Median Income
$56,875
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$207,100
27% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
575/100K
51% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.7%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$713
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How Shell Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,513
Median Age45.0 yrs
Density259/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,875
Per Capita$39,049
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$800M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$207,100
Rent$713
Ownership71.5%
Zillow$302,303
Housing Units934
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
F
Violent575/100K
Property2,606/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking15.7%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.6 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,224 ft (373 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.7%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute20 min
Broadband84.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Shell Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shell Lake 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 elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Shell Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shell Lake is $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shell Lake is $207,100, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 575 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,606 per 100,000, 33% above the national average.
Education
28.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Shell Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.6 inches, including 55.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Shell Lake has a population of 1,513 with a density of 259 people per square mile, spread across 10.2 square miles. The median age is 45.0 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.7% female and 43.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 3.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.0yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shell Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Shell Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shell Lake is $56,875, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,049. The average weekly wage is $852, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 611 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.2% of workers work from home.
Income: Shell Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,875 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,049 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $852 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,050 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 611 |
| County GDP | $800M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 74 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,359 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.2% |
The median home value in Shell Lake is $207,100, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $302,303, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% 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. 71.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 934 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $5,359 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $207,100 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $302,303 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $713 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.5% |
| Housing Units | 934 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,359 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.59% |
In Shell Lake, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,047. The dentist ratio is 1:2,416. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shell Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,047 |
| Dentists | 1:2,416 |
| Mental Health | 1:677 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,092/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Shell Lake has a violent crime rate of 575 per 100,000 residents, 51% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,606 per 100,000, 33% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shell Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shell Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 574.9/100K |
| 51% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,606.4/100K |
| 33% 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 |
Shell Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 69°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 31.6 inches. The area receives 55.7 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 1,224 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,224 ft (373 m) |
| Area | 10.2 sq mi (26.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 259/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.7264°N, 91.9100°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washburn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rice Lake Regional/Carl's Field (RIE)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.6"
17% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
221 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 32 fatalities, 285 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
98 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2001 |
EF3 |
58 km |
2 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1990 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1990 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1986 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1982 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF2 |
75 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
72 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
55 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,850 |
72 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
PIONEER FIRE |
1,072 |
81 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
1,068 |
94 km |
| 2013 |
CRANBERRY FIRE |
779 |
56 km |
| 2024 |
RX-64 |
553 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
BN COMPLEX 2 |
547 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Shell Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from 11°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Shell Lake. 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 Shell Lake
What is the population of Shell Lake?
Shell Lake has a population of 1,513 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 259 people per square mile, spread across 10.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.7% female and 43.3% male.
Is Shell Lake expensive to live in?
Shell Lake 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 $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $207,100 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shell Lake safe?
The violent crime rate in Shell Lake is 575 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,606 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Shell Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shell Lake?
Shell Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.6 inches, with 55.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Shell Lake?
The job market in Shell Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $852. There are 611 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 12.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shell Lake?
The median home value in Shell Lake is $207,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $302,303. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,359.
How are the schools in Shell Lake?
Schools in Shell Lake score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.7% of adults in Shell Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shell Lake?
The obesity rate in Shell Lake is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 65.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,047.
What is transportation like in Shell Lake?
The average commute in Shell Lake is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shell Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shell Lake is 92% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
