Median Income
$83,986
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$173,300
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,689/100K
344% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.0%
5% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$937
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.4%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How Shields Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,276
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density923/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$83,986
Per Capita$42,082
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$11,010M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,300
Rent$937
Ownership83.4%
Zillow$289,207
Housing Units3,263
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
F
Violent1,689/100K
Property2,417/100K
Health
Obesity33.4%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking14.7%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation603 ft (184 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.0%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+11.8%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries13
Is Shields a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shields receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Shields offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shields is $83,986, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shields is $173,300, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $937 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
With 1,689 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,417 per 100,000, 23% above the national average.
Education
32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Shields experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches, including 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Shields has a population of 7,276 with a density of 923 people per square mile, spread across 6.6 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.8% of residents, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.8%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.2%
31% below US avg
The median household income in Shields is $83,986, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,082. The average weekly wage is $1,116, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,966 business establishments, including 417 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,986 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,082 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,116 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,856 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,966 |
| County GDP | $11,010M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 417 |
| Healthcare | 603 |
| Retail | 754 |
| Manufacturing | 184 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Shields is $173,300, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,207, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $937 (19% 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. 83.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,263 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $5,370 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.9% 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 | $173,300 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,207 |
| Median List Price | $209,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $209,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $107 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.7% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $937 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.6% |
| Housing Units | 3,263 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,370 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.10% |
In Shields, 33.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,156. The dentist ratio is 1:1,239. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shields vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.4% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,156 |
| Dentists | 1:1,239 |
| Mental Health | 1:277 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,742/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 603 |
Shields has a violent crime rate of 1,689 per 100,000 residents, 344% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,417 per 100,000, 23% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shields receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shields vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,689.0/100K |
| 344% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,416.6/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shields experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. The area receives 38.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 603 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 603 ft (184 m) |
| Area | 6.6 sq mi (17.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 923/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4229°N, 84.0741°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Saginaw County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 23, 2022.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
82 km |
| May 23, 2022 |
2 km NNW of Corunna, Canada |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
325 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 130 fatalities, 1,130 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
40 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
57 km |
3 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
88 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
LAKE HURON, MI |
Avalanche |
1.5 m |
— |
140 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROSCOMMON4 (2,109 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Shields has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Shields. 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 | $655 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $660 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shields
What is the population of Shields?
Shields has a population of 7,276 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 923 people per square mile, spread across 6.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Shields expensive to live in?
Shields 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 $83,986, 12% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,300 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $937 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 Shields safe?
Public safety is a concern in Shields, with a violent crime rate of 1,689 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,417 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Shields receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shields?
Shields 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 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches, with 38.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Shields?
The job market in Shields is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,116. There are 3,966 business establishments in the area, including 417 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shields?
The median home value in Shields is $173,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,207. For renters, the median monthly rent is $937. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,370.
How are the schools in Shields?
Schools in Shields have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 32.0% of adults in Shields hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 11.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shields?
The obesity rate in Shields is 33.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,156.
What is transportation like in Shields?
The average commute in Shields is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shields?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shields is 92.7% White, 1.4% Black or African American. 90.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.2% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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