Belle Plaine, IA
Population 2,412 · Iowa
About Belle Plaine, IA
Belle Plaine is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,412 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,517 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Belle Plaine features a median home value of $111,600, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Belle Plaine one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $796, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,193 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (784 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (232 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Belle Plaine shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Belle Plaine have an average one-way commute time of 24.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.4% of Belle Plaine residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Belle Plaine, IA
Compared to national averages, Belle Plaine has a median household income of $70,517 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,600, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $796 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Belle Plaine's income is 4% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 16% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Belle Plaine, IA?
Belle Plaine offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $796/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,517) that falls below the national average. However, Belle Plaine’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Belle Plaine has a population of 2,412 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Belle Plaine with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Belle Plaine
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New London | 2,402 | $65,815 | $118,900 | Compare |
| West Union | 2,393 | $50,909 | $133,200 | Compare |
| Rockwell City | 2,449 | $61,563 | $91,300 | Compare |
| Atkins | 2,347 | $115,625 | $302,600 | Compare |
| Alta | 2,344 | $66,118 | $125,800 | Compare |
| West Branch | 2,526 | $87,891 | $226,700 | Compare |
| Mitchellville | 2,557 | $78,816 | $190,200 | Compare |
| Cascade | 2,565 | $69,861 | $196,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Belle Plaine With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Belle Plaine
What is the population of Belle Plaine, IA?
The population of Belle Plaine, IA is 2,412 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Belle Plaine?
The median household income in Belle Plaine, IA is $70,517 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Belle Plaine?
The median home value in Belle Plaine, IA is $111,600, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Belle Plaine?
The median monthly rent in Belle Plaine, IA is $796, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Belle Plaine?
The unemployment rate in Belle Plaine, IA is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Belle Plaine, IA a good place to live?
Belle Plaine offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,412 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Belle Plaine, IA?
18.4% of residents in Belle Plaine aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Belle Plaine?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Belle Plaine, IA: median home value is $111,600 (54% below national), median rent is $796/month, and median household income is $70,517. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Belle Plaine?
The poverty rate in Belle Plaine, IA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Belle Plaine, IA?
Belle Plaine's population is 3.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.