Schell City, MO
Population 164 · Missouri
About Schell City, MO
Schell City is a small community located in Missouri with a population of 164 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,750 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Schell City features a median home value of $47,000, which is 81% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Schell City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $510, 56% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 125 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (59 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (22 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Schell City shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Schell City have an average one-way commute time of 40.3 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
11.0% of Schell City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Schell City, MO
Compared to national averages, Schell City has a median household income of $37,750 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $47,000, which is 81% below the national median. Monthly rent at $510 is 56% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Schell City's income is 38% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 69% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Schell City, MO?
Schell City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $47,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $510/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,750) that falls below the national average. However, Schell City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Schell City has a population of 164 with a median age of 50.8 years. Compare Schell City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Schell City
What is the population of Schell City, MO?
The population of Schell City, MO is 164 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Schell City?
The median household income in Schell City, MO is $37,750 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Schell City?
The median home value in Schell City, MO is $47,000, which is 81% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Schell City?
The median monthly rent in Schell City, MO is $510, which is 56% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Schell City?
The unemployment rate in Schell City, MO is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Schell City, MO a good place to live?
Schell City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 164 and a median age of 50.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Schell City, MO?
11.0% of residents in Schell City aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Schell City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Schell City, MO: median home value is $47,000 (81% below national), median rent is $510/month, and median household income is $37,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Schell City?
The poverty rate in Schell City, MO is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Schell City, MO?
Schell City's population is 0.0% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.