Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shell Rock, IA
Considering a move to Shell Rock, IA? This peaceful town of 1,268 offers affordable living with a median home price of $161,000 and average rents around $760. Residents enjoy a low violent crime rate (92 per 100K), short 20-minute average commutes, and highly rated local schools. With 62% sunny days and a friendly, close-knit community, Shell Rock is ideal for those seeking a safe, welcoming environment at a cost of living well below the national average.
Demographics - Shell Rock, IA
Demographics - Shell Rock, IA
Shell Rock is a small, close-knit community of 1,268 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 41.3 years and a balanced gender ratio. The population density is moderate for a rural town, and non-English speakers make up less than 3%, contributing to a largely homogenous but welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
1,268
Density:
900 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.3
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
2.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shell Rock, IA?
Living in Shell Rock is highly affordable, with a cost of living index of 82, significantly below the national average. Median home values are around $161,000 and average rent is $760, making housing accessible for most budgets, while daily expenses like groceries and utilities remain reasonable.
Median House Value:
$161,000
Gross Rent:
$760
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$970
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.0
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
65.8
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
88.9
Health Care:
93.2
Miscellaneous:
89.1
Crime
Is Shell Rock, IA a safe place to live?
Shell Rock enjoys a very low violent crime rate of 92 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 880 per 100,000, making it a safe choice for families and individuals alike. The odds of being a victim of violent crime are just 1 in 1,080, which is well below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
92
Property Crimes Per 100k:
880
Crime Index:
972
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,080
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 114
Weather
What is the weather like in Shell Rock, IA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers peaking at 83°F and chilly winters dropping to 10°F. The area receives about 32 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys 62% sunny days, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
29°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Shell Rock feature a median household income of about $61,800 and a low poverty rate of 6.8%. Most residents commute less than 20 minutes to work and over 94% have at least a high school diploma, fostering a stable and educated community.
Median Income:
$36,200
Household Income:
$61,800
Family Income:
$70,400
Per Capita Income:
$32,100
Income Male:
$42,300
Income Female:
$35,200
Poverty Rate:
6.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$760
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
25.2%
Education
How are the schools in Shell Rock, IA?
Families benefit from reputable local schools like Shell Rock Elementary and Waverly-Shell Rock Senior High, with favorable student-to-teacher ratios around 14:1. For higher education, Wartburg College is just eight miles away, adding to the area’s educational opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Shell Rock Elementary School
Street:
214 N Cherry St
Phone:
319-885-4321
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9
Name:
Waverly-Shell Rock Senior High School
Street:
1405 4th Ave SW, Waverly, IA
Phone:
319-352-2087
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1

Private Schools
Name:
St. Paul's Lutheran School
Street:
212 2nd St NW, Waverly, IA
Phone:
319-352-1484
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Wartburg College
City:
Waverly
State:
IA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Shell Rock is strong, with 92.5% of residents insured and 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people. The nearby Waverly Health Center provides comprehensive emergency and surgical services, ensuring quality care for local families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Waverly Health Center
Address:
312 9th St SW, Waverly, IA 50677
Phone:
(319) 352-4120
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shell Rock, IA?
The housing market in Shell Rock is robust, offering a median home price of $161,000 and an 80% owner occupancy rate. Rental options are available with low vacancy rates, and the area has seen steady home appreciation of 4.1% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$161,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$760
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Shell Rock are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, located in nearby Ankeny. Residents can easily access registration, licensing, and other DMV resources both in-person and online.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
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.