Sheldon city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Sheldon city, Iowa has a total population of 5,386, the 76th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $68,448, which is 6% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%.
Sheldon city Quick Facts
How Sheldon city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Sheldon city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Cities Similar to Sheldon city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterset city | 5,384 | $69,268 | $181,500 | 21.2% | 11.4% |
| Spirit Lake city | 5,469 | $73,627 | $218,400 | 31.9% | 7.0% |
| Glenwood city | 5,118 | $69,320 | $193,800 | 27.0% | 9.0% |
| Osceola city | 5,495 | $62,363 | $145,300 | 12.4% | 15.3% |
| Vinton city | 4,948 | $65,488 | $146,400 | 28.2% | 12.3% |
Population Overview
Sheldon city is a small city located in Iowa. The total population is 5,386. It ranks as the 76th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Sheldon city is 35.8 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 38.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Sheldon city is $68,448. This is 6% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 13% lower. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%. This is 48% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 0.7%. This is 82% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $173,600. Housing costs are 11% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.5x, Sheldon city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% lower than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Sheldon city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 78.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 15.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (15.7% vs 7.0%).
Education
20.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 32% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Sheldon city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sheldon city, Iowa?
Sheldon city, Iowa has a population of 5,386 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Sheldon city, IA?
The median household income in Sheldon city is $68,448, which is 13% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Sheldon city, IA?
The poverty rate in Sheldon city is 16.3%. This means approximately 850 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Sheldon city, Iowa?
Sheldon city's population is 78.2% White, 2.3% Black, 15.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Sheldon city, IA?
The median home value in Sheldon city is $173,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x.
How educated is Sheldon city, Iowa?
20.9% of adults (25+) in Sheldon city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.