Median Income
$52,469
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,000
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$762
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.2%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.8%
3% higher than US avg
How Shenandoah Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,913
Median Age44.1 yrs
Density1,314/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,469
Per Capita$33,211
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty12.8%
County GDP$394M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,000
Rent$762
Ownership58.3%
Zillow$136,240
Housing Units2,496
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property844/100K
Murder20.6/100K
Assault123/100K
Burglary247/100K
Health
Obesity44.2%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking20.4%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,003 ft (306 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute17 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Shenandoah a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shenandoah receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Shenandoah offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shenandoah is $52,469, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shenandoah is $110,000, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Shenandoah is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 844 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Shenandoah experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches, including 26.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Shenandoah has a population of 4,913 with a density of 1,314 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 44.1 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.1yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shenandoah vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Shenandoah vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shenandoah is $52,469, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,211 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 285 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Shenandoah vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,469 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,211 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 285 |
| County GDP | $394M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,425 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.4% |
The median home value in Shenandoah is $110,000, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,240, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $762 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,496 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $3,425. 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,000 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,240 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $762 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.7% |
| Housing Units | 2,496 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,425 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.11% |
In Shenandoah, 44.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 29.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.7% report depression. 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,567. The dentist ratio is 1:6,464. 28.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shenandoah vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.2% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,567 |
| Dentists | 1:6,464 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,229 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,007/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 28.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Shenandoah has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 123.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 20.6 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 844 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 535, burglary at 247, vehicle theft at 62 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shenandoah receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shenandoah vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 144.1/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Murder | 20.6/100K |
| 227% above US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 123.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 843.8/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Burglary | 247.0/100K |
| Theft | 535.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 61.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shenandoah experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 275 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 36.4 inches. The area receives 26.4 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 1,003 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.8°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,003 ft (306 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,314/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7582°N, 95.3721°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fremont County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
57 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
20 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
45 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
122 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
649 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 486 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
41 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
9 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
16 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1994 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
57 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
73 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
73 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
73 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
74 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
75 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Shenandoah has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 24°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Shenandoah. 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 | $687 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $451 |
| Toddler | $444 |
| Preschool | $444 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shenandoah
What is the population of Shenandoah?
Shenandoah has a population of 4,913 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,314 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Shenandoah expensive to live in?
Shenandoah 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 $52,469, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,000 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shenandoah safe?
Shenandoah is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 844 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shenandoah receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shenandoah?
Shenandoah has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches, with 26.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Shenandoah?
Shenandoah has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 285 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shenandoah?
The median home value in Shenandoah is $110,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,240. For renters, the median monthly rent is $762. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,425.
How are the schools in Shenandoah?
Schools in Shenandoah score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Shenandoah hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shenandoah?
The obesity rate in Shenandoah is 44.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 29.5% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 28.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,567.
What is transportation like in Shenandoah?
The average commute in Shenandoah is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shenandoah?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shenandoah is 96.5% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
