| Statistic | Belle Fourche | South Dakota | National |
| Population | 5,628 | 884,659 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 636 | 12 | 91 |
| Median age | 38.9 | 36.8 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 50% | 59% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 51% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 94% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 2% | 2% | 13% |
The demographics of Belle Fourche offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 5,628, Belle Fourche exhibits a population density of 636 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 38.9, with 50% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 51% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Belle Fourche, 22% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 7% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.
The Belle Fourche racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Belle Fourche is 89.4% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 2.2% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 6% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 98.2% reported speaking English only, while 1.8% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 0.6% of residents were considered foreign born.
Areas like Belle Fourche, characterized by below-average population density, offer a quieter lifestyle, closer connection to nature, strong community ties, improved affordability and enhanced safety, appealing to individuals seeking a break from urban life. These regions often boast a more affordable cost of living, with housing prices typically more accessible and residents may benefit from lower taxes, living expenses and insurance rates. Low population density areas also tend to have lower crime rates compared to densely populated urban areas, contributing to a greater sense of security for residents and their families. The Belle Fourche population density is 636 people per square mile, which ranks lower than 50% of cities nationwide, presenting ample opportunity to enjoy these advantages.
A family-friendly city like Belle Fourche can place a strong emphasis on the well-being and requirements of families, establishing an atmosphere where children flourish, parents receive ample support and families collectively enjoy a superior quality of life. These cities are renowned for nurturing a tight-knit community, where neighbors actively support and watch out for each other. Additionally, they often feature outstanding educational opportunities, including top-tier schools, well-equipped libraries and diverse extracurricular activities. Access to quality education is indispensable for the holistic development and future achievements of children. By prioritizing the welfare of its inhabitants, such cities evolve into dynamic and resilient communities where families can genuinely thrive. In Belle Fourche, 51% of families have children under the age of 18, and 50% of residents aged over 15 are married. These demographic characteristics position this locality to fully reap the rewards of being a family-friendly area.
Policy Planning: At various levels of government and within organizations and businesses, demographic data and statistics serve as essential tools for guiding policy and decision-making processes. Through the examination and interpretation of Belle Fourche demographic stats and data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas requiring attention, allocate resources judiciously and design policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic segments. The utilization of Belle Fourche demographic data plays a pivotal role in policy formulation by informing resource allocation, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, predicting future trends, assessing policy effectiveness, and advancing principles of equity and inclusivity. Through effective utilization of this data, policymakers can craft policies that are targeted, efficient, and responsive to the diverse needs of communities.
Education Allocation: Utilizing census data like Belle Fourche demographics can be useful in guiding education planning, as it helps identify student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs. This data assists schools and policymakers in allocating resources and devising effective educational programs. It serves as a vital tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among various demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status and students with disabilities. By disaggregating data based on demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support and outcomes for marginalized students. In essence, Belle Fourche demographic statistics can play an indispensable role in education by promoting equity, bolstering student success and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to meet the needs of all students.
Urban Development: Urban planners can leverage demographics data in Belle Fourche to design and develop areas that cater to residents' needs, spanning housing, transportation, and public services, while prioritizing sustainability and enhancing quality of life. Demographic changes can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood evolution, whether in urban or rural contexts. As neighborhoods attract new residents with diverse income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may appreciate, potentially displacing longstanding residents and reshaping the neighborhood's identity. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels is essential for guiding decisions on zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Incorporating Belle Fourche demographics data into planning and implementing affordable housing initiatives can help mitigate displacement risks.
| Race | Belle Fourche | South Dakota | National |
| White | 89.37% | 84.77% | 73.35% |
| Black | 1.08% | 1.65% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.39% | 1.33% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 2.22% | 8.72% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 5.19% | 2.61% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 1.74% | 0.88% | 4.75% |
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