Cost of Living in Bellefontaine, OH

Population 14,051 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023

58
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Bellefontaine sits on the smaller end of the Ohio city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.

Geographically, Bellefontaine is about 45 miles northeast of Dayton, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 75% higher than Dayton's $93,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 54
Rent 64

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Bellefontaine

The median home value in Bellefontaine is $163,500 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $836/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,296/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 60.6°F and lows of 42.2°F. Overall, Bellefontaine has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$163,500
46% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$233,148
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$836/mo
36% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,357/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$686
1 BR
$748
2 BR
$929
3 BR
$1,199
4 BR
$1,374
Owner-occupied 59.0%
Renter-occupied 41.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$836
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,450/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.1 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.2%
Carpooled
16.2%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
3.3%
Work from home
3.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 3.8%
Total Sales Tax 7.2%
State rate 5.8%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$60,296
19% below avg
Per Capita Income
$32,220
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
11% below avg
Poverty Rate
17.4%
Labor Force Participation
63.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.8%
Graduate degree 4.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.1
Male median age 38.4
Female median age 35.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.6°F
Avg Low
42.2°F
Annual Precip
35.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343848617281848276645039
Low °F 202230405161636154443426
Precip" 2.231.852.553.583.813.953.683.502.852.692.812.27

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

94.9%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
7
Public schools
4,024
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bellefontaine, OH?

Bellefontaine has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.

What is average rent in Bellefontaine, OH?

The median gross rent in Bellefontaine is $836 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bellefontaine?

The median home value in Bellefontaine is $163,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Bellefontaine?

The median household income in Bellefontaine is $60,296 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bellefontaine, OH?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bellefontaine is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.

Is Bellefontaine, OH affordable?

Yes, Bellefontaine is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Bellefontaine?

Bellefontaine has average high temperatures of 60.6°F and average lows of 42.2°F. Annual precipitation is 35.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Bellefontaine at a Glance

Population
14,051
Median Income
$60,296
Home Value
$163,500
Median Rent
$836/mo
Unemployment
4.3%
Avg High Temp
60.6°F
Sales Tax
7.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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