Median Income
$69,750
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$184,100
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.1%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$928
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.6%
87% lower than US avg
How Shellsburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population752
Median Age43.7 yrs
Density940/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,750
Per Capita$33,674
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty1.6%
County GDP$21,899M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$184,100
Rent$928
Ownership86.4%
Zillow$310,783
Housing Units385
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property1,162/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.4%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation775 ft (236 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.1%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries12
Is Shellsburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shellsburg receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Shellsburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shellsburg is $69,750, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shellsburg is $184,100, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $928 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Shellsburg is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
14.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Shellsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 34.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Shellsburg has a population of 752 with a density of 940 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 43.7 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.7yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shellsburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Shellsburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shellsburg is $69,750, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,674 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,300. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,760 business establishments, including 543 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Shellsburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,750 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,674 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,300 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,771 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.6% |
| 87% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,760 |
| County GDP | $21,899M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 543 |
| Healthcare | 760 |
| Retail | 691 |
| Manufacturing | 202 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,996 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Shellsburg is $184,100, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,783, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $928 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 385 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $5,996 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,100 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,783 |
| Median List Price | $232,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $232,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $98 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $928 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.6% |
| Housing Units | 385 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,996 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Shellsburg, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,601. The dentist ratio is 1:1,347. 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shellsburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,601 |
| Dentists | 1:1,347 |
| Mental Health | 1:322 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,001/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 760 |
Shellsburg has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shellsburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shellsburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.5/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,162.1/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shellsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches. The area receives 34.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 775 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 775 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 940/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0929°N, 91.8713°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Linn County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0481 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.46 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
628 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 24 fatalities, 592 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
97 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
64 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
36 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
41 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
39 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
35 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Shellsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Shellsburg. 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 | $719 |
| Toddler | $619 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $483 |
| Toddler | $475 |
| Preschool | $475 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shellsburg
What is the population of Shellsburg?
Shellsburg has a population of 752 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 940 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Shellsburg expensive to live in?
Shellsburg 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 $69,750, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,100 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $928 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shellsburg safe?
Shellsburg is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shellsburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shellsburg?
Shellsburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 inches, with 34.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Shellsburg?
The job market in Shellsburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,300. There are 7,760 business establishments in the area, including 543 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shellsburg?
The median home value in Shellsburg is $184,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,783. For renters, the median monthly rent is $928. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,996.
How are the schools in Shellsburg?
Schools in Shellsburg score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.1% of adults in Shellsburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shellsburg?
The obesity rate in Shellsburg is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,601.
What is transportation like in Shellsburg?
The average commute in Shellsburg is 26 minutes. 81.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shellsburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shellsburg is 97.1% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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