Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Belle, WV
Considering a move to Belle, WV? With a population of 1,125, Belle offers a small-town community feel and affordable living, with median home prices around $93,000 and average rents at $700. Residents enjoy a short 24-minute average commute, mild summers, and access to local healthcare in nearby Charleston. While crime rates are moderate, Belle stands out for its friendly neighborhoods and low cost of living, making it a practical choice for those seeking a quieter West Virginia lifestyle.
Demographics - Belle, WV
Belle, WV is a close-knit town of 1,125 people, with a population density of 2,100 per square mile and a median age of 44.2, reflecting a mature, settled community. The town is predominantly White at over 93%, and about 2.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,125
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
3.8%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
2.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Belle, WV?
Living in Belle is notably affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values at $93,000. Rent averages $700 per month, and utility and insurance costs are moderate, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals or families. State taxes range from 3.0% to 6.5%, contributing to overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$93,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
3.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.5
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
60.1
Utilities:
94.2
Transportation:
79.5
Health Care:
85.7
Miscellaneous:
81.0
Crime
Is Belle, WV a safe place to live?
Belle experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 51 and violent crime at 1 in 476. While these rates are important to consider, many residents appreciate the town’s quiet streets and community feel. It's advisable for newcomers to stay informed about local safety measures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,980
Crime Index:
2,190
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Belle, WV year-round?
Residents in Belle enjoy four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching highs around 86°F and winters dipping to lows near 25°F. The town receives about 43.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 58% of the year, supporting a pleasant outdoor lifestyle. Seasonal changes offer opportunities for a variety of recreational activities.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
43°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Belle's households typically earn around $46,800 annually, with a poverty rate of 17.5% and an unemployment rate of 5.6%. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is a manageable 24 minutes. The area is primarily residential, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$30,500
Household Income:
$46,800
Family Income:
$55,900
Per Capita Income:
$24,000
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.2%
Bachelors or More:
15.6%
Education
How are the schools in Belle, WV?
Belle is home to Belle Elementary School, offering education with a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 14.5. Nearby higher education options include BridgeValley Community and Technical College and the University of Charleston, both within a 10-mile drive. While there are no private schools in town, residents have access to quality public and collegiate education options.
Public Schools
Name:
Belle Elementary School
Street:
700 E Dupont Ave
Phone:
304-949-3844
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Colleges
Name:
BridgeValley Community and Technical College
City:
South Charleston
State:
WV
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
University of Charleston
City:
Charleston
State:
WV
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
2,400
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong, with major hospitals like CAMC General Hospital and Thomas Memorial Hospital located nearby in Charleston. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, Belle residents benefit from reliable medical care. Emergency services are readily available in the region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CAMC General Hospital
Address:
501 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301
Phone:
(304) 388-5432
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Thomas Memorial Hospital
Address:
4605 MacCorkle Ave SW, South Charleston, WV 25309
Phone:
(304) 766-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
62.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Belle, WV?
Belle’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $93,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $700. About two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and home values have shown steady appreciation. The area has a modest vacancy rate and very low foreclosure activity.
Median Home Price:
$93,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Belle are served by the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on MacCorkle Ave SE in nearby Charleston. The DMV offers a full range of vehicle and licensing services, and information can be accessed online or by phone. Its proximity makes handling vehicle-related needs straightforward for Belle locals.
State:
West Virginia
Department:
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone:
1-800-642-9066
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.