Last Updated on: 20th November 2024, 06:10 pm
Living in Belleville IL is wonderful! According to Wikipedia, Belleville is one of the oldest cities in Illinois and was known for being “The Stove Capital of the World.” French colonists established a mission village in the Belleville area in the late 17th century. Belleville got its name from a landowner, George Blair, in 1814, and the name means “beautiful city” in French. Belleville was incorporated as a village in 1819 and became a city in 1850. People began moving to Belleville in mass numbers shortly after the community became a city.
Belleville steadily developed over the 19th and 20th centuries. Residents living in Belleville IL built factories, shaft mines, and other major businesses. Belleville is now known for its unique attractions, including the Cathedral of St. Peter, the biggest cathedral in Illinois. It’s also a nice place to live, with beautiful parks, low median home prices, and a low average commute time. Living in Belleville, IL, provides a charming suburban lifestyle, characterized by a mix of residential homes and local parks. Residents enjoy a sense of community with many owning their homes. The area features plenty of outdoor spaces for recreation, making it an ideal choice for families and nature lovers.
You may be ready to start moving to Belleville. But you should learn a little more about this incredible community. Here’s what to know about living in Belleville IL.
Table of Contents
Is Belleville IL a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Belleville IL is a great place to live. Adults can enjoy affordable home prices and fun restaurants. Kids can enjoy the great schools and family-friendly attractions.
What Is Belleville IL Famous for?
Belleville is famous for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Our Snows and Old Belleville Historic District.
Where Is Belleville Illinois?
Belleville is the county seat of St. Clair County and is about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, MO. It is 15.7 miles from Belleville to St. Louis. Belleville is a popular suburb of St. Louis. Many people are moving to Belleville from St. Louis to enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
Belleville is not near and does not contain any notable geographic features. The community borders Swansea, Millstadt, and Freeburg. Belleville has great public transportation. Many residents living in Belleville IL use public transportation. The city contains three St. Louis MetroLink stations: Belleville, College, and Memorial Hospital. Six state highways pass through Belleville, and the city is also next to two interstate highways.
Interstate 64 is an east-west highway and provides access to downtown St. Louis. Interstate 255 forms a loop around St. Louis, providing access to towns near St. Louis. Belleville movers can help you with moving to Belleville IL anywhere in the community. A Belleville moving company has extensive experience moving in Southern Illinois and hauling belongings in from nearby cities like Swansea.
Are you interested in moving to Belleville? Contact Federal Companies and set up your upcoming move now!
Where Is Belleville?
Belleville is 15.7 miles southeast of St. Louis. The city borders several suburbs of St. Louis, including Freeburg, Millstadt, and Swansea.
What County Is Belleville In?
Belleville is in St. Clair County, Illinois. It serves as the county seat of the county. You can find the county government offices in downtown Belleville.
Belleville, IL Population & Demographics
According to the Census Bureau, Belleville had a population of 41,585 in 2023. The population shrank by 3.9% between 2020 and 2023, and it shrank by 4.7% between 2010 and 2020. Despite its population decline, Belleville remains the largest city in the Metro East region of Greater St. Louis. The population density is currently 1,790.9 people per square mile living in Belleville IL. That’s over five times higher than the countywide density.
Notable residents from Belleville include Buddy Ebsen, Jeff Tweedy, and Peter Sarsgaard. Belleville demographics include:
- 52.7% female, 47.3% male
- Median age of residents living in Belleville IL: 38.4
- Racial and ethnic composition: 59.6% White (58.4% non-Hispanic), 30.6% Black or African American, 6.6% two or more races, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Asian, 0.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
- Median household income: $60,573 (roughly three-quarters of the state median)
- Educational attainment: 93.8% of people living in Belleville IL have graduated high school, 26.4% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population of residents living in Belleville IL: 3.0%
Belleville is a fairly diverse community. Many veterans are living in Belleville IL and working at Scott Air Force Base. Over 3,300 veterans are living in Belleville IL, accounting for 10.4% of the population.
Belleville contains many married couples, accounting for roughly half of the households in the community. But many singles are living in Belleville IL. Over 13,000 residents living in Belleville IL have never been married, while over 4,000 have been divorced.
Belleville is a safe community to live in. Here are its latest crime rates, according to the FBI in 2022:
- Overall crime rate: 1,780 offenses per 100,000 people living in Belleville IL (31.0% lower than the St. Louis crime rate, 9.6% lower than the state rate, 23.4% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 397 crimes per 100,000 residents living in Belleville IL (38.2% higher than the state rate, 7.4% higher than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 1,383 crimes per 100,000 people living in Belleville IL (17.8% lower than the state rate, 29.2% lower than the national rate)
Belleville currently employs 72 full-time police officers at the Belleville Police Department, who work in a variety of areas to make Belleville a safer place to live.
Is Belleville IL Safe?
Yes, Belleville IL is a safe place to live. Its overall crime rate is nearly 25% lower than the national average. Most residents living in Belleville IL never experience crime.
Belleville Cost of Living
It is relatively inexpensive to live in Belleville compared to the rest of the country. You can use St. Louis cost of living figures to estimate the cost of living in Belleville. The St. Louis cost of living index is 88.9. Items in the St. Louis metro area cost 11.1% lower than the national average. Housing prices in Belleville play a major role in that figure due to very low real estate costs. Housing in Belleville is 24.2% less expensive than the rest of the US!
Utilities are 1.7% higher than the national average and groceries are only 3.1% lower. Transportation costs are 6.5% lower than the national average, which is good for commuters living in Belleville IL. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $100,072 a year to cover the cost of living in the St. Louis metro area.
The majority of residents living in Belleville IL own their homes. The homeownership rate in Belleville is 62.5%. The housing market in Belleville is somewhat competitive. On average, homes are selling at 0.1% under the selling price and stay on the market for 44 days. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Belleville, IL is $155,000 or $104 per square foot. The cost of homes in Belleville has increased by 6.8% over the last year.
Roughly 37% of Belleville residents rent homes or apartments. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Belleville is $1,113 a month for Belleville apartments.
Are you ready to start living in Belleville IL and enjoying low expenses? Call 800-747-4100 for a free estimate from top movers in Belleville today.
Typical Belleville Living Expenses
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $3.61
- 1 pound of white rice: $1.15
- 1 pound of apples: 2.56
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.17
- Average Belleville* utilities per month: $204.00
- 1 pair of jeans: $46.33
Source: Numbeo
Belleville, IL Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Belleville
One reason why so many people are moving to Belleville is that Belleville contains great neighborhoods. Here are just a few of the best places for living in Belleville IL.
Empire | Oldest Neighborhood in Belleville
According to U Speak Belleville, Empire is a diverse and eclectic neighborhood. Empire is the oldest neighborhood in the city and contains a mixture of German folk houses, mansions, and businesses. The community gets its name from Empire Comfort Systems, a long-running fireplace and stove company. The community is also home to the Downtown Belleville YMCA and LongStory Coffee, a top coffee shop and breakfast eatery.
Signal Hill | Stately and Spacious Homes for Sale in Belleville
According to U Speak Belleville, Signal Hill consists of over 500 homes, making it one of the largest Belleville neighborhoods. The neighborhood is well-known for its stately real estate, with homes containing three bedrooms and over 2,000 square feet. The community is close to some of the best things to do in Belleville. St. Clair Country Club is one of the oldest country clubs in the St. Louis area. It offers golf, tennis, and swimming for all its members, including children.
Belleville, IL Weather
Belleville has a continental climate. The community experiences typically cold winters, warm summers, and frequent small fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and sunshine. The Belleville climate is similar to the St. Louis climate. According to WeatherSpark, the summers in Belleville are hot and muggy, with average highs of 88°F and average lows of 69°F in July. The winters are very cold, windy, and snowy, with the average temperature ranging from 25°F to 41°F in January.
The yearly average temperatures range from 31°F to 78°F. The city gets a good amount of precipitation each year, with 35.6 inches of rain. Belleville gets an average of 10.7 inches of snow each year.
Belleville can experience snowstorms in the winter and rain storms in the summer. You can expect to experience multiple storms a year while living in Belleville IL. The best month to visit Belleville Illinois is September. The average temperature is 68 degrees, and 68% of days in September are clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy. You will experience only a moderate amount of humidity, so you can stay outside in your short-sleeved shirt and shorts.
Things to Do in Belleville
You can find many unique things to do in Belleville, including great stores and fun destinations for kids and teens. Things to do in Belleville IL include some of the best things to do in Illinois with kids. Schnucks Carlyle Avenue is a top grocery store, offering affordable food and household goods. You can also go shopping at Target, Home Depot, and Save A Lot.
The Edge
The Edge is a kid-friendly indoor entertainment complex. It has an arcade with over 70 games, a six-lane bowling alley, a 14,000-square-foot laser tag arena, and other attractions. It’s one of the best places in Belleville Illinois for birthday parties and special events.
701 South Belt West, Belleville, IL, 62220, 618-236-2101
The Lincoln Theatre
The Lincoln Theatre opened in 1921 as a vaudeville stage and movie house. Today, the Lincoln Theatre screens first-run releases. On Friday and Saturday nights, an organist plays the auditorium’s pipe organ before shows. The theater also hosts performances from the Belleville Philharmonic, a children’s theater, and many more types of live entertainment.
103 East Main Street, Belleville, IL, 62220, (618) 233-0123
Skate City Belleville
Skate City Belleville is one of the top indoor skating facilities in Illinois. It is one of the most affordable attractions in Belleville, as you can enjoy two-hour free skates for just $8. Skate City Belleville is also home to skating lessons, leagues, and special events throughout the year.
1400 West Boulevard, Belleville, IL, 62220, 618-234-4502
Additional Things to Do in Belleville
The City of Belleville Parks and Recreation Department provides quality parks for all its residents. Belleville currently has 16 parks offering wholesome family recreation, picnic areas, athletic fields, and more. You can use the Belleville events calendar to see when parties, festivals, and other special events take place in Belleville.
Are you interested in living in Belleville IL and enjoying top things to do in Belleville? Call 800-747-4100 and set up an appointment for moving to Belleville now!
Belleville Restaurants
St. Louis has a unique culinary scene, with influences from Vietnam, Ireland, and Mexico. You can enjoy unique and diverse Belleville restaurants, including casual and family-friendly eateries.
Tavern On Main
Tavern On Main is a casual tavern that serves pizza, sandwiches, salads, and other classic dishes in a welcoming setting. It’s a top location for nights out with friends and clients.
301 East Main Street, Belleville, IL, 62220, 618-233-6246
Eckert’s Country Restaurant
Eckert’s Country Restaurant is a country-style restaurant that offers comfort and Southern food. You can enjoy fried chicken, salads, and burgers in a cozy setting. After you’re done eating, you can visit an on-site bakery and order fresh pies, breads, and cookies.
951 South Green Mountain Road, Belleville, IL, 62220, 618-233-0513
LongStory Coffee
LongStory Coffee is the top place for coffee and snacks in Belleville. You can enjoy fresh coffee, tea, and pastries throughout the day. It’s the best Belleville restaurant for a quick breakfast while living in Belleville IL.
732 South Illinois Street, Belleville, IL, 62220, 618-975-7398
Jobs in Belleville, IL
According to DataUSA, the city currently employs 20,536 residents. 2,509 residents living in Belleville IL work in Office and Administrative Support Occupations. 1,821 residents work in Sales and Related Occupations, while 1,586 residents work in management occupations.
The top industries by number of employed residents are health care and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The highest-paying industries are utilities ($126,581), public administration ($122,535), and wholesale trade ($111,187).
Top employers in Belleville include Scott Air Force Base, Memorial Hospital, and Southwestern Illinois College. You can use Indeed to find jobs in Belleville and apply for City of Belleville jobs on the city government’s website.
Do you want to start living in Belleville IL and applying for Belleville jobs? Call 800-747-4100 and start moving to Belleville now!
Schools in Belleville, IL
Belleville has 14 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and four high schools in the public school system. Belleville School District 118 is the main public school district, serving most students living in Belleville IL. It’s one of the largest and best school districts in St. Louis. US News ranks Union Elementary School as the top elementary school in the district. The school employs fully certified elementary school teachers, many of whom have at least three years of experience.
Belleville has a number of private schools, including Zion Lutheran School. Southwestern Illinois College has a Belleville campus where students living in Belleville IL can participate in dozens of different programs. You can hire top St. Louis school movers to relocate you to the Belleville campus. Students will also enjoy access to the free public Belleville Library.
Belleville Statistics and Information
- County: St. Clair County
- Belleville area: 23.49 square miles
- Belleville zip code: 62220-62223, 62225, 62226
- Belleville area code: 618
- Belleville elevation: 502 feet
- Belleville time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Belleville: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), 28.1 miles from Belleville Illinois
Belleville IL Map
You can explore Belleville restaurants, healthcare facilities, and great schools using this map of Belleville.
Living in Belleville IL is absolutely great! You can enjoy low crime, convenient public transit, and high-paying job opportunities with your good neighbors.
Moving to Belleville isn’t tricky. Federal Companies has a team of top Belleville movers with over 100 years of moving experience. Call 800-747-4100 for a free estimate now.
