Median Income
$43,281
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,200
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
74/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.5%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$377
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
51.5%
60% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.1%
167% higher than US avg
How Shell Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,112
Median Age27.5 yrs
Density74/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$43,281
Per Capita$15,683
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty33.1%
County GDP$595M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,200
Rent$377
Ownership58.7%
Zillow$206,381
Housing Units373
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
F
Violent74/100K
Property963/100K
Health
Obesity51.5%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking28.0%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain20.1 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation1,811 ft (552 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.5%
High School+63.6%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score4.35
Community
2024 VoteR 35% / D 63%
Commute14 min
Broadband92.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Shell Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shell Valley receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Shell Valley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shell Valley is $43,281, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 33.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shell Valley is $55,200, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $377 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Shell Valley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 963 per 100,000, 51% below the national average.
Education
22.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 63.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Shell Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Shell Valley has a population of 1,112 with a density of 74 people per square mile, spread across 15.0 square miles. The median age is 27.5 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (99.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 23.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 42.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.5yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shell Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Shell Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shell Valley is $43,281, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,683 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 287 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Shell Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,281 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,683 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,770 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.1% |
| 167% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 287 |
| County GDP | $595M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Shell Valley is $55,200, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,381, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $377 (68% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 373 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,200 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,381 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $377 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.3% |
| Housing Units | 373 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
In Shell Valley, 51.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 38.8% have high blood pressure. 28.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 36.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.9% report depression. 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,008. The dentist ratio is 1:1,085. 66.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shell Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 51.5% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.3% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.8% |
| Asthma | 15.1% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 5.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.0% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.3% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 19.1% |
| Short Sleep | 42.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 42.8% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,008 |
| Dentists | 1:1,085 |
| Mental Health | 1:533 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 46.5% |
| Premature Death | 22,508/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Shell Valley has a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 963 per 100,000, 51% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shell Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shell Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 74.1/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 963.0/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shell Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 269 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 20.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,811 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 38.2°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,811 ft (552 m) |
| Area | 15.0 sq mi (39.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 74/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.8086°N, 99.8271°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rolette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Devils Lake Regional (DVL)
64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.1"
47% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
156 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1986 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2016 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 2001 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1972 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1959 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2020 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2018 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2013 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,371 ac, 1989).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,371 |
6 km |
| 2000 |
RED CROSS |
3,015 |
56 km |
| 2017 |
NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 |
2,772 |
58 km |
| 1992 |
CLARK II |
2,443 |
6 km |
| 2009 |
COUNTY ROAD 17 |
2,291 |
59 km |
| 1994 |
ASPEN |
1,994 |
59 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 326 |
1,805 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
DAHL |
1,312 |
92 km |
| 1985 |
LAKE ALICE |
1,214 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| October |
42°F (6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Shell Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 6°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Shell Valley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $853 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $722 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $627 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $596 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shell Valley
What is the population of Shell Valley?
Shell Valley has a population of 1,112 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 74 people per square mile, spread across 15.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Shell Valley expensive to live in?
Shell Valley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,281, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,200 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $377 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shell Valley safe?
Shell Valley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 74 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 963 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shell Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shell Valley?
Shell Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Shell Valley?
The unemployment rate in Shell Valley is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 287 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shell Valley?
The median home value in Shell Valley is $55,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,381. For renters, the median monthly rent is $377. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.7%.
How are the schools in Shell Valley?
Schools in Shell Valley have an average test score of 4.4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 22.5% of adults in Shell Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 63.6% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shell Valley?
The obesity rate in Shell Valley is 51.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.0% of adults are smokers. 36.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,008.
What is transportation like in Shell Valley?
The average commute in Shell Valley is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shell Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shell Valley is 99.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 23.0% of residents have a disability. 42.8% have health insurance coverage.
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