Median Income
$60,333
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,300
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
246/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$872
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Shelby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population797
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density385/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,333
Per Capita$37,037
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$6,263M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,300
Rent$872
Ownership64.6%
Zillow$228,900
Housing Units392
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent246/100K
Property1,421/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.5%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,346 ft (410 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score6.35
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute31 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Shelby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shelby receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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. Shelby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shelby is $60,333, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shelby is $156,300, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $872 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Shelby is below the national average at 246 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,421 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Shelby experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Shelby has a population of 797 with a density of 385 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Shelby is $60,333, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,037. The average weekly wage is $1,085, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,746 business establishments, including 209 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,333 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,037 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,085 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,871 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,746 |
| County GDP | $6,263M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Healthcare | 220 |
| Retail | 252 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Shelby is $156,300, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,900, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $872 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $838 for a one-bedroom to $919 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 392 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,355 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,300 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $872 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $682 |
| 1 Bedroom | $838 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,278 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,309 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.4% |
| Housing Units | 392 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.43% |
In Shelby, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,694. 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shelby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,694 |
| Mental Health | 1:414 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,293/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 220 |
Shelby has a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,421 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Shelby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shelby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 246.5/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,420.7/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 100 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shelby experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. The area receives 30.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,346 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,346 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 385/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5056°N, 95.4494°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pottawattamie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
119 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
601 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 516 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
63 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
80 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
64 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
25 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
29 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Shelby has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Shelby. 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 | $729 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $492 |
| Toddler | $484 |
| Preschool | $484 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelby
What is the population of Shelby?
Shelby has a population of 797 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 385 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Shelby expensive to live in?
Shelby 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 $60,333, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,300 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $872 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shelby safe?
Shelby is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,421 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shelby receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shelby?
Shelby has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Shelby?
Shelby has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,085. There are 2,746 business establishments in the area, including 209 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shelby?
The median home value in Shelby is $156,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,900. For renters, the median monthly rent is $872. Fair market rent is $838 for a 1-bedroom and $919 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,355.
How are the schools in Shelby?
Schools in Shelby score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.4% of adults in Shelby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shelby?
The obesity rate in Shelby is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Shelby?
The average commute in Shelby is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shelby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby is 94% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
