Bell Public RecordsFlorida

As of the 2020 Census, Bell city in Gilchrist County, FL, had a population of approximately 504 residents. The median age is around 36.3 years. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the city is predominantly White (88.7%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (3.8%), and those identifying as Hispanic or Latino (8.3%), along with minor representation from other races.

Bell is a small city in Gilchrist County, FL, served primarily by Bell Elementary School and Bell Middle/High School. The high school has around 500 students, with a graduation rate of approximately 90%. About 9% of adults in Gilchrist County hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The schools boast a “B” rating for academic performance. Safety measures include on-campus deputies and surveillance. Educational programs feature agriculture, dual enrollment, and career-tech options. There are no colleges within Bell, so most adult education occurs in neighboring cities.

Bell, located in Gilchrist County, FL, features a median home value around $230,000 and median rent approximately $1,200/month. The housing market is stable, with slight year-over-year increases in property values. Most homes are single-family houses, with a mix of older and newer constructions. Approximately 75% of residents are homeowners, while 25% rent. Neighborhoods are rural and family-friendly, with large lots. Property taxes in Gilchrist County average 0.75% of assessed value, making it one of Florida’s more affordable regions. Housing inventory is limited, so demand remains consistent.

Transportation in Bell City, Gilchrist County, FL, is predominantly car-dependent, with over 90% of residents commuting by personal vehicle and fewer than 1% using public transit, due to limited local service. The average commute time is around 30 minutes, reflecting travel to neighboring towns and Gainesville, a major employment hub. Transportation infrastructure primarily consists of state highways (US-129 and SR-47). Vehicle ownership rates are high—about 97% of households have at least one vehicle. There is minimal public transit, and active transportation infrastructure (bike lanes, sidewalks) is limited.

Bell city, Gilchrist County, FL, has limited healthcare infrastructure; there are no hospitals within the city, with the nearest hospital being UF Health Shands in Gainesville (~30 miles away). Local care is provided mainly by a few clinics, such as Palms Medical Group. As of 2023, roughly 13% of Gilchrist residents lack health insurance. The population (≈500 in Bell; ≈18,500 in the county) is predominantly White, with a median age of 43. Common health issues include diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Physician density in the county is approximately 1 per 3,000 residents, below state averages.