Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shell Lake, WI
Thinking of moving to Shell Lake, WI? With a friendly small-town feel and a population of 1,335, Shell Lake offers affordable living, with median home prices around $198,000 and average rents at $920. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate of 96 per 100K, short average commutes of 17 minutes, and access to a local hospital and solid public schools. The area features four seasons, a scenic lake, and a relaxed pace—making it a great spot for those seeking community and nature without breaking the bank.
Demographics - Shell Lake, WI
Demographics - Shell Lake, WI
Shell Lake is a close-knit community of 1,335 residents, with a median age of 46.2, reflecting a mature population. The city is predominantly White, with a small percentage of other ethnic groups, and maintains a balanced gender ratio. The population density is moderate, offering a peaceful, small-town environment.
Population:
1,335
Density:
430 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.8%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
4.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shell Lake, WI?
Shell Lake boasts a cost of living index below the national average, making it an affordable place to settle. Median home values are around $198,000, and typical rents average $920, while utility and transportation costs remain manageable. State taxes are moderate, and overall expenses are well-suited to families and retirees seeking value.
Median House Value:
$198,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$395
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.2
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
78.3
Utilities:
94.1
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
97.4
Miscellaneous:
91.2
Crime
Is Shell Lake, WI a safe place to live?
Residents of Shell Lake benefit from a low violent crime rate of 96 incidents per 100,000 people, contributing to a strong sense of safety. Property crime is somewhat more common but still within reasonable limits for a small town. Most residents feel secure in their neighborhoods and daily routines.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
96
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,080
Crime Index:
1,176
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,040
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 93
Weather
What is the weather like in Shell Lake, WI year-round?
Shell Lake experiences distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and cold winters dropping to around 1°F. The area receives about 31.6 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine half the year. This climate is ideal for those who appreciate a variety of seasonal outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
1°F
Max:
24°F
Spring
Min:
27°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
The median household income in Shell Lake is $48,500, and most residents have high school diplomas, with nearly a quarter holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Commute times are short at around 17 minutes, and unemployment is low, fostering a stable and friendly community atmosphere. The poverty rate is slightly above average but balanced by a strong sense of local support.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$48,500
Family Income:
$60,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,900
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
16.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.4%
Bachelors or More:
21.8%
Education
How are the schools in Shell Lake, WI?
Shell Lake provides quality public education through its elementary and junior/senior high schools, both maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios. The city also hosts a technical college outreach center, with additional higher education options like the University of Wisconsin–Barron County just 25 miles away. Families benefit from a supportive learning environment and access to nearby college programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Shell Lake Elementary School
Street:
271 Hwy 63 S
Phone:
715-468-7816
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Shell Lake Junior/Senior High School
Street:
271 Hwy 63 S
Phone:
715-468-7816
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Colleges
Name:
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College - Shell Lake Outreach
City:
Shell Lake
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
220
Name:
University of Wisconsin–Barron County
City:
Rice Lake
State:
WI
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Shell Lake is served by Indianhead Medical Center, offering general and emergency services within the city. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 94% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare is reliable and convenient. The area’s healthcare index reflects dependable local medical resources for families and seniors alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Indianhead Medical Center
Address:
113 4th Ave, Shell Lake, WI 54871
Phone:
(715) 468-7833
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
69.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shell Lake, WI?
The housing market in Shell Lake is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $198,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate nearing 70%. Rental options are available and reasonably priced, and home values have appreciated by 5.2% over the past year. New construction is limited, preserving the small-town charm and steady real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$198,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$920
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, with the nearest DMV office located in Superior, WI. The DMV offers a range of online and in-person services for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration. Support is readily available by phone or through the state’s website.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DMV)
Address:
502 N 8th St, Superior, WI 54880
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.