Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shelly, MN
Considering a move to Shelly, MN? This friendly rural town of about 180 residents offers small-town charm and affordability, with a median home price around $100,000 and average rent at just $650. Enjoy a low violent crime rate (118 per 100K), short 21-minute commutes, and access to well-rated public schools in nearby Climax. Shelly experiences crisp winters and warm summers, and is within reach of major hospitals in Fargo and Grand Forks. With a cost of living well below the national average, Shelly is a welcoming, peaceful place to settle down.
Demographics - Shelly, MN
Demographics - Shelly, MN
Shelly, MN is a small rural community of about 180 people, with a median age of 43, slightly more males than females, and predominantly White residents. The town is close-knit, with low population density and a small percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming and familiar atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
180
Density:
280 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
7.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shelly, MN?
The cost of living in Shelly is notably affordable, with a median house value of $100,000 and average rent around $650. Residents benefit from utility and grocery costs below national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families or retirees.
Median House Value:
$100,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.2
Grocery:
94.5
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
93.1
Transportation:
97.7
Health Care:
94.3
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Shelly, MN a safe place to live?
Shelly enjoys a low violent crime rate (118 per 100,000 residents) and a relatively modest property crime risk, contributing to its reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live. The odds of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 847, offering peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
118
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Crime Index:
1,438
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 847
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 76
Weather
What is the weather like in Shelly, MN year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with winters dipping as low as –4°F and summers reaching highs of 82°F. Shelly enjoys about 57% sunny days annually and receives moderate rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate a classic northern climate.

Winter
Min:
–4°F
Max:
18°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
60°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Households in Shelly typically earn around $58,000 annually, with a low poverty rate of 8.2% and a strong sense of community. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average just over 21 minutes, reflecting the town’s relaxed pace of life.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$58,000
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$30,200
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$35,000
Poverty Rate:
8.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
15.8%
Education
How are the schools in Shelly, MN?
Shelly families have access to public schools in nearby Climax, offering small class sizes and personalized attention with student-teacher ratios around 11:1. Higher education is available within 30 miles at the University of Minnesota Crookston, supporting lifelong learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Climax-Shelly Elementary School
Street:
111 E Broadway Ave, Climax, MN 56523
Phone:
218-857-2395
Students:
150
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Name:
Climax-Shelly Secondary School
Street:
111 E Broadway Ave, Climax, MN 56523
Phone:
218-857-2395
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.8

Colleges
Name:
University of Minnesota Crookston
City:
Crookston
State:
MN
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Shelly is served by major hospitals in nearby Fargo and Grand Forks, ensuring access to comprehensive medical care within a short drive. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and the area offers a solid ratio of physicians to population for quality healthcare.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sanford Medical Center – Fargo
Address:
5225 23rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104
Phone:
(701) 234-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Altru Hospital
Address:
1200 S Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58201
Phone:
(701) 780-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shelly, MN?
The housing market in Shelly features a median home price of $100,000 and a high rate of owner-occupied homes (82%). Affordable rents and a modest home appreciation rate make it a stable and accessible place for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$100,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local residents rely on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for driver and vehicle services, conveniently located in St. Paul and accessible online or by phone. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and title processing.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
(651) 297-2126
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.