Bell City, MO
Population 554 · Missouri
About Bell City, MO
Bell City is a small community located in Missouri with a population of 554 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,058 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bell City features a median home value of $50,000, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bell City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $367, 68% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 236 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (122 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (95 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bell City shows an unemployment rate of 27.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bell City have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.1% of Bell City 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 0.5% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bell City Ranks in Missouri
Cost of Living in Bell City, MO
Compared to national averages, Bell City has a median household income of $31,058 (59% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $50,000, which is 80% below the national median. Monthly rent at $367 is 68% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Bell City's income is 49% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 67% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Bell City, MO?
Bell City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $50,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $367/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,058) that falls below the national average. However, Bell City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bell City has a population of 554 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Bell City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Bell City
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grayhawk | 554 | $49,808 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Wellington | 553 | $67,404 | $142,000 | Compare |
| Parma | 552 | $63,500 | $35,800 | Compare |
| Green City | 560 | $35,602 | $78,100 | Compare |
| Corder | 561 | $83,375 | $80,800 | Compare |
| Washburn | 561 | $65,125 | $122,100 | Compare |
| Dearborn | 545 | $48,333 | $175,000 | Compare |
| Shoal Creek Drive | 543 | $96,923 | $124,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bell City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bell City
What is the population of Bell City, MO?
The population of Bell City, MO is 554 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Bell City?
The median household income in Bell City, MO is $31,058 per year, which is 59% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bell City?
The median home value in Bell City, MO is $50,000, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bell City?
The median monthly rent in Bell City, MO is $367, which is 68% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bell City?
The unemployment rate in Bell City, MO is 27.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bell City, MO a good place to live?
Bell City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 554 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bell City, MO?
12.1% of residents in Bell City 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 Bell City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bell City, MO: median home value is $50,000 (80% below national), median rent is $367/month, and median household income is $31,058. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bell City?
The poverty rate in Bell City, MO is 30.7%, 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 Bell City, MO?
Bell City's population is 0.5% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.