Choose Country

Sheldon, WI

Wisconsin · Taylor County

Sheldon is a small town in Wisconsin with a population of 265. Residents earn $37,054 per year, which is 51% below the national average.

3.3 /5.0
B Good
265 Population 402/sq mi density
$37,054 Median Income $24,442 per capita
$116,700 Home Value $177,805 Zillow
$795 Median Rent 23.0% income on rent
42°F Avg Temperature 270 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.3 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.4 / 5.0
$37,054 median income, 3.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.9 / 5.0
$116,700 home value, $795/mo rent
D
Education
1.6 / 5.0
8.0% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $37,054
51% lower than US avg
Home Value $116,700
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent $795
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment 3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.6%
47% lower than US avg

How Sheldon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population265
Median Age46.6 yrs
Density402/mi²
Male / Female59% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans16.3%

Economy

B
Median Income$37,054
Per Capita$24,442
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty6.6%
County GDP$1,109M
Commute34 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$116,700
Rent$795
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$177,805
Housing Units135
Rent Burden23.0%

Health

Obesity41.1%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking19.4%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease6.6%

Climate

Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,126 ft (343 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+75.0%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score6.10

Community

2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute34 min
Broadband85.4%
Libraries5

Is Sheldon a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Sheldon receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include 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 $37,054, 51% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Sheldon is $116,700, 59% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Education

8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.

Climate & Weather

Sheldon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches, including 70.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.

Sheldon has a population of 265 with a density of 402 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 46.6 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.5% female and 58.5% male. The city is predominantly White (86.4%), with 4.5% Hispanic, 5.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 16.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.

Population

265
Total Population
402
People / sq mi
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
0.7mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 58.5%
Female 41.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Sheldon vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish1.3%
90% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Sheldon vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Sheldon is $37,054, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,442 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 538 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 11.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Sheldon vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$37,054
51% below US avg
Per Capita Income$24,442
Avg Weekly Wage$919
IRS Avg AGI$61,024

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.5%
3% below US avg
Poverty Rate6.6%
47% below US avg
Establishments (County)538
County GDP$1,109M

Business (County)

Restaurants50
Healthcare46
Retail65
Manufacturing38

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$4,657
33% above US avg
Cost of Living94.10 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate3.99%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time34.0 min
Drive Alone79.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home11.8%

Walkability

The median home value in Sheldon is $116,700, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,805, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $795 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 135 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,657 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$116,700
59% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$177,805

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$795
32% below US avg
Rent Burden23.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$797
1 Bedroom$872
2 Bedrooms$1,097
3 Bedrooms$1,405
4 Bedrooms$1,572

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied69.2%
Renter-Occupied30.8%
Housing Units135
Median Year Built1958

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$4,657
33% above US avg
Effective Rate3.99%
In Sheldon, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 29.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985. The dentist ratio is 1:1,665. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity41.1%
28% above US avg
Diabetes10.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
High Blood Pressure31.0%
Asthma11.8%
COPD7.6%
Cancer7.1%
Stroke3.4%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking19.4%
39% above US avg
Binge Drinking20.5%
Physical Inactivity29.2%
Depression25.7%
Mental Distress19.4%
Physical Distress14.4%
Short Sleep34.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate96.4%
Uninsured9.5%
10% above US avg
Primary Care1:3,985
Dentists1:1,665
Mental Health1:802
Checkup Rate74.9%
Dental Visits62.9%
Premature Death6,980/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.1/10
Exercise Access55.6%
Healthcare Facilities46
Sheldon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 270 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 34.8 inches. The area receives 70.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,126 feet.

Temperature

13°F Jan (-11°C) 67°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average42.2°F
22% below US avg
January Average13°F (-11°C)
July Average67°F (20°C)
Sunny Days270 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall34.8 inches
9% below US avg
Snowfall70.4 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median38.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,126 ft (343 m)
Area0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²)
Population Density402/sq mi
Coordinates45.3119°N, 90.9567°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
CountyTaylor County County
County FIPS55119

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 13°F (-11°C) 1.0 in Coldest
February 16°F (-9°C) 0.8 in Driest
March 28°F (-2°C) 1.7 in
April 43°F (6°C) 2.6 in
May 55°F (13°C) 3.5 in
June 64°F (18°C) 4.3 in
July 67°F (20°C) 4.1 in Warmest
August 66°F (19°C) 4.4 in Wettest
September 57°F (14°C) 4.3 in
October 46°F (8°C) 2.5 in
November 31°F (-1°C) 1.9 in
December 16°F (-9°C) 1.3 in

Sheldon has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F — from 13°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.8").

Sheldon is located in Taylor County. It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent, a rural community. 8.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 76% below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 6.1 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 73.5% of the vote, a 48.2-point margin. 85.4% of households have broadband internet access. There are 5 public libraries serving the community. 46 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 79% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 73.5%
D 25.3%

Winner: Republican by 48.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+8.0%
76% below US avg
High School+75.0%
Graduate Degree+0.5%
School Test Score6.10
D Education Grade (1.6/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 8Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent
Population Density402/sq mi
Total Area0.7 sq mi
CountyTaylor County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access85.4%
Public Libraries5
Healthcare Facilities46
Restaurants50
Retail Stores65

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)1

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute34.0 min
Drive Alone79.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home11.8%

Frequently Asked Questions About Sheldon

What is the population of Sheldon?

Sheldon has a population of 265 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 402 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.5% female and 58.5% male.

Is Sheldon expensive to live in?

Sheldon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $37,054, 51% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,700 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Sheldon?

Sheldon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches, with 70.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.

How is the job market in Sheldon?

Sheldon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 538 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 11.8% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Sheldon?

The median home value in Sheldon is $116,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,805. For renters, the median monthly rent is $795. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The average annual property tax is $4,657.

How are the schools in Sheldon?

Schools in Sheldon score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.0% of adults in Sheldon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Sheldon?

The obesity rate in Sheldon is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 29.2% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985.

What is transportation like in Sheldon?

The average commute in Sheldon is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.8% work from home.

What are the demographics of Sheldon?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sheldon is 86.4% White, 5.3% Black or African American, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 16.3% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Ladysmith, WI 3,152 pop · 12.4 mi Cornell, WI 1,331 pop · 13.9 mi Stanley, WI 3,774 pop · 24.4 mi Thorp, WI 1,696 pop · 25.6 mi Cadott, WI 1,495 pop · 26.8 mi Bloomer, WI 3,691 pop · 29.8 mi Lake Wissota, WI 3,103 pop · 31.2 mi Medford, WI 4,331 pop · 32.3 mi Chippewa Falls, WI 14,643 pop · 33.5 mi Chetek, WI 2,017 pop · 33.8 mi Lake Hallie, WI 7,245 pop · 36.8 mi Phillips, WI 1,546 pop · 37.7 mi Cameron, WI 1,763 pop · 38.5 mi Rice Lake, WI 9,030 pop · 40.0 mi
Compare Sheldon with another city: