Shellsburg city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Shellsburg city, Iowa has a total population of 752, the 379th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $69,750, which is 5% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 2.9%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 2.9% — among the lowest in Iowa.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%.
Shellsburg city Quick Facts
How Shellsburg 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+)
Shellsburg city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Other Cities in Benton County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinton city | 4,948 | $65,488 | 12.3% | $146,400 |
| Belle Plaine city | 2,412 | $70,517 | 6.1% | $111,600 |
Cities Similar to Shellsburg city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hubbard city | 757 | $68,690 | $96,100 | 12.3% | 4.2% |
| Colo city | 751 | $73,125 | $147,400 | 19.3% | 2.9% |
| Latimer city | 763 | $71,250 | $101,500 | 20.5% | 13.9% |
| Carson city | 768 | $70,703 | $172,600 | 24.3% | 6.9% |
| Manilla city | 761 | $66,875 | $94,800 | 11.5% | 4.3% |
Population Overview
Shellsburg city is a small community located in Iowa, within Benton County. The total population is 752. It ranks as the 379th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Shellsburg city is 43.7 years. This is 13% higher than the state median of 38.6 years. 12.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Shellsburg city is $69,750. This is 5% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 11% lower. The poverty rate stands at 2.9%. This is 74% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 2.0%. This is 46% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $184,100. Housing costs are 6% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Shellsburg city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 86.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Shellsburg city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.1%) is well below the state average of 7.0%.
Education
14.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 54% 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 94.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Shellsburg 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 Shellsburg city, Iowa?
Shellsburg city, Iowa has a population of 752 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Shellsburg city, IA?
The median household income in Shellsburg city is $69,750, which is 11% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Shellsburg city, IA?
The poverty rate in Shellsburg city is 2.9%. This means approximately 21 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Shellsburg city, Iowa?
Shellsburg city's population is 94.8% White, 0.0% Black, 3.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Shellsburg city, IA?
The median home value in Shellsburg city is $184,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Shellsburg city, Iowa?
14.1% of adults (25+) in Shellsburg city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.