Median Income
$42,386
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,700
73% 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
Rent Burden20.3%
Health
Obesity36.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+82.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute20 min
Broadband79.4%
Is Sheldon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sheldon receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. 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 $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.
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
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. The median age is 45.1 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 2.2% Hispanic.
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. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
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 |
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 average. Monthly rent averages $601 (48% below US avg). 43.6% of homes are owner-occupied. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,414.
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% |
Property Tax
In Sheldon, 36.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 27.8% report depression. 29.7% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 27.8% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
Food & Exercise
Crime Rates: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 683/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.6581°N, 94.2927°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |