Is Belpre Safe, Pros and cons of living in Belpre
Belpre, Ohio, offers a blend of small-town charm and practical amenities, making it a consideration for those seeking a quieter pace of life. Located in Washington County, this community provides a distinct atmosphere shaped by its history and local character. Understanding the various facets of life in Belpre, from its safety and cost of living to its employment opportunities and climate, is essential for anyone contemplating a move to this Ohio city.
The following information aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Belpre, drawing on recent data to offer insights into what it’s like to live there. This guide covers key aspects that potential residents often consider, including economic factors, environmental conditions, and community resources.
Is it Safe to Live in Belpre?
Belpre presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate in Belpre is approximately 68% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Violent crimes, including offenses like murder, rape, robbery, and assault, are particularly low, with a rate of 106 per 100,000 residents, which is 70.4% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crimes, such as burglary, theft, and vehicle theft, also remain low, with a rate of 578 per 100,000 people, falling 67.2% below the national average (according to AreaVibes).
The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Belpre is relatively small. Residents have approximately a 1 in 147 chance of becoming a victim of any crime (according to AreaVibes). More specifically, the likelihood of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 940, and for property crime, it is about 1 in 174 (according to AreaVibes). These statistics suggest that Belpre is a secure community, with certain neighborhoods, particularly in the northwest, being considered the safest (according to CrimeRate.com).
Housing and Cost of Living
Belpre offers a cost of living that is notably lower than both the state and national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The overall cost of living in Belpre is 13% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs are a significant contributor to this affordability, with Belpre’s housing expenses being 27% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
The real estate market in Belpre reflects this affordability, with a median home value reported around $141,900 (according to Livability.com). This median home value is considerably lower than many other areas, offering accessible homeownership opportunities. For those considering renting, the median rent in Belpre is approximately $797 per month (according to Livability.com), and more recent data indicates an average rent of $736 per month (according to Apartments.com). These figures suggest that both buying and renting in Belpre are financially favorable compared to many other U.S. cities.
Major Employers and Job Market
Belpre’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, contributing to a stable job market for its residents. Key sectors providing employment include healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade (according to Data USA). These industries offer a variety of roles, from skilled manufacturing positions to essential services in healthcare and customer-facing retail jobs.
While specific major employers within Belpre are not exhaustively detailed, the broader region benefits from companies like Kraton, which has roots in the area’s industrial past (according to the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce). Additionally, common employers in smaller towns like Belpre often include retail giants such as Walmart and Kroger, alongside healthcare providers and local government services (according to Indeed.com and Ohio Department of Development). The job market is characterized by roles in office and administrative support, production, and management occupations (according to Data USA).
Average Salary and Income
The financial landscape for Belpre residents includes a median household income that provides a solid basis for the local cost of living. The median household income in Belpre is reported at $49,683 (according to Livability.com), with other sources indicating figures around $47,474 (according to Kurby AI) and $54,592 (according to Data USA). The average salary for an average job in Belpre is approximately $39,000 per year, or $18.75 per hour (according to Zippia).
This income level, combined with the lower cost of living, allows for a reasonable standard of living. The per capita income in Belpre is about $43,143 (according to Data USA). While these figures provide a general overview, it’s worth noting that specific salary ranges can vary significantly by industry and role, with some popular jobs like Pharmacy Technician, LPN, and Nursing potentially offering higher earnings than the city average (according to ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Environment
Belpre experiences a climate that is characteristic of the Midwest, with distinct seasons and moderate precipitation throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are typically short and cold, with occasional snowfall (according to Weather Spark). The average annual temperature ranges from about 25°F to 85°F, rarely dropping below 7°F or exceeding 93°F (according to Weather Spark).
The city receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 42 inches (according to Livability.com), with monthly precipitation varying throughout the year. May and June tend to be the wettest months, while January typically sees the least amount of rain (according to WorldWeatherOnline). Snowfall averages around 12 inches annually (according to Livability.com), contributing to the winter season’s cold temperatures.
Air Quality and Climate Risk
Belpre benefits from good air quality, which is a positive environmental factor for residents. The air quality in Belpre is rated as “Good” (according to Kurby AI). Furthermore, the overall climate risk for the city is assessed as “Very Low” (according to Kurby AI), indicating a reduced susceptibility to extreme weather events and their associated impacts.
These favorable environmental conditions contribute to a healthy and comfortable living environment. The low climate risk suggests that residents are less likely to face significant challenges related to natural disasters or severe environmental degradation. This makes Belpre an appealing location for those who prioritize clean air and a stable climate.
Education and Community Resources
The Belpre City School District serves the educational needs of the community, offering a range of options for K-12 students. The district includes Belpre Elementary School, Belpre High School, and Belpre Blue Sky Academy, a virtual option (according to Niche). Belpre Elementary School has historically ranked in the top 50% of Ohio elementary schools, though proficiency rates in math show areas for improvement (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Belpre High School, serving grades 7-12, has a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 (according to Niche). While state test scores show proficiency in reading and math, there are noted concerns regarding chronic absenteeism across the district, which is significantly higher than the state average (according to SchoolDigger.com). The district also faces socioeconomic challenges, with free and reduced lunch rates above 50% (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Population
Belpre is a city with a population of approximately 6,654 to 6,690 residents, depending on the source and year of data (according to Data USA, Kurby AI). The population has seen a slight decline in recent years, with a projected annual decrease of -0.5% (according to Data USA). The demographics of Belpre are predominantly White, with over 95% of residents identifying as such (according to Data USA, Point2Homes).
The median age in Belpre is around 44 years, indicating a population that is aging, with a significant portion of residents aged 65 and older (according to Data USA, Point2Homes). The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with slightly more females than males (according to Point2Homes). A notable aspect of the population is its high rate of U.S. citizenship, with over 99.5% of residents being citizens (according to Data USA, Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Belpre
Belpre offers a compelling combination of affordability and a safe living environment, making it an attractive prospect for many. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, particularly in housing, allowing residents’ money to go further (according to AreaVibes). The crime rates are substantially below national benchmarks, contributing to a secure atmosphere for individuals and families (according to AreaVibes).
However, potential residents should be aware of certain drawbacks. The job market, while present, may not offer the same breadth of opportunities as larger metropolitan areas, with average salaries being modest compared to national figures (according to Zippia). Additionally, the school district faces challenges, including chronic absenteeism and varying proficiency rates across different grade levels and subjects (according to SchoolDigger.com). The community’s demographics show an aging population, which may influence the local social and economic dynamics.