Is Bellefontaine Neighbors Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bellefontaine Neighbors
Is it Safe to Live in Bellefontaine Neighbors?
Bellefontaine Neighbors faces challenges regarding safety, with crime rates significantly higher than the national average. The community recorded 97 violent crimes, translating to 945 per 100,000 individuals, which is 163.2% above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Furthermore, property crimes are also elevated, with 282 reported incidents, amounting to 2748 per 100,000 residents, 56.1% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The overall crime rate in Bellefontaine Neighbors is 74% higher than the national average. This daily translates to approximately 1.04 crimes per day, with 0.27 being violent crimes and 0.77 being property crimes (as reported by AreaVibes). Notably, the rate of motor vehicle theft is among the highest in the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Despite these concerning statistics, the number of violent crimes has decreased by 6% and property crimes by 5% year-over-year (as reported by AreaVibes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Bellefontaine Neighbors
Community and Demographics
Bellefontaine Neighbors is home to approximately 10,498 residents, making it the 83rd most populated city in Missouri (as reported by US Census data). The population is predominantly Black or African American, making up 84.1% of residents, followed by White residents at 11% (as reported by Niche). The median age in Bellefontaine Neighbors is 41.9 years, with a slightly older female population (45.3 years) compared to males (34.8 years) (as reported by World Population Review).
The community offers a relatively diverse population, ranking as the 71st most diverse suburb in Missouri (as reported by Niche). Foreign-born residents constitute a small fraction of the population, at 0.4% (as reported by Data USA). The citizenship rate is high, with 99.9% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).
Cost of Living and Housing
Bellefontaine Neighbors is recognized for its affordability, ranking among the suburbs with the lowest cost of living in Missouri and the St. Louis Area (as reported by Niche). The median household income in Bellefontaine Neighbors was $49,170 in 2024 (as reported by Niche). However, a significant portion of families, 23.2%, live below the poverty line (as reported by Niche).
The housing market presents a median home value of approximately $102,415, showing a slight decrease of 3.4% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The homeownership rate stands at 58.1% (as reported by Data USA). For renters, the median rent is around $1,350 per month (as reported by Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
The economy in Bellefontaine Neighbors employs approximately 4,050 residents. Key employment sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA). The most common job groups are Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Transportation Occupations, and Management Occupations (as reported by Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Bellefontaine Neighbors is currently 4.78%, which is higher than the national average of 3.9% (as reported by BestPlaces). The average annual salary in Bellefontaine Neighbors is approximately $70,315 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Most salaries fall between $49,938 and $85,250 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate
Bellefontaine Neighbors experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold and can bring significant snowfall, with average low temperatures in the 20s Fahrenheit.
The area receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, averaging around 40 inches annually. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times to experience the local weather patterns.
Schools in Bellefontaine Neighbors
Elementary Education
The quality of elementary schools in Bellefontaine Neighbors presents a mixed picture. Some schools, like Larimore Elementary School, receive a D+ grade from Niche, with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. Other elementary schools in the area also show varying performance levels according to Niche’s rankings.
However, the overall school district performance in Bellefontaine Neighbors is rated as a C by Niche. This suggests a need for improvement across the educational system within the community. Parents seeking specific school performance data should consult detailed reports from sources like Niche for individual school ratings and reviews.
Secondary Education
Information regarding specific high school ratings within Bellefontaine Neighbors is limited in the provided search results. Niche provides rankings for public elementary schools and overall school districts. Prospective residents are advised to research specific school districts serving Bellefontaine Neighbors for detailed information on secondary education options.
The general performance of school districts serving Bellefontaine Neighbors can be assessed through aggregate ratings. For instance, the Riverview Gardens School District has a rating of 3.46 out of 5 (as reported by Niche). It is important to examine these district-level statistics to understand the broader educational landscape.
Major Employers and Economic Development
Key Industries and Businesses
Bellefontaine Neighbors’ economy is supported by several key industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance being the largest employing sector. Retail Trade and Finance & Insurance also play significant roles in the local job market (as reported by Data USA). The city actively works to attract businesses, focusing on retail, office, restaurant, and commercial services.
The city’s strategic location, with easy access to major highways like I-270 and Highway 367, enhances its appeal for businesses. This accessibility, combined with proximity to downtown St. Louis and Lambert International Airport, makes Bellefontaine Neighbors an attractive spot for commercial development (as reported by City of Bellefontaine Neighbors).
Economic Growth Initiatives
The City of Bellefontaine Neighbors is committed to economic development, aiming to bring diverse commercial services to the area. They collaborate with property owners to facilitate the establishment of new businesses. The city actively promotes its advantages, such as its vibrant community and strong access to transportation networks.
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the focus on healthcare, retail, and finance suggests these sectors are significant. The city’s economic development office is available to assist businesses looking to locate or expand within Bellefontaine Neighbors.