Median Income
$75,795
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$112,200
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
84/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.2%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$521
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Shelby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population709
Median Age43.6 yrs
Density1,313/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans13.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,795
Per Capita$34,779
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$467M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,200
Rent$521
Ownership87.7%
Zillow$193,409
Housing Units263
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
F
Violent84/100K
Property1,702/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured12.3%
Smoking13.5%
Depression17.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,646 ft (502 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.2%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute34 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Shelby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shelby receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 a high uninsured rate, 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 $75,795, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shelby is $112,200, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $521 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Shelby is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,702 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Shelby experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.3 inches, including 24.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Shelby has a population of 709 with a density of 1,313 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 43.6 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (87.7%), with 5.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.7% of residents, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 13.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.6yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.7%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.3%
16% below US avg
The median household income in Shelby is $75,795, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,779 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $914, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 172 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,795 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,779 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $914 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,206 |
| Gini Index | 0.382 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 172 |
| County GDP | $467M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,950 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Shelby is $112,200, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,409, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $521 (55% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 263 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,950 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,200 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,409 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $521 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.3% |
| Housing Units | 263 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,950 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Shelby, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 17.1% report depression. 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 12.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,725. The dentist ratio is 1:2,583. 29.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shelby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 17.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.6% |
| Uninsured | 12.3% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,725 |
| Dentists | 1:2,583 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,614 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,162/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Shelby has a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,702 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shelby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shelby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 84.0/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,702.5/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
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 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 308 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 28.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 24.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,646 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,646 ft (502 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,313/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1942°N, 97.4263°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.3"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 24, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
70 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
106 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
93 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
10 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
135 km |
| Sep 3, 2023 |
10 km SSW of Lawrence, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
133 km |
| Mar 17, 2024 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| Aug 20, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
135 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
10 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
748 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 488 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
2 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
65 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Shelby has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelby
What is the population of Shelby?
Shelby has a population of 709 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,313 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Shelby expensive to live in?
Shelby is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $75,795, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,200 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $521 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shelby safe?
Shelby is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 84 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,702 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 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.3 inches, with 24.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Shelby?
The job market in Shelby is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $914. There are 172 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shelby?
The median home value in Shelby is $112,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,409. For renters, the median monthly rent is $521. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,950.
How are the schools in Shelby?
Schools in Shelby score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.2% of adults in Shelby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shelby?
The obesity rate in Shelby is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 17.1% of residents report depression. 12.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 29.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,725.
What is transportation like in Shelby?
The average commute in Shelby is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 67% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shelby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby is 87.7% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino. 88.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 13.2% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
