Shell Valley, ND
Population 1,112 · North Dakota
About Shell Valley, ND
Shell Valley is a small community in North Dakota with a population of 1,112 residents. The median household income is $43,281 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Shell Valley is 27.5 years.
Housing in Shell Valley has a median home value of $55,200 and median monthly rent of $377. Of the 382 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 202 owner-occupied and 142 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Shell Valley is 11.9% and the poverty rate is 27.9%. 22.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 14.3 minutes.
How Shell Valley Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Shell Valley, ND
Compared to national averages, Shell Valley has a median household income of $43,281 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $55,200, which is 77% below the national median. Monthly rent at $377 is 68% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Shell Valley's income is 40% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 60% below the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Shell Valley, ND?
Shell Valley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $55,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $377/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,281) that falls below the national average. However, Shell Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shell Valley has a population of 1,112 with a median age of 27.5 years. Compare Shell Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Shell Valley
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosby | 1,116 | $80,000 | $111,800 | Compare |
| Thompson | 1,092 | $110,909 | $274,000 | Compare |
| Hettinger | 1,141 | $50,750 | $112,600 | Compare |
| Rolla | 1,164 | $52,841 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Burlington | 1,169 | $95,216 | $237,800 | Compare |
| Kenmare | 1,027 | $64,167 | $122,000 | Compare |
| Cando | 1,199 | $49,375 | $149,300 | Compare |
| Velva | 997 | $81,354 | $208,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shell Valley
What is the population of Shell Valley, ND?
The population of Shell Valley, ND is 1,112 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Shell Valley?
The median household income in Shell Valley, ND is $43,281 per year.
What is the median home value in Shell Valley?
The median home value in Shell Valley, ND is $55,200.
What is the average rent in Shell Valley?
The median monthly rent in Shell Valley, ND is $377.
What is the unemployment rate in Shell Valley?
The unemployment rate in Shell Valley, ND is 11.9%.