Belle Plaine, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,380
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,656/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,149
-3.7% year-over-year change

Belle Plaine population

How many people live in Belle Plaine

Belle Plaine is home to 2,380 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.5% of Belle Plaine locals are male, and 44.5% are female.

Total population
2,380
-1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.5%
1,320
Female
44.5%
1,060
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,320 55.5% -3.3%
Female 1,060 44.5% 1.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Belle Plaine is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.6% are children under 15, then 10.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.5% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
45
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.6%
15 to 24
10.9%
25 to 44
24.5%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
24.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 347 14.6% -2.2%
15 to 24 260 10.9% 15.6%
25 to 44 583 24.5% -6.4%
45 to 64 612 25.7% -4.7%
Over 65 578 24.3% 1.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Belle Plaine, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,345 98.5% -1.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 15 0.6% -34.8%
Non-citizens 20 0.8% 100.0%
Racial breakdown
White
94.1%
Black or African American
0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.2%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 2,240 94.1%
Black or African American 21 0.9%
Two or more races 99 4.2%
Other 20 0.8%

Households in Belle Plaine

A peek inside Belle Plaine households

Belle Plaine has 1,011 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.1% are families, while the remaining 39.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,011
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
403
Family households
608
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 403 39.9% 1.5%
Family households 608 60.1% -1.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Belle Plaine

The housing landscape of Belle Plaine

Belle Plaine's housing consists of 1,149 units, with 89.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,149
-3.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,024 89.1%
1 unit, attached 12 1%
2 units 23 2%
3 or 4 units 27 2.4%
5 to 9 units 15 1.3%
10 to 19 units 19 1.6%
20 to 49 units 29 2.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Belle Plaine

In Belle Plaine, the median construction year is 1945. About 47.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 545 47.4% 8.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 65 5.7% 8.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 128 11.1% -16.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 82 7.1% -33.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 167 14.5% -14.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 53 4.6% 20.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 40 3.5% 5.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 64 5.6% -9.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5 0.4% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Belle Plaine occupancy rates

Out of the 1,011 occupied housing units in Belle Plaine, 79.6% are owner-occupied, while 20.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,011
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
206
Owner occupied
805
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 206 20.4% -11.2%
Owner occupied 805 79.6% 2.7%
Unoccupied housing units
12.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Belle Plaine housing costs

Housing costs in Belle Plaine come to a median of $920 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $890.

Median housing costs per month
$920/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Belle Plaine
$890/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Belle Plaine

Belle Plaine education at a glance

About 45.6% of the population in Belle Plaine went to high school, while 21.5% pursued college studies. Another 12.8% earned an associate degree and 13.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 43 2.2% -12.2%
High school diploma 907 45.6% 3.4%
College diploma 428 21.5% -5.1%
Associate degree 255 12.8% -8.6%
Bachelor's degree 269 13.5% 9.3%
Graduate degree 88 4.4% -3.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Belle Plaine

How much people earn in Belle Plaine

The average annual household income in Belle Plaine was $85,837 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,656, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Belle Plaine
$85,837/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Belle Plaine
$73,656/year
4.5% year-over-year change

Belle Plaine income by age

In Belle Plaine, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,536. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,313 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $83,250, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $55,948 in earnings. Overall, 96.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $83,250 -21.0%
25 - 44 $90,536 3.4%
45 - 64 $85,313 9.0%
Over 65 $55,948 -0.5%
Above poverty level
2,186
Below poverty level
82
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,186 96.4% 1.5%
Below poverty level 82 3.6% -42.7%

Average renter income in Belle Plaine

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Belle Plaine, their median household income was $27,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,250
Rent-to-income ratio
39.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Belle Plaine

Workforce and job types in Belle Plaine

The job market in Belle Plaine is powered by 1,265 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 44% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.1% run their own businesses, 76.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,265
-0.6% year-over-year change
White collar
709
Blue collar
556
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 709 56% 9.4%
Blue collar 556 44% -10.9%
Employer type
Self employees
6.1%
Private companies
76.8%
Governmental workers
13.5%
Not for profit companies
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 77 6.1% 2.7%
Private companies 972 76.8% 1.2%
Governmental workers 171 13.5% -9.0%
Not for profit companies 45 3.6% -8.2%
Unemployment rate
1.2%
-27.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Belle Plaine stands at 1.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Belle Plaine

How people get around in Belle Plaine

Commuting methods vary: 92.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,155 92.7% 0.3%
Motorcycle 7 0.6% -22.2%
Walk 8 0.6% -46.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Belle Plaine by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52208 2,877 1,259 $74,127 $86,904

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FAQs about Belle Plaine demographics 

What is the total population of Belle Plaine?

Belle Plaine has a total population of 2,380 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Belle Plaine?

The gender ratio in Belle Plaine is as follows:
  • 55.5% males (1,320 residents)
  • 44.5% females (1,060 residents)

What is the median age in Belle Plaine?

The median age in Belle Plaine is 45.

What is the age distribution of the population in Belle Plaine?

The age distribution in Belle Plaine is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.6% (347 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.9% (260 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.5% (583 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (612 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.3% (578 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Belle Plaine?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Belle Plaine is as follows:
  • White: 94.1% (2,240 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.9% (21 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.2% (99 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (20 residents)

What percentage of the population in Belle Plaine are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Belle Plaine.

How many housing units are there in Belle Plaine?

There are 1,149 housing units in Belle Plaine, reflecting a -3.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Belle Plaine and what is the average household size?

Belle Plaine has a total of 1,011 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Belle Plaine?

Belle Plaine has a median household income of $73,656, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Belle Plaine?

The employment rate is 98.8% in Belle Plaine, with a workforce of 1,265 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56% (709 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 44% (556 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.1% (77 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.8% (972 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.5% (171 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.6% (45 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025