Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,300
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
202/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.5%
136% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.3%
120% higher than US avg
How Shelly Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population195
Median Age34.6 yrs
Density929/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
C
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$25,905
Unemployment8.5%
Poverty27.3%
County GDP$246M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,300
Ownership95.1%
Zillow$166,270
Housing Units113
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent202/100K
Property860/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking16.7%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain25.0 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation869 ft (265 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+82.3%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute32 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Shelly a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shelly receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Shelly has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shelly is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 27.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shelly is $88,300, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Shelly is below the national average at 202 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 860 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Shelly has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 25.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Shelly has a population of 195 with a density of 929 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 34.6 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (71.3%), with 9.7% Hispanic, 7.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.6yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Shelly is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,905 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 27.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 259 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,905 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,820 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.5% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.3% |
| 120% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 259 |
| County GDP | $246M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Shelly is $88,300, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,270, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 113 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $2,057 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,300 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $166,270 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.9% |
| Housing Units | 113 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,057 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.33% |
In Shelly, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The dentist ratio is 1:1,594. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shelly vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,594 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,329 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,593/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Shelly has a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 860 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shelly receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shelly vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 202.4/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 860.2/100K |
| 56% 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 |
Shelly has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 276 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 25.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 869 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.0°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 869 ft (265 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 929/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.4582°N, 96.8197°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Norman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.0"
34% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
490 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 195 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
74 km |
10 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 2016 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 2007 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1987 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1975 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1958 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1956 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2019 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 2018 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2017 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OXCART (12,538 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
OXCART |
12,538 |
51 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,420 |
48 km |
| 2024 |
4 SQUARE MILE RX |
2,320 |
52 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,092 |
49 km |
| 2010 |
NELSON PRAIRIE MIDDLE WPA |
1,779 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
VIKING FIRE |
1,698 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
DOWNING |
1,506 |
72 km |
| 2020 |
GRAVEL PIT |
1,468 |
48 km |
| 2012 |
SPRING CREEK |
1,413 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
BEJOU WMA |
1,270 |
61 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,270 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
FLICKERTAIL |
1,239 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
NEAL WMA |
1,213 |
48 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
1,193 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
73 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
P CHICKEN |
1,121 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
62 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,026 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
HELLIKSEN |
993 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Shelly has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from 6°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Shelly. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelly
What is the population of Shelly?
Shelly has a population of 195 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 929 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Shelly expensive to live in?
Shelly has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,300 (69% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shelly safe?
Shelly is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 860 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shelly receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shelly?
Shelly has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 25.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Shelly?
The job market in Shelly faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 259 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shelly?
The median home value in Shelly is $88,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,270. The homeownership rate is 95.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,057.
How are the schools in Shelly?
Schools in Shelly score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Shelly hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.3% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shelly?
The obesity rate in Shelly is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 40.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Shelly?
The average commute in Shelly is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shelly?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelly is 71.3% White, 7.2% Black or African American, 9.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.7% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
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