Shell Rock, IA
Population 1,634 · Iowa
About Shell Rock, IA
Shell Rock is a small community in Iowa with a population of 1,634 residents. The median household income is $70,556 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Shell Rock is 36.8 years.
Housing in Shell Rock has a median home value of $159,100 and median monthly rent of $750. Of the 666 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 500 owner-occupied and 106 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Shell Rock is 4.7% and the poverty rate is 6.0%. 17.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.2 minutes.
Cost of Living in Shell Rock, IA
Compared to national averages, Shell Rock has a median household income of $70,556 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $159,100, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $750 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Shell Rock's income is 4% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 20% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Shell Rock, IA?
Shell Rock offers affordable housing with a median home value of $159,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $750/month, and a low poverty rate of 6.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,556) that falls below the national average. However, Shell Rock’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shell Rock has a population of 1,634 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Shell Rock with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Shell Rock
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashua | 1,634 | $63,750 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Urbana | 1,628 | $112,672 | $224,100 | Compare |
| Stuart | 1,642 | $62,500 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Prairie City | 1,649 | $78,269 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Monona | 1,618 | $70,509 | $125,900 | Compare |
| Lake City | 1,652 | $64,375 | $103,300 | Compare |
| Manson | 1,653 | $70,893 | $118,800 | Compare |
| Akron | 1,660 | $59,706 | $145,300 | 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 Shell Rock
What is the population of Shell Rock, IA?
The population of Shell Rock, IA is 1,634 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Shell Rock?
The median household income in Shell Rock, IA is $70,556 per year.
What is the median home value in Shell Rock?
The median home value in Shell Rock, IA is $159,100.
What is the average rent in Shell Rock?
The median monthly rent in Shell Rock, IA is $750.
What is the unemployment rate in Shell Rock?
The unemployment rate in Shell Rock, IA is 4.7%.