Belle Plaine is a city in Benton County, Iowa, United States. The population was 2,330 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area. History Belle Plaine was founded in 1862 when it was certain the railroad would be extended to that point. "Belle Plaine" is derived from the French meaning "beautiful plain". Belle Plaine is located on both the historic Lincoln Highway and the cross country tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad. Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. The Iowa River flows roughly southeastward, just south of the city airport. Demographics 2010 census As of the census of 2010, there were 2,534 people, 1,101 households, and 659 families living in the city. The population density was . There were 1,258 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 97.8% White, 0.3% African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population. There were 1,101 households, of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.1% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.90. The median age in the city was 42.8 years. 23.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.5% were from 25 to 44; 28.2% were from 45 to 64; and 19.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female. 2000 census As of the census of 2000, there were 2,878 people, 1,212 households, and 749 families living in the city. The population density was . There were 1,318 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 98.92% White, 0.07% African American, 0.03% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of