Shell Valley CDP, North Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Shell Valley CDP, North Dakota has a total population of 1,112, the 49th largest city in North Dakota, with a median household income of $43,281, which is 43% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 43% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.9%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x.
- Unemployment rate of 11.9% is notably above the national average.
Shell Valley CDP Quick Facts
How Shell Valley CDP 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: 31 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Shell Valley CDP Rankings in North Dakota
Explore North Dakota Rankings
Cities Similar to Shell Valley CDP
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hettinger city | 1,141 | $50,750 | $112,600 | 17.3% | 8.3% |
| Cando city | 1,199 | $49,375 | $149,300 | 20.8% | 10.0% |
| Rolla city | 1,164 | $52,841 | $121,500 | 23.0% | 21.3% |
| Parshall city | 957 | $42,500 | $121,700 | 16.1% | 28.3% |
| Ellendale city | 946 | $40,000 | $115,900 | 34.7% | 13.5% |
Population Overview
Shell Valley CDP is a small community located in North Dakota. The total population is 1,112. It ranks as the 49th most populous out of 401 cities and towns in North Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Shell Valley CDP is 27.5 years. This is 23% lower than the state median of 35.7 years. With 35.0% of the population under 18, Shell Valley CDP has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Shell Valley CDP is $43,281. This is 43% lower than the state median of $75,949. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 45% lower. The poverty rate stands at 27.9%. This is 164% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 11.9%. This is 319% higher than the state rate of 2.8%. The median home value is $55,200. Housing costs are 77% lower than the state median of $241,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x, Shell Valley CDP is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 58.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 63.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Shell Valley CDP is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. The White (non-Hispanic) population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 82.5%.
Education
22.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% lower than the state rate of 32.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 63.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Shell Valley CDP, North Dakota 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 North Dakota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 401 Census-designated places in North Dakota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Shell Valley CDP, North Dakota?
Shell Valley CDP, North Dakota has a population of 1,112 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Shell Valley CDP, ND?
The median household income in Shell Valley CDP is $43,281, which is 45% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Shell Valley CDP, ND?
The poverty rate in Shell Valley CDP is 27.9%. This means approximately 302 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Shell Valley CDP, North Dakota?
Shell Valley CDP's population is 0.3% White, 0.0% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Shell Valley CDP, ND?
The median home value in Shell Valley CDP is $55,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x.
How educated is Shell Valley CDP, North Dakota?
22.5% of adults (25+) in Shell Valley CDP hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.