Median Income
$51,852
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$304,700
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,010
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Shell Knob Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,445
Median Age59.5 yrs
Density152/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,852
Per Capita$34,463
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty10.6%
Commute19 min
Housing
B
Home Value$304,700
Rent$1,010
Ownership84.8%
Zillow$320,706
Housing Units1,524
Rent Burden33.0%
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured11.4%
Smoking20.1%
Depression26.3%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain45.5 in/yr
Elevation906 ft (276 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute19 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations1
Is Shell Knob a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shell Knob receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Shell Knob offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shell Knob is $51,852, 31% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shell Knob is $304,700, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,010 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Shell Knob enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.5 inches, including 6.9 inches of snow.
Shell Knob has a population of 1,445 with a density of 152 people per square mile, spread across 10.8 square miles. The median age is 59.5 years, 53% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (74.5%), with 14.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,445
Total Population
2023 Census
59.5yrs
Median Age
53% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shell Knob vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Shell Knob vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shell Knob is $51,852, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,463 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Shell Knob vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,852 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,463 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.4% |
The median home value in Shell Knob is $304,700, 8% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,706. Monthly rent averages $1,010 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,524 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. 33.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $304,700 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,706 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,010 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,524 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
In Shell Knob, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 31.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Shell Knob vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.3% |
| Depression | 26.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.6% |
| Uninsured | 11.4% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 53.8% |
Food & Exercise
Shell Knob enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.5 inches. The area receives 6.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 906 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.2°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 10.8 sq mi (28.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 152/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6053°N, 93.5981°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Northwest Arkansas Ntl (XNA)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.5"
20% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.74"
Earthquake History
25 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
119 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
60 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Apr 3, 2013 |
10 km WSW of Clinton, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
150 km |
| Jul 28, 2016 |
4 km ENE of Dover, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Jan 7, 2009 |
10 km WSW of Clinton, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
96 km |
| Sep 5, 2013 |
17 km W of Dennard, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
70 km |
| Mar 10, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
122 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
136 km |
| May 13, 2015 |
8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
72 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
60 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
534 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 44 fatalities, 667 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
68 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
3 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
85 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
64 km |
7 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Nov 18, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
3 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 8, 1970 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,919 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
7,919 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,804 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
7,344 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
71 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
5,504 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,724 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
CAVE CREEK |
4,263 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
BIG CREEK |
4,031 |
69 km |
| 2011 |
11 GENE RUSH #2 |
3,524 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
3,347 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
BEECH GROVE |
3,212 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
RX - SLUSHER BLACKLINE |
3,101 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
RXBURN |
2,951 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
VIKING |
2,721 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
GOETZ |
2,615 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
TWIN PEAKS |
2,578 |
87 km |
| 2023 |
RX TWIN PEAKS |
2,560 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Shell Knob has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 33°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.7") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Shell Knob. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Shell Knob
What is the population of Shell Knob?
Shell Knob has a population of 1,445 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 152 people per square mile, spread across 10.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Shell Knob expensive to live in?
Shell Knob is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,852, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $304,700 (8% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,010 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Shell Knob?
Shell Knob enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.5 inches, with 6.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Shell Knob?
Shell Knob has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 19.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shell Knob?
The median home value in Shell Knob is $304,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,706. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,010. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.8%.
How are the schools in Shell Knob?
Schools in Shell Knob score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Shell Knob hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shell Knob?
The obesity rate in Shell Knob is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 31.3% are physically inactive. 26.3% of residents report depression. 11.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Shell Knob?
The average commute in Shell Knob is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 59.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shell Knob?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shell Knob is 74.5% White, 14.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 22.7% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.