Median Income
$70,795
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,000
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.9%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$735
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Bellwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population460
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density2,000/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,795
Per Capita$33,183
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$584M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,000
Rent$735
Ownership84.1%
Zillow$259,056
Housing Units224
Rent Burden20.0%
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking15.0%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain30.4 in/yr
Elevation1,446 ft (441 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.9%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute25 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations8
Libraries4
Is Bellwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bellwood receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Bellwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bellwood is $70,795, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.9% 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 Bellwood is $116,000, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $735 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
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bellwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.4 inches, including 31.8 inches of snow.
Bellwood has a population of 460 with a density of 2,000 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.1% female and 55.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
460
Total Population
2023 Census
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
The median household income in Bellwood is $70,795, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,183 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,045, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 276 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,795 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,183 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,045 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,729 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 276 |
| County GDP | $584M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,240 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Bellwood is $116,000, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,056, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $735 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 224 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,240. 20.0% 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 | $116,000 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,056 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $735 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.9% |
| Housing Units | 224 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,240 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.79% |
In Bellwood, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,407. The dentist ratio is 1:4,213. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bellwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,407 |
| Dentists | 1:4,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:8,459 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,602/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Bellwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.4 inches. The area receives 31.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,446 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.2°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,446 ft (441 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,000/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3419°N, 97.2399°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Butler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.4"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.88"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
51 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
117 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
696 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 405 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
59 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Bellwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Bellwood. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bellwood
What is the population of Bellwood?
Bellwood has a population of 460 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,000 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.1% female and 55.9% male.
Is Bellwood expensive to live in?
Bellwood is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,795, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,000 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $735 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.
What is the weather like in Bellwood?
Bellwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 30.4 inches, with 31.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bellwood?
The unemployment rate in Bellwood is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,045. There are 276 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bellwood?
The median home value in Bellwood is $116,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,056. For renters, the median monthly rent is $735. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,240.
How are the schools in Bellwood?
Schools in Bellwood score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.9% of adults in Bellwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bellwood?
The obesity rate in Bellwood is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,407.
What is transportation like in Bellwood?
The average commute in Bellwood is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 96.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bellwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bellwood is 96.1% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.