Shelby
Iowa

What stands out

Against every county in America, Shelby County is unusual in three ways: home internet speed is in the bottom 7% of American counties (80 Mbps), unemployment is in the bottom 9% of American counties (2.2%), and violent crime is in the bottom 9% of American counties (3.0 per 1,000). Within Iowa it ranks 3rd of 99 counties for home internet speed, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Shelby County, Iowa. 11,737 people live here with you. The population grew 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +77).

Iowa cut its income tax to a flat 3.8% in 2025 and stopped taxing retirement income for residents 55 and over in 2023, including pensions, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals. It still has an inheritance tax, but that is being phased out and ends for deaths after 2024. Winters are long and the state's economy still moves with corn, soybean and hog prices.

Money

The typical household here brings in $70,295 a year, higher than 75% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,072. Unemployment runs 2.2%, lower than 91% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home.

Iowa takes 3.8% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,671 a year.

Home

The median home costs $215K, cheaper than 58% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $729 a month. Property tax is 1.26% of home value, roughly $1,932 a year on that median home, higher than 76% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.0 per 1,000 residents, lower than 91% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 10 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.7 years, longer than 82% of American counties. There are 10 active physicians in the county, about 8.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 6.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.03 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 50% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 40 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 77% of eligible voters turned out. Under Iowa law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 50°F, highs near 61 and lows near 39, colder than 74% of American counties. About 33 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 42 out of 100, safer than 58% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 80 Mbps down, slower than 93% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 museums.