CountyScore

Shelby County

Iowa · IA

#33 in Iowa
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Iowa

Shelby County ranks comfortably above average

At 71.3, Shelby County's composite score places it in the 71st percentile nationally, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This reflects strong overall livability across multiple dimensions.

Slightly above Iowa's statewide benchmark

Shelby County's 71.3 score edges past Iowa's 69.3 average, solidifying its position as a top-quartile county in the state. It ranks among Iowa's most desirable communities.

Affordability and resilience both strong

Shelby County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 79.8 and a median home value of $156,200. Its risk score of 77.3 also reflects strong economic and environmental resilience.

Income levels remain comparatively low

The income score of 27.6 with a median household income of $67,690 suggests limited high-wage employment opportunities. This is the weakest dimension and contrasts with the county's otherwise solid performance.

Perfect for stability-seeking families

Shelby County is ideal for families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing, resilience, and steady community life. It works best for those who don't require high incomes and value predictability over rapid economic growth.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax66.7Cost79.8SafetyComing SoonHealth77.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.6Risk77.3WaterComing Soon
🏛66.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤77.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡77.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Shelby County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barbour County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,290
Marengo County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,205
Clark County
Arkansas
71.3
Median income: $50,985
Jefferson County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $56,984
Lafayette County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $60,692

Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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