Is Bellefontaine Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bellefontaine

Bellefontaine, Ohio, offers a blend of small-town charm with a growing economic base, making it a point of interest for those considering a move. This guide delves into the various facets of life in Bellefontaine, providing a comprehensive overview for potential residents. From understanding the local safety and economic landscape to exploring the cost of living and community amenities, this information aims to assist in making an informed decision.

The city is situated in Logan County, approximately 48 miles northwest of Columbus, positioning it within a reasonable distance of a major metropolitan area while maintaining a distinct community identity. Bellefontaine is known for being the location of Ohio’s highest point, Campbell Hill, contributing to its unique geographic character. Its history is rooted in railroading and later, automotive manufacturing, with significant contributions from companies like Honda shaping its modern economy.

Is it Safe to Live in Bellefontaine?

Crime Statistics

Bellefontaine’s crime rates present a mixed picture, with some categories showing below-average statistics. The city recorded 834 violent crimes and 805 property crimes over a recent five-year period (2019-2024) (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer). The average violent crime rate is slightly above the national average, at 113.8 per 100,000 residents, representing a 7.1% increase (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer). Conversely, property crime averages 99.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 39.1% below the national average (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer).

Further analysis indicates that Bellefontaine’s overall crime rate is lower than approximately 33% of Ohio communities. Compared to cities of similar population size, Bellefontaine’s crime rate is notably lower than average, suggesting it is safer than most when analyzed by NeighborhoodScout’s exclusive FBI crime data analysis. Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft, are reported at a rate of 8 per 1,000 residents, which is about average for all U.S. cities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Environmental Safety

Bellefontaine experiences a climate characterized by long, warm, and humid summers, with winters that are freezing, snowy, and windy. Temperatures typically range from 18°F to 82°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 1°F or exceeding 89°F (as reported by NOAA). The town is considered to have a very low climate risk, with a score of 7.69861938568014 (as reported by Kurby AI).

The air quality in Bellefontaine is rated as good, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43 (as reported by Kurby AI). This indicates a generally healthy environment for residents. The city also experiences significant seasonal variation in rainfall, with June receiving the most rain (3.5 inches) and February the least (1.2 inches) (as reported by NOAA).

Cost of Living and Housing

Overall Cost of Living

The cost of living in Bellefontaine, Ohio, is approximately 91 on an index where the national average is 100, meaning it is 9% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This figure is also 2% higher than the Ohio state average (as reported by AreaVibes). Everyday expenses such as groceries, goods and services, healthcare, and utilities are generally consistent with the average in similar urban areas, making daily life manageable.

For a single person, the estimated monthly living expenses in Bellefontaine are around $2,169, and for a family of four, it is approximately $4,775 (as reported by Salary.com). These costs are influenced by housing, transportation, food, and healthcare expenses, all of which are generally more affordable than the national average (as reported by Salary.com).

Housing Market

Bellefontaine’s housing market offers considerable affordability compared to national benchmarks. The median home value in Bellefontaine is around $240,468, which is significantly lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). Other sources indicate a median home value of $146,700 (as reported by Kurby AI) and a median listing price of $244.9K (as reported by realtor.com®).

The median rent in Bellefontaine is approximately $1,149 per month, which is 42.55% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). Apartments.com reports an average rent of $945 per month, which is 42% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,050 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,192 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Economic Landscape and Employment

Job Market and Major Employers

Bellefontaine’s economy is supported by several key industries, including manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA). In the early 21st century, Honda emerged as Bellefontaine’s largest employer, with extensive operations in the surrounding areas (as reported by Wikipedia). Other significant employers include HBD Industries, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, and AGC Glass Co. North America (as reported by Zippia, Logan County Chamber of Commerce).

The leading industries by job numbers are Health Care and Social Services (1,165 jobs), Education (747 jobs), and Public Administration (618 jobs) (as reported by ZoomProspector). The most common job groups for residents include Production Occupations, Management Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (as reported by Data USA).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Bellefontaine, OH, is currently at 4.40%, which is lower than the long-term average of 5.47% (as reported by YCharts). This figure is also lower than the rate reported for the previous month (3.90%) and the previous year (5.00%) (as reported by YCharts). For context, the comparable March unemployment rate for Ohio was 4.0% (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal federal agency for labor economics and statistics. The BLS provides monthly updates on unemployment rates for states and local areas, which are crucial for understanding the economic health of a region (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Seasons

Bellefontaine experiences distinct seasons, with summers being long, warm, and humid, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy. The temperature typically fluctuates between 18°F and 82°F annually, with rare extremes beyond 1°F or 89°F (as reported by NOAA). The warm season, from late May to late September, features average high temperatures above 72°F, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 81°F and a low of 62°F.

Conversely, the cold season spans from early December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 43°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 20°F and highs of 33°F (as reported by NOAA). This temperature range dictates the types of outdoor activities suitable for different times of the year.

Precipitation and Weather Patterns

Rainfall occurs throughout the year in Bellefontaine, with the highest average monthly rainfall in June, measuring 3.5 inches, and the lowest in February, at 1.2 inches (as reported by NOAA). The drier season typically lasts from late August to late March, with January having the fewest days with precipitation (6.2 days) (as reported by NOAA).

The most common form of precipitation is rain alone, with a peak probability occurring around late May. The weather is described as partly cloudy year-round (as reported by NOAA). The tourism score, which favors clear, rainless days between 65°F and 80°F, suggests that the best time for outdoor activities is from mid-June to mid-September (as reported by NOAA).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Bellefontaine’s public schools are rated as above average (as reported by Niche). Bellefontaine Elementary School has an overall Niche grade of B+, with particular strengths in academics and teachers (as reported by Niche). Bellefontaine High School also holds a B Niche grade, with solid ratings in academics and teachers, and a graduation rate of 95% (as reported by Niche).

The Bellefontaine City School District as a whole receives a B rating from Niche, ranking it among the better districts in Ohio. The district is noted for its diversity and the quality of its teachers (as reported by Niche). These ratings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews, providing a comprehensive view of the educational environment.

Demographics

Bellefontaine has a population of approximately 13,807 residents, with a slight decrease from the 2020 census figure of 14,115 (as reported by US Census Bureau and Data USA). The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 49.4% male and 50.6% female (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Bellefontaine is 35.6 years (as reported by Data USA).

The racial makeup of Bellefontaine is predominantly White, at 84.4%, followed by Multiracial at 7.2%, and Black at 3.5% (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 98.5% of residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). Households in Bellefontaine average two members, with about 60.5% being families and 39.5% individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes).

Pros and Cons of Living in Bellefontaine

Advantages

Bellefontaine offers a significantly lower cost of living than the national average, particularly in housing costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (as reported by AreaVibes, Kurby AI). The city provides a sense of small-town charm and a slower pace of life, which many find appealing for its welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere (as reported by Kurby AI, Rentometer).

The job market is bolstered by major employers like Honda, and the city has seen revitalization efforts that have attracted new businesses and created jobs (as reported by Wikipedia, Wikipedia). Furthermore, the public school system is rated above average, offering quality education for families with children (as reported by Niche).

Disadvantages

While property crime rates are below the national average, violent crime rates are slightly above it, which is a factor for safety considerations (as reported by FBI Crime Data Explorer). The city is heavily car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 0/100, indicating limited walkability and a need for personal transportation (as reported by Kurby AI).

The median household income in Bellefontaine is below the national average, which, combined with a poverty rate of 14.5% for families, suggests potential economic challenges for some residents (as reported by Data USA, Kurby AI). Additionally, while climate risk is low, the summers are humid, and winters are cold and snowy, which may not appeal to everyone (as reported by NOAA).