Shell Knob, MO — City Data & Statistics

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 2.2%

39% lower 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

Unemployment2.2%

Poverty10.6%

Commute19 min

Housing

Home Value$304,700

Rent$1,010

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$303,301

Housing Units1,524

Rent Burden33.0%

Health

Obesity39.1%

Uninsured10.4%

Smoking20.1%

Depression26.3%

Heart Disease6.5%

Climate

Avg Temp57°F (14°C)

AQI41 (Good)

Rain43.6 in/yr

Sunny Days257/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%

Is Shell Knob a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Shell Knob receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. 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. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 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 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 257 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Shell Knob has a population of 1,445 with a density of 152 people per square mile, spread across 9.5 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 9.2% Hispanic, 6.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.6% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,445

Total Population

152

People / sq mi

59.5yrs

Median Age

53% above US avg

9.5mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%

Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Shell Knob vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	99.5%
	27% 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 2.2% (below 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.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$51,852
	31% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$34,463

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	2.2%
	39% below US avg
Poverty Rate	10.6%
	15% below US avg

Business (County)

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%

Walkability

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 $303,301. 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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$304,700
	8% above US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$303,301

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

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

Owner-Occupied	84.8%
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. 10.4% 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	86.6%
Uninsured	10.4%
	21% 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 57°F (14°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 257 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches. The area receives 2.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 906 feet.

Temperature

34°F Jan (1°C) 78°F Jul (26°C)

Annual Average	57.1°F
	6% above US avg
January Average	34°F (1°C)
July Average	78°F (26°C)
Sunny Days	257 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	43.6 inches
	15% above US avg
Snowfall	2.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	906 ft (276 m)
Area	9.5 sq mi (24.6 km²)
Population Density	152/sq mi
Coordinates	36.6053°N, 93.5981°W
Timezone	America/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	34°F (1°C)	2.1 in	Coldest, Driest
February	39°F (4°C)	2.4 in
March	47°F (9°C)	4.1 in
April	57°F (14°C)	4.2 in
May	65°F (18°C)	4.7 in	Wettest
June	73°F (23°C)	4.5 in
July	78°F (26°C)	3.2 in	Warmest
August	77°F (25°C)	3.5 in
September	70°F (21°C)	4.2 in
October	59°F (15°C)	3.5 in
November	48°F (9°C)	4.0 in
December	38°F (4°C)	3.3 in

Shell Knob has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F — from 34°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.1").

20.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 40% below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 85.0% of households have broadband internet access. 59.9% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	20.2%
	40% below US avg
High School+	90.2%
Graduate Degree+	5.6%
School Test Score	5.51

C+ Education Grade (2.6/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	152/sq mi
Total Area	9.5 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	85.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	19.2 min
Drive Alone	59.9%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	19.4%

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 9.5 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 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 257 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 43.6 inches, with 2.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.

How is the job market in Shell Knob?

The job market in Shell Knob is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% — well below the national rate 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 $303,301. 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.

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. 10.4% 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, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Asian. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 86.6% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Kimberling City, MO 2,559 pop · 10.2 mi Holiday Island, AR 2,405 pop · 11.4 mi Eureka Springs, AR 2,269 pop · 15.7 mi Cassville, MO 3,208 pop · 15.8 mi Berryville, AR 5,715 pop · 16.3 mi Crane, MO 1,545 pop · 20.8 mi Green Forest, AR 3,072 pop · 20.9 mi Branson, MO 12,760 pop · 21.2 mi Hollister, MO 4,608 pop · 21.3 mi Purdy, MO 1,308 pop · 23.1 mi Merriam Woods, MO 2,203 pop · 25.3 mi Aurora, MO 7,331 pop · 26.1 mi Forsyth, MO 2,749 pop · 27.1 mi Marionville, MO 2,701 pop · 27.6 mi

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