Iowa · Metropolitan Area
Shelby is a small town in Iowa with a population of 797. Residents earn $60,333 per year, which is 20% below the national average.
Based on current data, Shelby receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 97.9% |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 2.1% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $60,333 |
| 20% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $37,037 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,085 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,871 |
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,746 |
| County GDP | $6,263M |
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Healthcare | 220 |
| Retail | 252 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.43% |
| Commute Time | 30.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
| Census Median | $156,300 |
| 45% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,900 |
| Census Median Rent | $872 |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
| Studio | $682 |
| 1 Bedroom | $838 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,278 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,309 |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.43% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,293/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 220 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 34.3 inches |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 30.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,346 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 385/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5056°N, 95.4494°W |
| County FIPS | 19155 |
Winner: Republican by 20 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 12.4% |
| 63% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 90.3% |
| School Test Score | 6.35 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 385/sq mi |
| Total Area | 2.1 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 86.4% |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 5 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 220 |
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Retail Stores | 252 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 30.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |