Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Belle Plaine, MN
Considering a move to Belle Plaine, MN? This community of around 7,600 offers affordable living with median home prices near $320,000 and average rents around $1,220. Residents enjoy a peaceful, small-town atmosphere, low violent crime rates (72 per 100K), short commutes of about 27 minutes, and a strong local school system. With a high rate of homeownership, quality healthcare nearby, and a climate offering four distinct seasons and plenty of sunny days, Belle Plaine is a friendly and practical choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Belle Plaine, MN
Demographics - Belle Plaine, MN
Belle Plaine is home to about 7,600 residents with a median age of 34.6, reflecting a youthful and family-oriented community. The city is predominantly White (91%), with a small but growing diversity and just over 5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. With a balanced gender ratio, Belle Plaine offers a friendly small-town atmosphere ideal for new families and young professionals.
Population:
7,600
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.6
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Belle Plaine, MN?
Living in Belle Plaine is moderately affordable, with the median home value at $320,000 and average rent around $1,220, both slightly above national averages but reasonable for the region. The cost of living index sits at 102.6, indicating expenses are just above the U.S. average, while utilities and healthcare remain relatively in line with state norms. Residents benefit from manageable monthly expenses, making the city accessible for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$320,000
Gross Rent:
$1,220
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,890
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.6
Grocery:
98.3
Housing:
104.0
Utilities:
105.5
Transportation:
101.2
Health Care:
100.7
Miscellaneous:
99.5
Crime
Is Belle Plaine, MN a safe place to live?
Belle Plaine boasts a notably low violent crime rate of just 72 per 100,000 residents, creating a safe environment for families and individuals. While property crime is higher at 1,050 per 100,000, the overall crime rate remains below many urban areas. Most residents enjoy peace of mind and a secure, close-knit community feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
72
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,122
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,390
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Belle Plaine, MN year-round?
Residents experience true Midwestern seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 6°F and warm summers reaching highs near 82°F. Belle Plaine enjoys about 61% sunny days each year and receives roughly 31 inches of rainfall, making it suitable for those who appreciate a full range of seasonal weather. The climate supports outdoor activities year-round, from snowy winters to pleasant, sunny summers.
Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
27°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Belle Plaine neighborhoods are defined by stable incomes, with median household income at $93,000 and a low poverty rate of 5.7%. Nearly 96% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and unemployment is low at 3.7%, reflecting a well-educated and economically secure population. Commute times average around 27.5 minutes, offering a balance of small-town life with access to nearby urban centers.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$93,000
Family Income:
$106,000
Per Capita Income:
$38,500
Income Male:
$54,500
Income Female:
$44,000
Poverty Rate:
5.7%
Non English Speakers:
5.6%
Rent:
$1,220
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.8%
Bachelors or More:
29.1%
Education
How are the schools in Belle Plaine, MN?
Families in Belle Plaine benefit from a highly rated local school system, with public schools offering favorable student-teacher ratios and a graduation rate above 95%. The city also has private school options and is within commuting distance to major colleges like Minnesota State University, Mankato and Normandale Community College. This ensures ample educational opportunities from elementary through higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Belle Plaine Junior/Senior High School
Street:
220 South Market St
Phone:
952-873-2403
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Chatfield Elementary School
Street:
330 South Market St
Phone:
952-873-2402
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic School
Street:
215 North Chestnut St
Phone:
952-873-6564
Students:
125
Colleges
Name:
Minnesota State University, Mankato
City:
Mankato
State:
MN
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
14,400
Name:
Normandale Community College
City:
Bloomington
State:
MN
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
10,800
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Belle Plaine is strong, with major hospitals like Mayo Clinic Health System and St. Francis Regional Medical Center nearby and 94.6% of residents covered by health insurance. The city offers about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring residents can find quality medical care close to home. Emergency services and general surgical care are readily available within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mayo Clinic Health System – New Prague
Address:
301 2nd St NE, New Prague, MN 56071
Phone:
(952) 758-4431
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Francis Regional Medical Center
Address:
1455 St. Francis Ave, Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone:
(952) 428-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.6%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Belle Plaine, MN?
Belle Plaine's housing market is attractive for buyers, with a median home price of $320,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 75%. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% over the past year, indicating a stable and growing market. Rental options are available with moderate vacancy rates and affordable average rents, making the city appealing for both homeowners and renters.
Median Home Price:
$320,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,220
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Belle Plaine residents are served by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services, located in St. Paul. All licensing and vehicle registration needs can be handled through the state’s official website or by contacting their central office. This ensures easy access to essential DMV services for both new arrivals and long-time locals.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-2126
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.