Bel Aire, KS
Population 8,654 · Kansas
About Bel Aire, KS
Bel Aire is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 8,654 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $93,182 per year, which is 24% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bel Aire features a median home value of $213,500, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bel Aire in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,454, 25% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,076 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (2,356 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (720 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bel Aire shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bel Aire have an average one-way commute time of 20.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.8% of Bel Aire residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 12.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bel Aire Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Bel Aire, KS
Compared to national averages, Bel Aire has a median household income of $93,182 (24% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $213,500, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,454 is 25% above the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Bel Aire's income is 46% above the state average of $63,989, and home values are 87% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Bel Aire, KS?
Bel Aire offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $93,182, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $213,500, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 47.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 20.5 minutes.
Bel Aire has a population of 8,654 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Bel Aire with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Bel Aire
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chanute | 8,629 | $47,885 | $77,900 | Compare |
| Spring Hill | 8,691 | $108,007 | $323,300 | Compare |
| Fort Riley | 8,595 | $52,823 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Coffeyville | 8,752 | $41,901 | $55,600 | Compare |
| Independence | 8,469 | $49,164 | $78,500 | Compare |
| Valley Center | 8,937 | $73,480 | $214,300 | Compare |
| Augusta | 9,252 | $60,581 | $162,200 | Compare |
| Parsons | 9,482 | $50,838 | $70,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bel Aire With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bel Aire
What is the population of Bel Aire, KS?
The population of Bel Aire, KS is 8,654 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Bel Aire?
The median household income in Bel Aire, KS is $93,182 per year, which is 24% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bel Aire?
The median home value in Bel Aire, KS is $213,500, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bel Aire?
The median monthly rent in Bel Aire, KS is $1,454, which is 25% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bel Aire?
The unemployment rate in Bel Aire, KS is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bel Aire, KS a good place to live?
Bel Aire offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,654 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bel Aire, KS?
47.8% of residents in Bel Aire aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bel Aire?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bel Aire, KS: median home value is $213,500 (13% below national), median rent is $1,454/month, and median household income is $93,182. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bel Aire?
The poverty rate in Bel Aire, KS is 14.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bel Aire, KS?
Bel Aire's population is 12.1% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 9.1% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.