Median Income
$60,296
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$163,500
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
190/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$836
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.9%
12% higher than US avg
How Bellefontaine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population14,051
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density1,387/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,296
Per Capita$32,220
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty13.9%
County GDP$2,767M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,500
Rent$836
Ownership59.0%
Zillow$233,148
Housing Units6,649
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent190/100K
Property1,537/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault145/100K
Burglary243/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking20.1%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain42.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,242 ft (379 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+6.6%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute18 min
Broadband88.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Bellefontaine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bellefontaine receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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. Bellefontaine offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bellefontaine is $60,296, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 13.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bellefontaine is $163,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bellefontaine is below the national average at 190 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,537 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bellefontaine experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°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 42.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bellefontaine has a population of 14,051 with a density of 1,387 people per square mile, spread across 10.0 square miles. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.2% female and 48.8% male. The city is predominantly White (87.3%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 4.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.1yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bellefontaine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bellefontaine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bellefontaine is $60,296, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,220 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,106, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,030 business establishments, including 103 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bellefontaine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,296 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,220 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,376 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,030 |
| County GDP | $2,767M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 103 |
| Healthcare | 82 |
| Retail | 150 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,724 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.89% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Bellefontaine is $163,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,148, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $836 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 6,649 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $4,724 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $233,148 |
| Median List Price | $249,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $249,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $147 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 14.6% |
| Inventory | 48 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $836 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,357 |
| Rent Burden | 24.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.0% |
| Housing Units | 6,649 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,724 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.89% |
In Bellefontaine, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 31.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,558. The dentist ratio is 1:2,708. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
7.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
8.5
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
4.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.0
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
155.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Bellefontaine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,558 |
| Dentists | 1:2,708 |
| Mental Health | 1:853 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 55.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 82 |
Bellefontaine has a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 144.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 45.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,537 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,270, burglary at 243, vehicle theft at 23 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Bellefontaine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bellefontaine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 190.2/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 45.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 144.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,536.7/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| Burglary | 243.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,270.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 22.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bellefontaine experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 26°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 42.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,242 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,242 ft (379 m) |
| Area | 10.0 sq mi (26.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,387/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.3628°N, 83.7630°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Logan County County |
| Nearest Airport | James M Cox Dayton International (DAY)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.6"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Feb 19, 1995 |
8 km SSE of Rocky Fork Point, Ohio |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
54 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
50 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
121 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
107 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
82 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
82 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
493 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 93 fatalities, 2,462 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
85 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
97 km |
4 |
| Sep 20, 2000 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
61 km |
13 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
96 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
38 km |
3 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 14, 2014 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
75 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Bellefontaine has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 26°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Bellefontaine. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bellefontaine
What is the population of Bellefontaine?
Bellefontaine has a population of 14,051 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,387 people per square mile, spread across 10.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
Is Bellefontaine expensive to live in?
Bellefontaine is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,296, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,500 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $836 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bellefontaine safe?
Bellefontaine is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,537 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bellefontaine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bellefontaine?
Bellefontaine has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°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 42.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bellefontaine?
The job market in Bellefontaine is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,106. There are 1,030 business establishments in the area, including 103 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bellefontaine?
The median home value in Bellefontaine is $163,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $233,148. For renters, the median monthly rent is $836. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,724.
How are the schools in Bellefontaine?
Schools in Bellefontaine score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.5% of adults in Bellefontaine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bellefontaine?
The obesity rate in Bellefontaine is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 31.0% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,558.
What is transportation like in Bellefontaine?
The average commute in Bellefontaine is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bellefontaine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bellefontaine is 87.3% White, 4.2% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
