Shell Lake, WI
Population 1,513 · Wisconsin
About Shell Lake, WI
Shell Lake is a small community in Wisconsin with a population of 1,513 residents. The median household income is $56,875 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Shell Lake is 45 years.
Housing in Shell Lake has a median home value of $207,100 and median monthly rent of $713. Of the 938 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 450 owner-occupied and 179 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Shell Lake is 1.2% and the poverty rate is 9.0%. 28.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.5 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Shell Lake?
The median household income in Shell Lake, WI is $56,875 per year.
What is the median home value in Shell Lake?
The median home value in Shell Lake, WI is $207,100.
What is the average rent in Shell Lake?
The median monthly rent in Shell Lake, WI is $713.
What is the unemployment rate in Shell Lake?
The unemployment rate in Shell Lake, WI is 1.2%.