Shell Knob, MO
Population 1,445 · Missouri
About Shell Knob, MO
Shell Knob is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 1,445 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,852 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.5 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 Shell Knob features a median home value of $304,700, which is 24% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Shell Knob in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,010, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,471 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (582 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (104 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shell Knob shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shell Knob have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.2% of Shell Knob 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 14.4% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shell Knob, MO
Compared to national averages, Shell Knob has a median household income of $51,852 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $304,700, which is 24% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,010 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Shell Knob's income is 15% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 102% above the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Shell Knob, MO?
Shell Knob offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,010/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,852) that falls below the national average. However, Shell Knob’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shell Knob has a population of 1,445 with a median age of 59.5 years. Compare Shell Knob with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Shell Knob
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steele | 1,449 | $33,750 | $115,900 | Compare |
| Princeton | 1,434 | $55,066 | $69,200 | Compare |
| Edina | 1,420 | $42,125 | $79,900 | Compare |
| Bel-Nor | 1,472 | $106,875 | $204,100 | Compare |
| Pierce City | 1,472 | $45,000 | $112,000 | Compare |
| Belle | 1,476 | $55,341 | $141,100 | Compare |
| Lakeshire | 1,478 | $61,346 | $260,300 | Compare |
| Rich Hill | 1,412 | $45,203 | $58,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Shell Knob With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shell Knob
What is the population of Shell Knob, MO?
The population of Shell Knob, MO is 1,445 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Shell Knob?
The median household income in Shell Knob, MO is $51,852 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shell Knob?
The median home value in Shell Knob, MO is $304,700, which is 24% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shell Knob?
The median monthly rent in Shell Knob, MO is $1,010, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shell Knob?
The unemployment rate in Shell Knob, MO is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shell Knob, MO a good place to live?
Shell Knob offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,445 and a median age of 59.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Shell Knob, MO?
20.2% of residents in Shell Knob 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 Shell Knob?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shell Knob, MO: median home value is $304,700 (24% above national), median rent is $1,010/month, and median household income is $51,852. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shell Knob?
The poverty rate in Shell Knob, MO is 16.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Shell Knob, MO?
Shell Knob's population is 14.4% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.