What to know when moving to Belton, MO
Belton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 33.2% of residents rent and the median household income is $71,782.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,232, making it relatively affordable for the region.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.1% of residents using public transit, you'll likely need a car.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 33.4 inches of rain annually; investing in rain gear is a wise choice.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Belton has a population of 28,980, and a significant portion of the community is made up of homeowners, with 66.8% being owners. The area has a relatively high education level, with 26.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Expect a suburban feel with a small-town atmosphere, but be ready for a car-dependent environment due to the very low public transit usage.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer urban living with strong public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,232, while median home values reach $200,900, making housing relatively accessible.
- With a poverty rate of 9.0%, the community has a stable economic base.
- Only 0.1% of residents commute via public transit, indicating a strong reliance on personal vehicles.
- The renter vs. owner split shows 33.2% are renters, which reflects a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data indicates that Missouri has seen a decrease in both violent and property crime rates in recent years.
- Violent crime: In 2025, the state annual rate was 422.6 per 100,000, significantly above the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: The state annual rate stood at 1,682.4 per 100,000, which is 8.8% higher than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The rate of property crime has decreased by 30.4% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Missouri).
Schools & Higher Ed
Belton has access to a range of nearby educational institutions, enhancing opportunities for residents.
- There are 16 total postsecondary institutions nearby, with 15 of them providing College Scorecard data.
- Notable institutions include Academy of Beauty Professionals in Raymore and Calvary University in Kansas City.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Belton experiences an average annual precipitation of 33.4 inches, with about 72 rainy days each year. Summers can be warm, averaging 85°F, while winters are mild, averaging around 35°F. Snowfall is minimal, with only about 0.3 inches annually.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens - 4.8 stars (3883 reviews)
- South Lake Park - 4.6 stars (1072 reviews)
- Raymore Recreation Park - 4.6 stars (760 reviews)
- Miller J. Fields Park - 4.7 stars (570 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.