La Belle is a city in western Lewis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 664 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Quincy, IL–MO Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History

A post office called La Belle has been in operation since 1856. The first permanent settlement at La Belle was made in 1857, and the town site platted in 1871. La Belle is derived from the French meaning "the beautiful", and the settlement was so named from its scenic setting.

The city of La Belle was incorporated in 1872, although it had been a village and stage coach stop much earlier.

Geography

thumb|[[Missouri Highway 6 (State Street) through La Belle Missouri]]

La Belle is located at (40.115624, -91.915919).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.

La Belle is located on Missouri Route 6, which is collinear with State Street throughout much of the city.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 660 people, 277 households, and 149 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 351 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 92.9% White, 5.6% African American, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 277 households, of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 46.2% were non-families. 42.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 3.03.

The median age in the city was 43.3 years. 24.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.2% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 22.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census

As of the census

There has been a branch public library in La Belle since 1935. It became part of the Northeast Missouri Library Service in 1964.

Education

Public education in La Belle is administered by Lewis County C-1 School District. Students from La Belle attend Highland Elementary School and Highland Junior-Senior High School in Ewing.

La Belle has a public library, the Labelle Branch Library.

References

  • Historic maps of La Belle in the Sanborn Maps of Missouri Collection at the University of Missouri