Median Income
$70,556
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$159,100
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
544/100K
43% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.8%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$750
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.1%
59% lower than US avg
How Shell Rock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,634
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density1,021/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,556
Per Capita$34,234
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty5.1%
County GDP$705M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$159,100
Rent$750
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$217,091
Housing Units625
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
F
Violent544/100K
Property1,492/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking16.6%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation906 ft (276 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.8%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute24 min
Broadband83.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Shell Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shell Rock receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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, high obesity rates. Shell Rock offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shell Rock is $70,556, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shell Rock is $159,100, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 544 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,492 per 100,000, 24% below the national average.
Education
17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Shell Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Shell Rock has a population of 1,634 with a density of 1,021 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shell Rock vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Shell Rock vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shell Rock is $70,556, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,234 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,023, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 424 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Shell Rock vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,556 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,234 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,023 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,290 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.1% |
| 59% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 424 |
| County GDP | $705M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,327 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Shell Rock is $159,100, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,091, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 625 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $3,327. 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $159,100 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $217,091 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 625 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,327 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.09% |
In Shell Rock, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,166. The dentist ratio is 1:4,756. 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shell Rock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,166 |
| Dentists | 1:4,756 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,362 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,243/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Shell Rock has a violent crime rate of 544 per 100,000 residents, 43% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,492 per 100,000, 24% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shell Rock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shell Rock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 543.6/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,492.4/100K |
| 24% below 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 Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 906 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,021/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7123°N, 92.5817°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Butler County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.4"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
628 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 48 fatalities, 1,179 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
30 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
44 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
54 km |
5 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
88 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Shell Rock has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Shell Rock. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $697 |
| Toddler | $600 |
| Preschool | $600 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shell Rock
What is the population of Shell Rock?
Shell Rock has a population of 1,634 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,021 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Shell Rock expensive to live in?
Shell Rock is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,556, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $159,100 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shell Rock safe?
The violent crime rate in Shell Rock is 544 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 1,492 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shell Rock receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shell Rock?
Shell Rock has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Shell Rock?
Shell Rock has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,023. There are 424 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shell Rock?
The median home value in Shell Rock is $159,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,091. For renters, the median monthly rent is $750. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,327.
How are the schools in Shell Rock?
Schools in Shell Rock score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.8% of adults in Shell Rock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shell Rock?
The obesity rate in Shell Rock is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 60.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,166.
What is transportation like in Shell Rock?
The average commute in Shell Rock is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shell Rock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shell Rock is 94.6% White, 0.6% Black or African American. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
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