Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Belvidere, IL
Thinking of moving to Belvidere, IL? With a population of just over 25,000, Belvidere offers affordable living, with median home prices around $160,000 and average rents under $1,000. Residents enjoy manageable commute times (about 24 minutes), access to local schools, and proximity to major healthcare facilities. While crime rates are slightly above national averages, the community features a friendly small-town vibe, four distinct seasons, and a cost of living well below the U.S. average—making it a practical and welcoming choice for new residents.
Demographics - Belvidere, IL
Demographics - Belvidere, IL
Belvidere, Illinois is home to about 25,300 residents, offering a diverse blend of cultures with 15% of the population speaking a language other than English at home. The median age is 36.7, and the city maintains a balanced gender ratio and a predominantly White population, with growing representation from other backgrounds. This demographic mix provides a welcoming and family-friendly community atmosphere.
Population:
25,292
Density:
2,170 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
77.1%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
19.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Belvidere, IL?
Belvidere boasts a cost of living index of 84.5, well below the national average, making it an affordable place to live. With median home values around $160,000 and average rent close to $970, housing remains accessible for most budgets. Utilities and everyday expenses are manageable, supporting a comfortable lifestyle for residents.
Median House Value:
$160,000
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,310
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.5
Grocery:
92.7
Housing:
67.4
Utilities:
101.2
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
98.3
Crime
Is Belvidere, IL a safe place to live?
The city experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 298 violent crimes and 1,352 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While the chance of encountering property crime is 1 in 74, most residents find Belvidere to be a safe community with proactive law enforcement. Staying informed and practicing standard safety measures helps maintain peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
298
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,352
Crime Index:
1,650
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 336
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Belvidere, IL year-round?
Belvidere residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives an average of 36.7 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine about 53% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
14°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn a median income of $60,800, and the unemployment rate is relatively low at 5.4%. A strong sense of community is supported by an 84.5% high school graduation rate, manageable commute times, and a steady rental market. The area is family-oriented and offers a friendly small-town environment.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$60,800
Family Income:
$72,400
Per Capita Income:
$25,700
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
15.4%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
23.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.8%
Education
How are the schools in Belvidere, IL?
Belvidere offers a range of educational options, including public schools such as Belvidere High School and Washington Academy, which maintain favorable student-teacher ratios. Private schooling and proximity to higher education institutions like Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University ensure families have access to quality learning at every level. The area’s educational resources contribute to a supportive environment for students.
Public Schools
Name:
Belvidere High School
Street:
1500 East Ave
Phone:
815-547-6345
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Washington Academy
Street:
1031 5th Ave
Phone:
815-544-3124
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Private Schools
Name:
Immanuel Lutheran School
Street:
1225 E 2nd St
Phone:
815-547-5346
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Rock Valley College
City:
Rockford
State:
IL
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
7,700
Name:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Belvidere residents have convenient access to major hospitals like OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center and SwedishAmerican Hospital in nearby Rockford. With 91% of residents covered by health insurance and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are accessible and comprehensive. The city's healthcare index reflects a solid foundation for medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Address:
5666 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108
Phone:
(815) 226-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
SwedishAmerican Hospital
Address:
1401 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Phone:
(779) 696-4400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Belvidere, IL?
Belvidere's housing market is characterized by a median home price of $160,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 66.4%. Rental options are abundant with an average rent of $970 for a two-bedroom, and the market has seen steady appreciation in recent years. The city's affordability and low foreclosure rate make it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$160,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Belvidere are managed by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Driver Services Facility, conveniently located at 431 S. Main St. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services locally, with additional information available on the state's official website. The office offers friendly service for newcomers and established residents alike.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address:
431 S. Main St., Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone:
815-544-3895
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.