countyscore
66.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Health 81.9

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Iowa

A Top National Performer

Shelby County secures an impressive composite score of 66.5, far outpacing the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the top tier of counties for overall stability and well-being.

Leading the Iowa Field

Outperforming the Iowa average of 55.6, Shelby County is a state leader in livability. Its balanced profile provides a higher quality of life than many neighboring rural areas.

Unmatched Safety and Clean Resources

Safety is a standout feature with a near-perfect score of 97.5. Residents also benefit from high-quality water and health services, scoring 86.0 and 81.9 respectively.

The Tax and Cost Hurdle

The tax score of 22.4 represents the county's biggest challenge, with an effective rate of 1.265%. Housing costs also present a moderate barrier with a cost score of 48.9.

A Haven for Family Safety

Shelby County is a premier choice for families who prioritize a secure environment and clean infrastructure. It offers a rare level of peace and stability for its residents.

Score breakdown

Tax22.4Cost48.9Safety97.5Health81.9Schools76.2Income60.8Risk77.3Water86Weather49.4
🏛22.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼60.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨76.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱79.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Ohio County
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Nearby counties

Audubon County
Iowa
59.7
Cass County
Iowa
42.7
Crawford County
Iowa
55.3
Harrison County
Iowa
58.5
Pottawattamie County
Iowa
36.1
Carroll County
Iowa
61.5
Guthrie County
Iowa
60.2
Montgomery County
Iowa
53.5

Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Shelby County

via TaxByCounty

Shelby County taxes near national average

Shelby County's effective tax rate of 1.265% is competitive with the national median, placing it slightly above the 1.1% national average. The median property tax of $1,976 runs about 26% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values in the county.

Close to Iowa's average rate

Shelby County's 1.265% effective rate sits just slightly below Iowa's state average of 1.344%. The median tax bill of $1,976 is also near the state median of $2,160, making Shelby fairly representative of Iowa property tax dynamics.

Moderate rates in regional context

Shelby County's 1.265% rate falls in the middle of its regional peers—lower than Story County's 1.472% or Tama County's 1.390%, but higher than Sac County's 1.028%.

What homeowners actually pay here

A homeowner with a $156,200 median-valued home in Shelby County pays roughly $1,976 annually in property taxes. That's approximately $165 per month—moderate for the state.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Overassessment is common across Iowa counties, and Shelby is no exception. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales in your area, you have the right to challenge it and potentially reduce your tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shelby County

via CostByCounty

Shelby County near national affordability benchmark

Shelby County renters spend 14.4% of income on housing, just slightly above the national average of 14.1%. At $810 monthly, median rent tracks closely with national patterns, positioning Shelby County as a reasonably affordable Midwest option.

Middle ground in Iowa rental market

With a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio, Shelby County ranks near Iowa's 14.1% state average, making it a typical affordability case statewide. Median rent of $810 sits just $2 below Iowa's median, reflecting the county's status as a rural mainstream market.

Moderate costs between rural and urban

Shelby County's $810 rent falls between affordable rural counties like Sac ($643) and pricier neighbors like Scott County ($958). Home values of $156,200 maintain this middle-of-the-pack positioning, making Shelby a balanced choice for those weighing cost and access.

Housing costs align with income

On a $67,690 median income, Shelby County residents dedicate 14.4% to rent or 16.4% to mortgage payments, slightly above state norms but manageable. This allocation leaves reasonable resources for savings and living expenses without severe housing burden.

Shelby County offers balanced affordability

If you want Iowa living without either extreme low rural costs or urban pricing, Shelby County splits the difference effectively. At $810 rent and reasonable home values, the county provides solid value for families seeking stability over urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shelby County

via IncomeByCounty

Shelby lags national income benchmark

Shelby County's median household income of $67,690 falls about 9% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap is typical for rural, agriculture-dependent counties across the Midwest.

Below Iowa's average

Shelby County's $67,690 median household income falls short of Iowa's state average of $69,830 by about $2,140. Among these eight counties, Shelby ranks in the lower-middle tier for household earnings.

Mid-range earnings locally

Shelby County earns more than Taylor ($67,279), Tama ($67,955), and Union ($56,813) counties but trails Sac ($70,991), Scott ($76,363), and Sioux ($84,736). Story County ($69,006) offers comparable income levels.

Affordable housing supports families

Shelby County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is reasonable, and median home values of $156,200 remain accessible on local incomes. Housing affordability helps stretch household budgets further in this rural community.

Small steps build lasting wealth

Shelby County families can strengthen finances by prioritizing emergency savings and low-cost index funds—even small, consistent contributions grow substantially over time. The region's affordable housing also offers a real estate investment pathway many other counties cannot match.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shelby County

via CrimeByCounty

Near-Perfect Safety Score in Shelby

Shelby County reports a perfect 100.0 safety score, placing it far above the national average for security. Its recorded crime rate currently stands at 0.0 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Interpreting Shelby’s High State Ranking

This score places Shelby County among the highest-ranked areas in Iowa for safety. However, because only a single agency provided data for 2022, residents should interpret these extremely low numbers with some caution.

A Historically Quiet Local Landscape

Shelby's current data suggests an exceptionally quiet local landscape compared to its neighbors. The county appears significantly safer than the Iowa average of 1,095.3 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Understanding the Zero-Crime Report

Both violent and property crime rates currently show as zero in official 2022 reports. While this indicates a very low-risk environment, it likely signifies limited reporting rather than a total absence of all criminal activity.

Maintain Your Peace of Mind

Low reported crime offers peace of mind but shouldn't lead to total complacency. Engaging with local community watch programs ensures that the county stays as safe as the official data suggests.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Shelby County

via HealthByCounty

Shelby County outpaces nation on longevity

Shelby County residents live to 78.3 years, just 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 15.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs near the national average of 16%.

Iowa's above-average county life expectancy

At 78.3 years, Shelby County exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year average by 0.6 years, placing it in the upper half of the state's health rankings. This is one of Iowa's stronger performers on longevity metrics.

Strong longevity, limited primary care

Shelby County's 78.3-year life expectancy ranks ahead of Sac County (77.1 years) and Scott County (77.5 years) but trails Sioux County (82.6 years) and Story County (81.5 years). With 51 primary care providers per 100K, the county falls short of better-served neighbors like Scott County at 100 per 100K.

Strong mental health access, tight primary care

Shelby County offers 153 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, supporting solid behavioral health access. However, at 51 primary care providers per 100K, the county has fewer physicians than Scott County and Sioux County, while the 6.0% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average of 5.7%.

Review your health insurance options now

Shelby County's 6.0% uninsured rate means some residents lack coverage—potentially limiting access to preventive care and routine treatment. Call Healthcare.gov at 1-800-318-2596 or visit your local health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace, and employer insurance options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shelby County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-Centered Small Town Schools

Shelby County operates six public schools across three districts, serving a total of 1,924 students. The infrastructure is split between three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This compact system ensures that schools remain the social and educational hubs of the county.

Elite Graduation Rates and High Scores

Shelby County achieves a remarkable 96.5% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 92.3% and the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 58.6 is also well above the state and national medians. These results are supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,760, which exceeds the Iowa average.

Harlan Community Leads Local Education

The Harlan Community School District is the largest in the county, educating 1,498 students across four schools. Other local options include the IKM-Manning and Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton districts. Charter schools are not present, ensuring a strong focus on the traditional public school model.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

Four schools are located in town settings while two are strictly rural, offering a blend of environments for the county's students. Average school size is 321 students, ranging from Harlan High School's 477 students down to Irwin Elementary's 230. This scale allows for strong community ties and active participation in extracurriculars.

Invest in High-Performing School Districts

Shelby County's exceptional graduation rates make it a premier destination for families prioritizing academic success. Real estate in the Harlan area often attracts buyers looking for high-quality public education in a safe community. Look for homes near these top-performing schools to secure your child's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shelby County

via RiskByCounty

Shelby County ranks among safest in nation

With a composite risk score of 22.77 and a Very Low rating, Shelby County falls well below the national average for natural disaster risk. This places it in the safest tier of U.S. counties.

Shelby is Iowa's second-safest county

Shelby County's 22.77 score ranks it as one of Iowa's lowest-risk areas, significantly below the state average of 39.68. Only the safest handful of Iowa counties rival its protection level.

Shelby outperforms nearby counties

Shelby County's risk of 22.77 beats neighboring Sac County (27.29), Tama County (45.32), and Taylor County (38.49). It emerges as the safest county in its immediate region.

Tornadoes are the main concern

Tornado risk at 63.23 represents Shelby County's primary hazard, though it remains moderate compared to state highs. Flood risk (19.47) and wildfire risk (21.09) pose minimal threats.

Standard coverage handles most scenarios

Shelby County's low overall risk means a standard homeowner's policy with tornado and wind coverage typically provides adequate protection. Still, maintain a family emergency plan and monitor spring storm forecasts carefully.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shelby County

via WeatherByCounty

Shelby County Sees Frequent Thermal Swings

The annual average temperature of 49.5°F reflects a classic continental climate with distinct, often harsh, seasonal changes. This average sits below the national median but remains typical for the American heartland.

Warmer Than the Iowa State Average

Shelby County's average temperature of 49.5°F is 1.5 degrees warmer than the statewide average of 48.0°F. This makes it one of the more temperate options within the state's borders.

Lighter Rainfall Than Eastern Iowa

The county records 34.3 inches of annual precipitation, trailing the state average of 36.1 inches. This slightly drier profile is common for counties situated in the western third of the state.

Snowy Winters and Significant Summer Heat

Residents experience 19 days of extreme heat over 90°F during summers that average 72.9°F. Winters bring an average of 30.5 inches of snow and January lows that hover around 20.5°F.

Dual Focus on Heat and Snow

Homeowners must prepare for nearly three weeks of 90°F heat while maintaining snow blowers for over 30 inches of winter accumulation. The 54-degree swing between January and July averages requires robust home insulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shelby County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Shelby County

The soil here has an average pH of 6.28, making it notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is common in Western Iowa but may require lime applications for certain sensitive crops.

Dominant Silt and Minimal Sand

With a massive 63.6% silt content and only 8.4% sand, this soil feels velvety and holds its shape well. The high silt levels provide a vast surface area for nutrient storage, though the lack of sand can lead to crusting after heavy rains.

Top-Tier Water Holding Potential

Shelby County boasts a water capacity of 0.220 inches per inch, far exceeding the state average of 0.195. While organic matter is below the state average at 2.86%, the superior water retention helps crops survive dry spells.

Water Storage Over Rapid Drainage

The high silt and clay mix suggests a soil that prioritizes storage over drainage, even if formal classes aren't recorded. Gardeners should ensure raised beds are used if they encounter persistent wet spots in low-lying areas.

Lush Gardens in Zone 5b

Zone 5b provides a reliable window for corn and root vegetables that thrive in silty earth. The high water capacity makes this an excellent spot for moisture-loving garden favorites.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shelby County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Lawn Success in Shelby

Shelby County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 79.5, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national average. Situated in hardiness zone 5b, it enjoys a more temperate climate than its northern neighbors. This high score reflects a favorable environment for consistent, healthy turf growth.

Warm Summers and Plentiful Rain

Annual precipitation of 34.3 inches keeps the grass hydrated, while 3,280 growing degree days fuel rapid development. The county experiences 19 extreme heat days, which is higher than the Iowa average of 16 days. This extra heat requires vigilant summer watering to prevent the lawn from entering early dormancy.

Healthy Soil with High Clay Content

The soil pH is an excellent 6.28, promoting strong nutrient uptake for most grass varieties. With 28.0% clay and only 8.4% sand, this soil holds moisture well but can be prone to compaction. Aeration is a critical maintenance step here to ensure that water and air reach the root zone through the heavy clay.

Excellent Current Drought Resilience

Shelby County currently reports 0.0% drought coverage, a major advantage for local gardeners. The county only experienced 7 weeks of drought over the past year, far fewer than many other Iowa regions. This lack of water stress allows homeowners to focus on growth and aesthetics rather than emergency hydration.

A Late April Start for Success

Zone 5b is ideal for cool-season grasses, with the last spring frost typically occurring on April 27. The first fall frost lands around October 9, providing a standard Iowa growing window. Seed your lawn in early September to take advantage of the warm soil and cooling air temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shelby County's county score?
Shelby County, Iowa has a composite county score of 66.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Shelby County rank among counties in Iowa?
Shelby County ranks #10 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Shelby County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Shelby County is $1,976, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Shelby County a tax score of 22.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County, Iowa is $67,690 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shelby County earns an income score of 60.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shelby County, Iowa a good place to live?
Shelby County scores 66.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Shelby County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Shelby County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.