Median Income
$37,054
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,700
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
91/100K
76% 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
Ownership69.2%
Zillow$177,805
Housing Units135
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent91/100K
Property2,257/100K
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%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Sheldon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sheldon receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Sheldon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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.
Safety & Crime
Sheldon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 91 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,257 per 100,000, near the national average.
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
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
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
| Median HH Income | $37,054 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,442 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,024 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 538 |
| County GDP | $1,109M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.8% |
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. 69.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. 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 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 Burden | 23.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.8% |
| Housing Units | 135 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.99% |
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
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.2% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,985 |
| Dentists | 1:1,665 |
| Mental Health | 1:802 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,980/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Sheldon has a violent crime rate of 91 per 100,000 residents, 76% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,257 per 100,000, 15% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sheldon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sheldon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 91.5/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,256.8/100K |
| 15% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
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 Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,126 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 402/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3119°N, 90.9567°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Taylor County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0438 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
258 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 315 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
65 km |
4 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
59 km |
3 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RILEY (1,254 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
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").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
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.
Is Sheldon safe?
Sheldon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 91 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,257 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 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 homeownership rate is 69.2%. 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.
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