Median Income
$59,375
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$194,400
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.5%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
19.7%
447% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.4%
32% higher than US avg
How Bellechester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population234
Median Age29.1 yrs
Density731/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$59,375
Per Capita$27,901
Unemployment19.7%
Poverty16.4%
County GDP$3,916M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$194,400
Rent$913
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$366,958
Housing Units98
Rent Burden30.6%
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking13.4%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.2 in/yr
Elevation1,107 ft (337 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.5%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+0.8%
School Score6.33
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Commute26 min
Broadband90.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Bellechester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bellechester receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bellechester has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bellechester is $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. At 19.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 16.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bellechester is $194,400, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
6.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bellechester has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.2 inches, including 43.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bellechester has a population of 234 with a density of 731 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 29.1 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (81.6%), with 13.2% Hispanic, 2.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.2% of residents, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
234
Total Population
2023 Census
29.1yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bellechester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.2%
12% above US avg
Spanish
10.4%
22% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bellechester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bellechester is $59,375, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,901 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,164, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,388 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bellechester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,375 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,901 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,164 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,551 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.7% |
| 447% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,388 |
| County GDP | $3,916M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 158 |
| Retail | 173 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,437 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Bellechester is $194,400, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $366,958, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $244,900 with homes selling in an average of 33 days. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 98 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,437 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $194,400 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $366,958 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $244,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $244,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $256 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 33 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 98 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,437 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.28% |
In Bellechester, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.6% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,230. The dentist ratio is 1:2,001. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bellechester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.6% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,230 |
| Dentists | 1:2,001 |
| Mental Health | 1:739 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,296/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 158 |
Bellechester has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.2 inches. The area receives 43.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 94% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,107 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,107 ft (337 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 731/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3710°N, 92.5113°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Goodhue County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.2"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 93.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
485 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 56 fatalities, 883 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
61 km |
21 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
6 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1951 |
EF3 |
100 km |
5 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
48 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
76 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
69 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
96 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Bellechester has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Bellechester. 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 | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bellechester
What is the population of Bellechester?
Bellechester has a population of 234 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 731 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Bellechester expensive to live in?
Bellechester 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 $59,375, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $194,400 (31% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bellechester?
Bellechester has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.2 inches, with 43.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bellechester?
The job market in Bellechester faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,164. There are 1,388 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bellechester?
The median home value in Bellechester is $194,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $366,958. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $244,900, with homes typically selling within 33 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,437.
How are the schools in Bellechester?
Schools in Bellechester score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.5% of adults in Bellechester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bellechester?
The obesity rate in Bellechester is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 84.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,230.
What is transportation like in Bellechester?
The average commute in Bellechester is 26 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bellechester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bellechester is 81.6% White, 13.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Asian. 88.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.