Median Income
$72,937
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$94,400
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
93/100K
76% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.4%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,432
23% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% 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
Population2,449
Median Age27.6 yrs
Density984/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,937
Per Capita$20,252
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$592,751M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$94,400
Rent$1,432
Ownership55.4%
Zillow$212,832
Housing Units673
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
F
Violent93/100K
Property2,742/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured29.6%
Smoking12.7%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain54.1 in/yr
Sunny Days314/yr
Elevation40 ft (12 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.4%
High School+74.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 52%
Commute27 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries73
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 a high uninsured rate. 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 $72,937, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sheldon is $94,400, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,432 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 1.3x 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 93 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,742 per 100,000, 40% above the national average.
Education
6.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Sheldon has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. With 314 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 54.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Sheldon has a population of 2,449 with a density of 984 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 27.6 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (32.2%), with 6.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 28.4% of residents, while 71.6% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 6.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 54.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.6yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
28.4%
64% below US avg
Spanish
71.6%
434% above US avg
The median household income in Sheldon is $72,937, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,252 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,703, 19% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (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 124,542 business establishments, including 10,837 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,937 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,252 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,703 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $95,157 |
| Gini Index | 0.497 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 124,542 |
| County GDP | $592,751M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10,837 |
| Healthcare | 12,772 |
| Retail | 13,588 |
| Manufacturing | 4,091 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $11,819 |
| 238% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 12.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Sheldon is $94,400, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,832, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,432 (23% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 673 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $11,819 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $94,400 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,832 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,432 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.6% |
| Housing Units | 673 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $11,819 |
| 238% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 12.52% |
In Sheldon, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 29.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.0% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 29.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,717. The dentist ratio is 1:1,343. 91.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 8.7% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.6% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 40.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 54.1% |
| Uninsured | 29.6% |
| 244% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,717 |
| Dentists | 1:1,343 |
| Mental Health | 1:563 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 50.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,157/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12,772 |
Sheldon has a violent crime rate of 93 per 100,000 residents, 76% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,742 per 100,000, 40% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 527 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 182 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 | 92.6/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,742.3/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 527 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sheldon has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 85°F in July. The area gets 314 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 54.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 40 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
85°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 70.6°F |
| 31% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 85°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 314 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 40 ft (12 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 984/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.8598°N, 95.1332°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Harris County County |
| Nearest Airport | George Bush Intcntl/Houston (IAH) 15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
54.1"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
6.10"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0398 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 14.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.25 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.33 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very High |
| Risk Score | 99.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 17.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very High |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Very High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
17 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
104 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
130 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
177 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 3 |
179 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
285 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
247 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
29 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
122 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
177 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
75 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
77 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
81 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
216 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
235 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
40 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
787 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 788 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1961 |
EF4 |
69 km |
8 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2002 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jan 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 1986 |
EF3 |
44 km |
2 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
17 km |
1 |
| Mar 8, 1976 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Sep 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1969 |
EF3 |
43 km |
3 |
| Mar 23, 1969 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1968 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 1967 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY ROAD (18,999 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
RILEY ROAD |
18,999 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
08 UNIT 1 RX |
16,981 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
MCR UNIT 2 RX |
14,471 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
E WHITES 2 |
13,996 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
WF HOLIDAY 1-2 |
13,251 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
RX UNIT 12 1117 2005 |
10,728 |
94 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
9,344 |
94 km |
| 1986 |
STAR LAKE |
8,876 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
WF UNIT 1 1/2 |
8,840 |
93 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
8,539 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
UNIT1ARSON |
8,287 |
90 km |
| 1997 |
MCF WEST |
7,786 |
94 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
7,714 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
WF PERKINS BLOWOUT |
7,646 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
PERKINS |
6,969 |
100 km |
| 2015 |
WF WEST END 2015 |
6,590 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
6,499 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
6,469 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
UNIT 1 WF |
6,421 |
90 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
6,349 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| March |
62°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
6.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
85°F (29°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Sheldon has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 54°F in January to 85°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.1") and March the driest (3.0").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $723 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $662 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheldon
What is the population of Sheldon?
Sheldon has a population of 2,449 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 984 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Sheldon expensive to live in?
Sheldon has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $72,937, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $94,400 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,432 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, 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 93 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,742 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 warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 85°F in July. The area receives 314 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 54.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Sheldon?
Sheldon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,703. There are 124,542 business establishments in the area, including 10,837 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sheldon?
The median home value in Sheldon is $94,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,832. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,432. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.4%. The average annual property tax is $11,819.
How are the schools in Sheldon?
Schools in Sheldon score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.4% of adults in Sheldon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sheldon?
The obesity rate in Sheldon is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 29.6% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 29.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 91.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,717.
What is transportation like in Sheldon?
The average commute in Sheldon is 27 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sheldon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sheldon is 32.2% White, 6.2% Black or African American. 28.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 71.6% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 6.8% of residents have a disability. 54.1% have health insurance coverage.