Shell Valley, ND
Population 1,112 · North Dakota
About Shell Valley, ND
Shell Valley is a small town located in North Dakota with a population of 1,112 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,281 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shell Valley features a median home value of $55,200, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shell Valley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $377, 68% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 382 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (202 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (142 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shell Valley shows an unemployment rate of 11.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shell Valley have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.5% of Shell Valley 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, 99.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Shell Valley With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Shell Valley?
The median household income in Shell Valley, ND is $43,281 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shell Valley?
The median home value in Shell Valley, ND is $55,200, which is 77% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shell Valley?
The median monthly rent in Shell Valley, ND is $377, which is 68% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shell Valley?
The unemployment rate in Shell Valley, ND is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shell Valley, ND a good place to live?
Shell Valley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,112 and a median age of 27.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shell Valley, ND?
22.5% of residents in Shell Valley 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 Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shell Valley, ND: median home value is $55,200 (77% below national), median rent is $377/month, and median household income is $43,281. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shell Valley?
The poverty rate in Shell Valley, ND is 27.9%, 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 Valley, ND?
Shell Valley's population is 0.0% White, 99.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.