Belding Area Schools: An engaged staff + a supportive community = successful students. Belding is located in northwestern Ionia County along state highways M-44 and M-91, 25 miles northeast of Grand Rapids in the northwest corner of Ionia County. Belding has a population of approximately 13,000 with businesses ranging from retail shops to manufacturing and extrusion firms. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, cross country skiing, golfing, jogging and mountain biking are among the many recreational activities available in Belding and surrounding Ionia County. Belding is located less than an hour’s drive from the State Capital and Michigan State University. It is nestled in the very heart of Michigan’s farmland.