Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 46.2 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg HH Size | 2.31 |
| Below Poverty | 8.9% ▼ 11% below avg |
| College Grads | 38.2% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 3.5% ▼ 28% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 62 (0.9%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,460 (35.4%) |
| Some College | 796 (11.5%) |
| Associates | 982 (14.1%) |
| Bachelors | 1,023 (14.7%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,624 (23.4%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $64,341 ▼ 16% below avg |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $151,633 ▼ 46% below avg |
| Home/Income Ratio | 2.4x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $825/mo |
| Total Housing Units | 4,775 |
| Vacant Units | 395 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Shelby County is located in Iowa and encompasses 9 ZIP codes spanning 9 cities and communities. The county has an estimated population of 10,270 residents. With a median age of 46.15, it is a mature county.
Shelby County has a solidly middle-class economic profile. The median household income of $64,340 is below the national average. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, below the national average. The poverty rate of 8.9% is near the national average.
Housing in Shelby County is an affordable housing market, with a median home value of $151,633 — below the national average. Monthly median rent is approximately $824. Homeownership rates are high at 75.7%, reflecting a largely residential, stable population.
The residents of Shelby County are primarily White (91.86%). Educational attainment is moderately educated — 38.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average.
Shelby County, IA is a solidly middle-class area in Iowa. The 9 ZIP codes within the county each have their own character — browse the full list below to find the right community, whether you're looking for affordable housing, strong schools, or economic opportunity.
| ZIP | City | Population | Median Income | Median Home | Median Rent | Unemp. | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51527 | Defiance | 346 | $63,155 | $115,300 | — | 1.1% | 30.0% |
| 51530 | Earling | 710 | $53,750 | $150,700 | $716 | 3.5% | 37.6% |
| 51531 | Elk Horn | 943 | $58,929 | $132,300 | $643 | 2.6% | 35.6% |
| 51537 | Harlan | 6,480 | $62,353 | $161,800 | $854 | 4.6% | 40.7% |
| 51446 | Irwin | 437 | $61,750 | $94,200 | $700 | 0.5% | 39.6% |
| 51447 | Kirkman | 132 | $114,643 | $242,900 | $1,125 | 4.2% | 61.3% |
| 51562 | Panama | 590 | $61,250 | $158,000 | $939 | 0.0% | 29.8% |
| 51565 | Portsmouth | 482 | $96,667 | $117,300 | $834 | 0.0% | 26.5% |
| 51578 | Westphalia | 150 | $108,646 | $94,500 | — | 0.0% | 17.7% |