Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shellsburg, IA
Considering a move to Shellsburg, IA? This welcoming community of about 1,261 offers a small-town feel with affordable living—median home prices around $186,000 and average rents near $820. Residents enjoy a low crime rate, short 24-minute commutes, and family-friendly schools, all within reach of Cedar Rapids. With four distinct seasons, plenty of sunny days, and a strong sense of community, Shellsburg is a great choice for those seeking comfort and value in eastern Iowa.
Demographics - Shellsburg, IA
Demographics - Shellsburg, IA
Shellsburg is a close-knit community of around 1,261 people, marked by a predominantly White population and a balanced gender ratio. The median age of 39.3 suggests a mix of families and working adults, with a small percentage of non-English speakers contributing to the town’s character.
Population:
1,261
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.3
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shellsburg, IA?
Living in Shellsburg is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average. Median home values are about $186,000, and typical rents hover near $820, making housing especially affordable for new residents.
Median House Value:
$186,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
72.4
Utilities:
94.6
Transportation:
92.1
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
90.3
Crime
Is Shellsburg, IA a safe place to live?
Shellsburg offers a safe environment with low crime rates, as the chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 1,220. Property crime is also infrequent, providing peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
82
Property Crimes Per 100k:
958
Crime Index:
1,040
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,220
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 104
Weather
What is the weather like in Shellsburg, IA year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching the mid-80s and cold winters dipping to around 10°F. The city receives about 34 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine more than half the year.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Shellsburg’s neighbors have a median household income of $67,900 and a low poverty rate under 8%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is a manageable 24 minutes, reflecting a convenient and stable lifestyle.
Median Income:
$32,800
Household Income:
$67,900
Family Income:
$78,200
Per Capita Income:
$29,600
Income Male:
$41,100
Income Female:
$32,900
Poverty Rate:
7.9%
Non English Speakers:
2.1%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
3.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.4%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Shellsburg, IA?
Families benefit from quality local schools such as Shellsburg Elementary and Vinton-Shellsburg High, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is easily accessible at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, just 21 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Shellsburg Elementary School
Street:
203 Cottage St NE
Phone:
319-436-5901
Students:
375
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Vinton-Shellsburg High School
Street:
210 W 21st St, Vinton
Phone:
319-436-4728
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Colleges
Name:
Kirkwood Community College
City:
Cedar Rapids
State:
IA
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong, with Virginia Gay Hospital nearby and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 94.1%. The area maintains a good healthcare index, ensuring residents have reliable medical support close to home.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Virginia Gay Hospital
Address:
502 N 9th Ave, Vinton, IA 52349
Phone:
(319) 472-6200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
81.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shellsburg, IA?
Shellsburg’s housing market is attractive, with a median home price of $186,000 and an owner-occupancy rate over 80%. Home appreciation remains steady and rental vacancy rates are low, providing stability for both homeowners and renters.
Median Home Price:
$186,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the Iowa Department of Transportation located in nearby Vinton. The local office provides convenient vehicle and licensing services for Shellsburg and surrounding areas.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 US-150, Vinton, IA 52349
Phone:
(319) 472-2450
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.