Belle Plaine, KS
Population 1,486 · Kansas
About Belle Plaine, KS
Belle Plaine is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 1,486 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,727 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Belle Plaine features a median home value of $121,500, which is 50% 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 $754, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 726 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (380 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (262 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Belle Plaine 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 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Belle Plaine have an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.3% 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 2.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Belle Plaine, KS
Compared to national averages, Belle Plaine has a median household income of $62,727 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,500, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $754 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Belle Plaine's income is 2% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 7% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Belle Plaine, KS?
Belle Plaine offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $754/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,727) 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 1,486 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare Belle Plaine with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Belle Plaine
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osborne | 1,496 | $48,333 | $82,100 | Compare |
| Wathena | 1,463 | $84,531 | $154,800 | Compare |
| Leoti | 1,461 | $64,732 | $83,500 | Compare |
| Medicine Lodge | 1,518 | $54,663 | $80,200 | Compare |
| Stockton | 1,521 | $60,964 | $85,300 | Compare |
| Caney | 1,450 | $39,417 | $70,600 | Compare |
| Douglass | 1,523 | $70,735 | $115,300 | Compare |
| Hill City | 1,536 | $49,899 | $89,300 | 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 Belle Plaine With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Belle Plaine
What is the population of Belle Plaine, KS?
The population of Belle Plaine, KS is 1,486 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 Belle Plaine?
The median household income in Belle Plaine, KS is $62,727 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Belle Plaine?
The median home value in Belle Plaine, KS is $121,500, which is 50% 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, KS is $754, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Belle Plaine?
The unemployment rate in Belle Plaine, 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 Belle Plaine, KS a good place to live?
Belle Plaine offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,486 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Belle Plaine, KS?
23.3% 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, KS: median home value is $121,500 (50% below national), median rent is $754/month, and median household income is $62,727. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Belle Plaine?
The poverty rate in Belle Plaine, KS is 14.5%, 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 Belle Plaine, KS?
Belle Plaine's population is 2.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 2.1% of residents are foreign-born.