Shell Lake, WI
Population 1,513 · Wisconsin
About Shell Lake, WI
Shell Lake is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 1,513 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,875 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45 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 Lake features a median home value of $207,100, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Shell Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $713, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 938 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (450 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (179 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shell Lake shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shell Lake have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.7% of Shell Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.1% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shell Lake, WI
Compared to national averages, Shell Lake has a median household income of $56,875 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $207,100, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $713 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Shell Lake's income is 22% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 1% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Shell Lake, WI?
Shell Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $207,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $713/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,875) that falls below the national average. However, Shell Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shell Lake has a population of 1,513 with a median age of 45 years. Compare Shell Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Shell Lake
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle River | 1,508 | $52,027 | $165,100 | Compare |
| Cambridge | 1,507 | $93,424 | $280,000 | Compare |
| Fall Creek | 1,502 | $82,250 | $202,700 | Compare |
| Crandon | 1,499 | $50,729 | $129,400 | Compare |
| Spring Green | 1,499 | $89,375 | $238,000 | Compare |
| Elroy | 1,529 | $58,750 | $120,500 | Compare |
| Woodville | 1,497 | $81,875 | $213,000 | Compare |
| Whiting | 1,496 | $72,257 | $206,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Shell Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shell Lake
What is the population of Shell Lake, WI?
The population of Shell Lake, WI is 1,513 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Shell Lake?
The median household income in Shell Lake, WI is $56,875 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shell Lake?
The median home value in Shell Lake, WI is $207,100, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shell Lake?
The median monthly rent in Shell Lake, WI is $713, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shell Lake?
The unemployment rate in Shell Lake, WI is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shell Lake, WI a good place to live?
Shell Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,513 and a median age of 45, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shell Lake, WI?
28.7% of residents in Shell Lake 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 Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shell Lake, WI: median home value is $207,100 (15% below national), median rent is $713/month, and median household income is $56,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shell Lake?
The poverty rate in Shell Lake, WI is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shell Lake, WI?
Shell Lake's population is 0.1% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.