Median Income
$27,292
64% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
68/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.1%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.1%
264% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
32.4%
161% higher than US avg
How Shellman Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population901
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density286/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 23%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
F
Median Income$27,292
Per Capita$21,849
Unemployment13.1%
Poverty32.4%
County GDP$228M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,000
Rent$675
Ownership52.9%
Zillow$117,601
Housing Units425
Rent Burden30.3%
Crime
F
Violent68/100K
Property609/100K
Health
Obesity44.1%
Uninsured15.6%
Smoking19.8%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain55.7 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation388 ft (118 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score3.19
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 54%
Commute24 min
Broadband82.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Shellman a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shellman receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Shellman has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shellman is $27,292, 64% below the national average of $75,149. At 13.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 32.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shellman is $95,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Shellman is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 609 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
Education
15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.2/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Shellman enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Shellman has a population of 901 with a density of 286 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly Black (71.4%), with 23.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Shellman is $27,292, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,849 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $824, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 13.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 32.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 167 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,292 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,849 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $824 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $42,567 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.1% |
| 264% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 32.4% |
| 161% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 167 |
| County GDP | $228M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,060 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.2% |
| Public Transit | 4.2% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Shellman is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,601, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 52.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 425 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $3,060. 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $117,601 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 52.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.1% |
| Housing Units | 425 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,060 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.22% |
In Shellman, 44.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 43.5% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.3% report binge drinking. 35.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.6% report depression. 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 15.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,144. The food environment index is 5.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shellman vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.1% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.5% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.9% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 43.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.7% |
| Uninsured | 15.6% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,144 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,013 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.4% |
| Premature Death | 17,238/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.6/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Shellman has a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 609 per 100,000, 69% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shellman receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shellman vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 67.7/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 609.3/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shellman enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 306 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 55.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 388 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.7°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 388 ft (118 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 286/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.7571°N, 84.6159°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Randolph County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Georgia Regional (ABY) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.7"
47% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 15.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
13 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
135 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
197 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
285 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
31 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
172 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
276 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 1 |
295 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
182 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
286 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
290 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
108 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
499 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 65 fatalities, 1,127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
44 km |
5 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
19 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
72 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
91 km |
7 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
73 km |
11 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1981 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1954 |
EF3 |
89 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1954 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2023 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (10,827 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
10,827 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,788 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,854 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,733 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,362 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
63 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
72 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,927 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,754 |
71 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,718 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,501 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,487 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
95 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
2,253 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
5.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (10°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
58°F (14°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
51°F (10°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Shellman has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 48°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.6") and October the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Shellman. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shellman
What is the population of Shellman?
Shellman has a population of 901 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 286 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Shellman expensive to live in?
Shellman has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $27,292, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shellman safe?
Shellman is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 609 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shellman receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shellman?
Shellman enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Shellman?
The job market in Shellman faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $824. There are 167 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shellman?
The median home value in Shellman is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,601. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,060.
How are the schools in Shellman?
Schools in Shellman have an average test score of 3.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 15.1% of adults in Shellman hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shellman?
The obesity rate in Shellman is 44.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 35.9% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 15.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,144.
What is transportation like in Shellman?
The average commute in Shellman is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.2% of workers drive alone to work, 4.2% use public transit, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shellman?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shellman is 23.4% White, 71.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 23.8% of residents have a disability. 80.7% have health insurance coverage.