Median Income
$55,000
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,600
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
46/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sheldon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population118
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density288/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans94.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$55,000
Per Capita$34,408
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$387M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,600
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$168,960
Housing Units69
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent46/100K
Property1,469/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking16.2%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain24.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,077 ft (328 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+84.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute37 min
Broadband56.0%
Libraries2
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 low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times, 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 $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sheldon is $55,600, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Sheldon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,469 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Sheldon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.2 inches, including 36.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Sheldon has a population of 118 with a density of 288 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 50.4 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.8% female and 60.2% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 94.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Sheldon is $55,000, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,408 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $956, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 259 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,000 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,408 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $956 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,955 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 259 |
| County GDP | $387M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,800 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Sheldon is $55,600, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,960, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 69 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,800. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,600 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $168,960 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,800 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.83% |
In Sheldon, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,838. The dentist ratio is 1:1,410. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,838 |
| Dentists | 1:1,410 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,802 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,447/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Sheldon has a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,469 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sheldon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 45.9/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,468.6/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sheldon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 276 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 24.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 36.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,077 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,077 ft (328 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 288/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.5885°N, 97.4944°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ransom County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.2"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
138 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
445 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 12 fatalities, 164 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
36 km |
10 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF4 |
39 km |
2 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIESTERFELD (3,481 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
23 km |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
82 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
22 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
84 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
19 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
67 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
69 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
HAUGVEDT WPA |
630 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
MEADOWS (SOUTH) |
569 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Sheldon has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 8°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.4").
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) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $960 |
| Toddler | $877 |
| Preschool | $813 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $705 |
| Toddler | $667 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheldon
What is the population of Sheldon?
Sheldon has a population of 118 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 288 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.8% female and 60.2% male.
Is Sheldon expensive to live in?
Sheldon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,600 (80% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sheldon safe?
Sheldon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 46 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,469 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 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.2 inches, with 36.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Sheldon?
The job market in Sheldon is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $956. There are 259 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sheldon?
The median home value in Sheldon is $55,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,960. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,800.
How are the schools in Sheldon?
Schools in Sheldon score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.7% of adults in Sheldon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sheldon?
The obesity rate in Sheldon is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,838.
What is transportation like in Sheldon?
The average commute in Sheldon is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sheldon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sheldon is 89.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 94.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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