Median Income
$76,591
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$147,800
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
201/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.6%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$790
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Shepherd Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,438
Median Age32.0 yrs
Density1,498/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,591
Per Capita$28,302
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$3,266M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,800
Rent$790
Ownership68.5%
Zillow$210,816
Housing Units561
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent201/100K
Property470/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault134/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking16.3%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation770 ft (235 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.6%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+8.7%
School Score5.29
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 45%
Commute18 min
Broadband94.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Shepherd a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shepherd receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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. Shepherd offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shepherd is $76,591, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shepherd is $147,800, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $790 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Shepherd is below the national average at 201 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 470 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
27.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Shepherd experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Shepherd has a population of 1,438 with a density of 1,498 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 32.0 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%), with 5.6% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.0yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Shepherd is $76,591, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,302 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $981, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,405 business establishments, including 160 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,591 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,302 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $981 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,263 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,405 |
| County GDP | $3,266M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 160 |
| Healthcare | 213 |
| Retail | 228 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,371 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Shepherd is $147,800, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $210,816, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $790 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 561 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $5,371 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $147,800 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $210,816 |
| Median List Price | $209,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $209,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $152 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $790 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.5% |
| Housing Units | 561 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,371 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.63% |
In Shepherd, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 29.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,025. The dentist ratio is 1:1,371. 77.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shepherd vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,025 |
| Dentists | 1:1,371 |
| Mental Health | 1:258 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,503/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 213 |
Shepherd has a violent crime rate of 201 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 134.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 67.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 470 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 470, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shepherd receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shepherd vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 201.5/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 67.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 134.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 470.1/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 470.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 29 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shepherd experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 770 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 770 ft (235 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,498/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5236°N, 84.6927°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Isabella County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.62"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1994.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
81 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
309 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 123 fatalities, 991 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
83 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 1990 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1989 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROSCOMMON4 (2,109 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Shepherd has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in February to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.6") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Shepherd. 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 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($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 |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
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 |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($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 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| 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) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $481 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $759 |
| Toddler | $759 |
| Preschool | $660 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shepherd
What is the population of Shepherd?
Shepherd has a population of 1,438 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,498 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Shepherd expensive to live in?
Shepherd has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,591, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,800 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $790 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shepherd safe?
Shepherd is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 201 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 470 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shepherd receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shepherd?
Shepherd has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Shepherd?
The job market in Shepherd is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $981. There are 1,405 business establishments in the area, including 160 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shepherd?
The median home value in Shepherd is $147,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $210,816. For renters, the median monthly rent is $790. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,371.
How are the schools in Shepherd?
Schools in Shepherd score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.6% of adults in Shepherd hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 8.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shepherd?
The obesity rate in Shepherd is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 29.7% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,025.
What is transportation like in Shepherd?
The average commute in Shepherd is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shepherd?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shepherd is 87.1% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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