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Belle Plaine?
The job market in Belle Plaine is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,195. There are 3,996 business establishments in the area, including 254 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Belle Plaine?
The median home value in Belle Plaine is $280,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $344,285. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,336. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,631.
How are the schools in Belle Plaine?
Schools in Belle Plaine score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.6% of adults in Belle Plaine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Belle Plaine?
The obesity rate in Belle Plaine is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 95.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,044.
What is transportation like in Belle Plaine?
The average commute in Belle Plaine is 27 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Belle Plaine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Belle Plaine is 91.8% White, 3.6% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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