Median Income
$43,942
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,200
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
176/100K
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$738
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.4%
189% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.3%
9% lower than US avg
How Sheldon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,309
Median Age45.4 yrs
Density1,745/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$43,942
Per Capita$33,922
Unemployment10.4%
Poverty11.3%
County GDP$1,425M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,200
Rent$738
Ownership69.1%
Zillow$81,748
Housing Units624
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent176/100K
Property3,347/100K
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking18.4%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation688 ft (210 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+77.2%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute21 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Sheldon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sheldon receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Sheldon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sheldon is $43,942, 42% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.4%, unemployment is notably high. 11.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sheldon is $75,200, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sheldon is below the national average at 176 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Sheldon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 17.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sheldon has a population of 1,309 with a density of 1,745 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 45.4 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.1% female and 55.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.4yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Sheldon is $43,942, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,922 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 675 business establishments, including 59 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,942 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,922 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,388 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.4% |
| 189% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.3% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 675 |
| County GDP | $1,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 59 |
| Healthcare | 69 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Sheldon is $75,200, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $81,748. Monthly rent averages $738 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 624 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $4,558 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,200 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $81,748 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $738 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.9% |
| Housing Units | 624 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,558 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.06% |
In Sheldon, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353. The dentist ratio is 1:2,941. 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,353 |
| Dentists | 1:2,941 |
| Mental Health | 1:284 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 56.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,715/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Sheldon has a violent crime rate of 176 per 100,000 residents, 54% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,347 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 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 | 176.2/100K |
| 54% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,347.0/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sheldon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°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 38.4 inches. The area receives 17.1 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 688 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 688 ft (210 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,745/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7710°N, 87.5658°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Iroquois County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vermilion Regional (DNV) 39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
107 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
90 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
142 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
637 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 34 fatalities, 771 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
61 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
118 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
24 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
79 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
79 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Sheldon has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 24°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.6").
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) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheldon
What is the population of Sheldon?
Sheldon has a population of 1,309 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,745 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.1% female and 55.9% male.
Is Sheldon expensive to live in?
Sheldon has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,942, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,200 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $738 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, 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 176 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,347 per 100,000 (above 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 17.1 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 faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 675 business establishments in the area, including 59 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sheldon?
The median home value in Sheldon is $75,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $81,748. For renters, the median monthly rent is $738. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,558.
How are the schools in Sheldon?
Schools in Sheldon score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.9% of adults in Sheldon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.2% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sheldon?
The obesity rate in Sheldon is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 38.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,353.
What is transportation like in Sheldon?
The average commute in Sheldon is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sheldon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sheldon is 95.3% White. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 23.3% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.