Median Income
$43,942
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,200
73% 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%
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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$81,748
Health
Obesity41.4%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Elevation688 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+77.2%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute21 min
Libraries9
Is Sheldon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sheldon receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, 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 $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.
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 5.3/10.
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. 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. The median age is 45.4 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (95.3%).
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. The unemployment rate is 10.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,942 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,922 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,388 |
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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Sheldon is $75,200, 73% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $738 (37% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $81,748.
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 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
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 32.1% national rate). 25.7% report depression. 25.9% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,715/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 38.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 69 |
Crime Rates: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
Safety Score
Sheldon has an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 38.4 inches |
| 1% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 17.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
| County FIPS | 17075 |