Median Income
$68,448
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$173,600
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
276/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.9%
38% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$842
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.2%
18% lower than US avg
How Sheldon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,386
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density1,122/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,448
Per Capita$31,568
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty10.2%
County GDP$1,250M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,600
Rent$842
Ownership69.1%
Zillow$212,372
Housing Units2,448
Rent Burden19.1%
Crime
F
Violent276/100K
Property1,697/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault197/100K
Burglary513/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking17.2%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,434 ft (437 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.9%
High School+86.2%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute17 min
Broadband91.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Sheldon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sheldon 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 high obesity rates. Sheldon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sheldon is $68,448, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. 10.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sheldon is $173,600, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $842 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sheldon is below the national average at 276 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sheldon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.1 inches, including 40.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sheldon has a population of 5,386 with a density of 1,122 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (80.3%), with 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.7% of residents, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below 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 Sheldon is $68,448, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,568 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $931, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 626 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,448 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,568 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $931 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,168 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.2% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 626 |
| County GDP | $1,250M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 79 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Sheldon is $173,600, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,372, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $842 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,448 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,914. 19.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,600 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,372 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $842 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,448 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.25% |
In Sheldon, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,752. The dentist ratio is 1:2,009. 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,752 |
| Dentists | 1:2,009 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,802 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,489/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Sheldon has a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 197.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 78.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,697 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,046, burglary at 513, vehicle theft at 138 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sheldon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 276.2/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 78.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 197.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,696.9/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| Burglary | 513.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,045.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 138.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sheldon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.1 inches. The area receives 40.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,434 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,434 ft (437 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,122/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1797°N, 95.8434°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | O'Brien County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD) 53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.1"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
639 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 7 fatalities, 180 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
70 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Sheldon has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Sheldon. 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 | $659 |
| Toddler | $568 |
| Preschool | $568 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $445 |
| Toddler | $437 |
| Preschool | $437 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheldon
What is the population of Sheldon?
Sheldon has a population of 5,386 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,122 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Sheldon expensive to live in?
Sheldon 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 $68,448, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,600 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $842 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sheldon safe?
Sheldon is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sheldon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sheldon?
Sheldon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.1 inches, with 40.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sheldon?
The job market in Sheldon is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $931. There are 626 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sheldon?
The median home value in Sheldon is $173,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,372. For renters, the median monthly rent is $842. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,914.
How are the schools in Sheldon?
Schools in Sheldon score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.9% of adults in Sheldon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.2% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sheldon?
The obesity rate in Sheldon is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,752.
What is transportation like in Sheldon?
The average commute in Sheldon is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sheldon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sheldon is 80.3% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 88.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.3% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 97.7% have health insurance coverage.