Median Income
$46,066
39% lower than US avg
Home Value
$457,700
62% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
566/100K
49% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.1%
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Shelter Cove Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population764
Median Age52.7 yrs
Density131/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,066
Per Capita$29,628
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,591M
Housing
F
Home Value$457,700
Ownership91.5%
Zillow$305,315
Housing Units679
Rent Burden37.1%
Crime
F
Violent566/100K
Property1,697/100K
Health
Obesity33.7%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking18.3%
Depression27.9%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation575 ft (175 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.1%
High School+84.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.55
Community
2024 VoteR 34% / D 62%
Broadband70.9%
EV Stations5
Libraries13
Is Shelter Cove a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shelter Cove receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs, below-average incomes. Shelter Cove has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shelter Cove is $46,066, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shelter Cove is $457,700, making it a premium housing market at 62% above the U.S. median of $281,900. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.9x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 566 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Shelter Cove enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Shelter Cove has a population of 764 with a density of 131 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age is 52.7 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (79.6%), with 6% Hispanic, 4.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 26.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.7yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shelter Cove vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Shelter Cove vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shelter Cove is $46,066, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,628 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,062, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,685 business establishments, including 393 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Shelter Cove vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,066 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,628 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,062 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,241 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,685 |
| County GDP | $7,591M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 393 |
| Healthcare | 384 |
| Retail | 538 |
| Manufacturing | 123 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Shelter Cove is $457,700, 62% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,315, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.6% of their list price. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 679 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $4,760 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.9x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $457,700 |
| 62% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,315 |
| Median List Price | $498,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $498,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $413 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.6% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 12 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.5% |
| Housing Units | 679 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.04% |
In Shelter Cove, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,642. The dentist ratio is 1:1,216. 88.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shelter Cove vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,642 |
| Dentists | 1:1,216 |
| Mental Health | 1:160 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 54.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,668/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 384 |
Shelter Cove has a violent crime rate of 566 per 100,000 residents, 49% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,697 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 24 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shelter Cove receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shelter Cove vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 565.8/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,697.4/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shelter Cove enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 282 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 575 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 56.9°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 575 ft (175 m) |
| Area | 5.8 sq mi (15.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 131/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0390°N, 124.0558°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Humboldt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Redding Regional (RDD)
98 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Dec)
13.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0303 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.31 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.23 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
| Tsunami |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5,502 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 25, 1992 |
The 1992 Petrolia, California Earthquake |
M7.2 |
36 km |
| Sep 1, 1994 |
121 km W of Ferndale, California |
M7.1 |
144 km |
| Mar 10, 2014 |
77 km WNW of Indianola, California |
M6.8 |
127 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
32 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M6.6 |
57 km |
| Jan 10, 2010 |
The 2010 Eureka, California Earthquake |
M6.5 |
87 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
30 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M6.5 |
62 km |
| Aug 17, 1991 |
30 km SSW of Scotia, California |
M6.0 |
31 km |
| Feb 4, 2010 |
61 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.9 |
87 km |
| Mar 9, 2020 |
69km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.8 |
97 km |
| Jan 28, 2015 |
40 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
56 km |
| Mar 16, 2000 |
85 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
108 km |
| Sep 3, 2016 |
124 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.6 |
142 km |
| Feb 13, 2012 |
26 km NNW of Willow Creek, California |
M5.6 |
125 km |
| Jan 22, 1997 |
33 km SW of Scotia, California |
M5.6 |
38 km |
| May 21, 2023 |
108km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
133 km |
| Jun 23, 2019 |
6km SSW of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
33 km |
| Dec 26, 1994 |
7 km WNW of Fields Landing, California |
M5.4 |
81 km |
| Jan 13, 2001 |
off the coast of Northern California |
M5.4 |
128 km |
| Jan 16, 1990 |
30 km NW of Shelter Cove, California |
M5.4 |
31 km |
| Nov 27, 1998 |
87 km W of Ferndale, California |
M5.4 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
2 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 5, 1998 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 2018 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.8 m (6 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1992 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
— |
43 km |
| 2024 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
90 km |
| 1994 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
144 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Clear Lake (162 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
162 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AUGUST COMPLEX (1,068,802 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
AUGUST COMPLEX |
1,068,802 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
YOLLA BOLLY COMPLEX (IRON) |
94,888 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
NORTH PASS |
43,689 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
ROUTE COMPLEX |
35,444 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
PATTISON |
31,129 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
LIME COMPLEX (LIME) |
27,234 |
75 km |
| 2008 |
LIME COMPLEX (MINERS) |
25,680 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (CEDAR) |
25,277 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
SHIELL |
24,830 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
LASSICS |
20,716 |
54 km |
| 2008 |
HELLS HALF FIRE (HALF) |
14,873 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
COLD |
14,801 |
78 km |
| 2017 |
BUCK |
13,612 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
HONEYDEW |
13,555 |
15 km |
| 2014 |
LODGE COMPLEX |
12,299 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
FLUME |
12,198 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
TRAVIS |
11,989 |
71 km |
| 2022 |
AMMON |
11,514 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
PICKETT |
11,226 |
68 km |
| 2003 |
CANOE |
10,881 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
13.5 in |
|
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
11.1 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
10.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
0.7 in |
Warmest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
12.5 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
13.7 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Shelter Cove has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 44°F in December to 63°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 76.3 inches, with December being the wettest month (13.7") and July the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Shelter Cove. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,586 |
| Toddler | $1,003 |
| Preschool | $830 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,094 |
| Toddler | $952 |
| Preschool | $884 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelter Cove
What is the population of Shelter Cove?
Shelter Cove has a population of 764 residents and is located in California. The population density is 131 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is Shelter Cove expensive to live in?
Shelter Cove is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,066, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $457,700 (62% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 9.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Shelter Cove safe?
The violent crime rate in Shelter Cove is 566 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 1,697 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shelter Cove receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shelter Cove?
Shelter Cove enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Shelter Cove?
The job market in Shelter Cove is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,062. There are 7,685 business establishments in the area, including 393 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Shelter Cove?
The median home value in Shelter Cove is $457,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,315. The homeownership rate is 91.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,760.
How are the schools in Shelter Cove?
Schools in Shelter Cove have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.1% of adults in Shelter Cove hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shelter Cove?
The obesity rate in Shelter Cove is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 88.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,642.
What are the demographics of Shelter Cove?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelter Cove is 79.6% White, 4.7% Black or African American, 6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 26.0% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
