Median Income
$64,297
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$138,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
94/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$648
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.6%
2% higher than US avg
How Sheffield Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,204
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density216/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,297
Per Capita$30,516
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty12.6%
County GDP$790M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$138,500
Rent$648
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$169,562
Housing Units470
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent94/100K
Property3,414/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking16.3%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,071 ft (326 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute20 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Sheffield a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sheffield receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Sheffield offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sheffield is $64,297, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 12.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sheffield is $138,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $648 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sheffield is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,414 per 100,000, 74% above the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sheffield experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sheffield has a population of 1,204 with a density of 216 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.6% female and 43.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sheffield vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sheffield vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sheffield is $64,297, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,516 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,024, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 364 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sheffield vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,297 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,516 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,024 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,117 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 364 |
| County GDP | $790M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,431 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.6% |
The median home value in Sheffield is $138,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,562, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $648 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 470 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,431. 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $138,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,562 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $648 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 470 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,431 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.48% |
In Sheffield, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,952. The dentist ratio is 1:2,479. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sheffield vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,952 |
| Dentists | 1:2,479 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,292 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,806/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Sheffield has a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,414 per 100,000, 74% above the U.S. average. Overall, Sheffield receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sheffield vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 94.1/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,414.4/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sheffield experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,071 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,071 ft (326 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 216/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8888°N, 93.2071°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.1"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
676 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 50 fatalities, 1,067 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
46 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
15 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
37 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Sheffield has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Sheffield. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $662 |
| Toddler | $571 |
| Preschool | $571 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $440 |
| Preschool | $440 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheffield
What is the population of Sheffield?
Sheffield has a population of 1,204 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 216 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 56.6% female and 43.4% male.
Is Sheffield expensive to live in?
Sheffield is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $64,297, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $138,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $648 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sheffield safe?
Sheffield is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,414 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sheffield receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sheffield?
Sheffield has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sheffield?
The job market in Sheffield is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,024. There are 364 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 11.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sheffield?
The median home value in Sheffield is $138,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,562. For renters, the median monthly rent is $648. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,431.
How are the schools in Sheffield?
Schools in Sheffield score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Sheffield hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sheffield?
The obesity rate in Sheffield is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,952.
What is transportation like in Sheffield?
The average commute in Sheffield is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sheffield?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sheffield is 95.2% White. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
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