Sheldon, IA
Population 5,386 · Iowa
About Sheldon, IA
Sheldon is a small community in Iowa with a population of 5,386 residents. The median household income is $68,448 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Sheldon is 35.8 years.
Housing in Sheldon has a median home value of $173,600 and median monthly rent of $842. Of the 2,437 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,441 owner-occupied and 645 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Sheldon is 0.7% and the poverty rate is 16.3%. 20.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.8 minutes.
How Sheldon Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Sheldon, IA
Compared to national averages, Sheldon has a median household income of $68,448 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,600, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $842 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Sheldon's income is 1% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 31% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Sheldon, IA?
Sheldon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $173,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $842/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.7%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,448) that falls below the national average. However, Sheldon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sheldon has a population of 5,386 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Sheldon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Sheldon
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterset | 5,384 | $69,268 | $181,500 | Compare |
| Centerville | 5,377 | $41,472 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Clarinda | 5,366 | $50,644 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Algona | 5,414 | $52,542 | $156,200 | Compare |
| Spirit Lake | 5,469 | $73,627 | $218,400 | Compare |
| Osceola | 5,495 | $62,363 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Tiffin | 5,271 | $106,034 | $315,800 | Compare |
| DeWitt | 5,535 | $84,474 | $223,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sheldon
What is the population of Sheldon, IA?
The population of Sheldon, IA is 5,386 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Sheldon?
The median household income in Sheldon, IA is $68,448 per year.
What is the median home value in Sheldon?
The median home value in Sheldon, IA is $173,600.
What is the average rent in Sheldon?
The median monthly rent in Sheldon, IA is $842.
What is the unemployment rate in Sheldon?
The unemployment rate in Sheldon, IA is 0.7%.