Belle, WV
Population 1,537 · West Virginia
About Belle, WV
Belle is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,537 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,200 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Belle features a median home value of $103,000, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Belle one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $896, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 769 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (492 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (128 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Belle shows an unemployment rate of 12.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Belle have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.4% of Belle 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 0.8% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Belle, WV
Compared to national averages, Belle has a median household income of $74,200 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $103,000, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $896 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Belle's income is 37% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 20% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Belle, WV?
Belle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $103,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $896/month, and a low poverty rate of 5.6%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,200) that falls below the national average. However, Belle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Belle has a population of 1,537 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Belle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Belle
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daniels | 1,542 | $52,100 | $182,100 | Compare |
| Ronceverte | 1,523 | $43,445 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Marmet | 1,520 | $47,620 | $83,100 | Compare |
| Glen Dale | 1,517 | $87,955 | $200,500 | Compare |
| West Liberty | 1,568 | $43,333 | $120,000 | Compare |
| Prosperity | 1,575 | $82,637 | $115,700 | Compare |
| Craigsville | 1,584 | $28,718 | $95,300 | Compare |
| Mabscott | 1,488 | $58,125 | $119,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Belle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Belle
What is the population of Belle, WV?
The population of Belle, WV is 1,537 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Belle?
The median household income in Belle, WV is $74,200 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Belle?
The median home value in Belle, WV is $103,000, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Belle?
The median monthly rent in Belle, WV is $896, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Belle?
The unemployment rate in Belle, WV is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Belle, WV a good place to live?
Belle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,537 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Belle, WV?
16.4% of residents in Belle 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?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Belle, WV: median home value is $103,000 (58% below national), median rent is $896/month, and median household income is $74,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Belle?
The poverty rate in Belle, WV is 5.6%, 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, WV?
Belle's population is 0.8% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.