Median Income
$48,368
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,100
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.8%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$642
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.7%
35% higher than US avg
How Shepherd Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,124
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density348/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,368
Per Capita$23,589
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty16.7%
County GDP$523M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,100
Rent$642
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$192,791
Health
Obesity40.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain55.5 in/yr
Elevation186 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.8%
High School+84.0%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute36 min
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Shepherd a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shepherd receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. 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 $48,368, 36% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shepherd is $144,100, 49% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $642 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Shepherd enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 55.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Shepherd has a population of 2,124 with a density of 348 people per square mile. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (68.6%), with 5.6% Hispanic, 11.9% Black.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 82.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Spanish | 17.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
The median household income in Shepherd is $48,368, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,368 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,589 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $877 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,578 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 299 |
| County GDP | $523M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,439 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Shepherd is $144,100, 49% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $642 (45% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $192,791.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,100 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $192,791 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $642 |
| 45% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,439 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.47% |
In Shepherd, 40.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.1% report depression. 31.5% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Shepherd vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.5% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 65.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,991/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Crime Rates: Shepherd vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| FEMA Disasters | 273 |
Safety Score
Shepherd has an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation is 55.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.6°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 55.5 inches |
| 46% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 186 ft (57 m) |
| Area | 6.1 sq mi (15.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 348/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.4862°N, 95.0113°W |
| County FIPS | 48407 |