Median Income
$42,386
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,700
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
311/100K
18% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$601
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.5%
73% higher than US avg
How Sheldon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population362
Median Age45.1 yrs
Density683/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$42,386
Per Capita$22,980
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty21.5%
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,700
Rent$601
Ownership43.6%
Zillow$174,414
Housing Units195
Rent Burden20.3%
Crime
F
Violent311/100K
Property4,130/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking19.2%
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.8 in/yr
Sunny Days253/yr
Elevation925 ft (282 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+82.7%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute20 min
Broadband79.4%
EV Stations5
Is Sheldon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sheldon receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Sheldon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sheldon is $42,386, 44% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 21.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sheldon is $76,700, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $601 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sheldon is below the national average at 311 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,130 per 100,000, 111% above the national average.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Sheldon enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 253 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Sheldon has a population of 362 with a density of 683 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.1yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Sheldon is $42,386, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,980 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,386 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,980 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.5% |
| 73% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Sheldon is $76,700, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,414, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $601 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 43.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 195 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. 20.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,700 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,414 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $601 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 43.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.4% |
| Housing Units | 195 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
In Sheldon, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
Food & Exercise
Sheldon has a violent crime rate of 311 per 100,000 residents, 18% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,130 per 100,000, 111% above the U.S. average. Overall, Sheldon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 310.8/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,129.7/100K |
| 111% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sheldon enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 253 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 45.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 925 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 253 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 925 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 683/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6581°N, 94.2927°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.8"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2018.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
92 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
507 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 203 fatalities, 1,699 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
72 km |
158 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
76 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
39 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
22 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
87 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
7 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,427 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
87 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
49 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,023 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
70 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
51 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
20 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,282 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
70 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
82 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,045 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
860 |
50 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
38 km |
| 2009 |
REYNOLDS HOLLOW |
728 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
SALT CREEK MARSH |
720 |
60 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
636 |
63 km |
| 2012 |
FANCY FENCE |
626 |
74 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
624 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Sheldon has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.7").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheldon
What is the population of Sheldon?
Sheldon has a population of 362 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 683 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Sheldon expensive to live in?
Sheldon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $42,386, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,700 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $601 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, 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 311 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,130 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 253 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.8 inches, with 4.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Sheldon?
Sheldon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sheldon?
The median home value in Sheldon is $76,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,414. For renters, the median monthly rent is $601. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.6%.
How are the schools in Sheldon?
Schools in Sheldon score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.9% of adults in Sheldon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.7% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sheldon?
The obesity rate in Sheldon is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 27.8% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Sheldon?
The average commute in Sheldon is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sheldon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sheldon is 92.5% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
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