What to know when moving to Shell Rock, IA
TL;DR: Shell Rock at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A small community with a median household income of $83,281 and 14% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable housing with median gross rent at $750 and home values around $172,100.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 0% of residents commute via public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 33.1 inches of rain annually, with 65 rainy days.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Shell Rock is home to about 2,379 residents, making it a tight-knit community. With 22% of adults holding a bachelor's degree, the education level is moderate. The housing market is more favorable for buyers, with a low renter percentage of 14%. However, with a 0% public transit usage, you will need a car for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you are reliant on public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $750, while the median home value is $172,100.
- Education level shows 22% of residents have a bachelor's degree, with a poverty rate of 4.6%.
- Only 0% of residents commute using public transit, indicating a car-dependent lifestyle.
- The renter versus owner split is 14% renters and 86% owners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Iowa, the property crime rate is 1,201.8 per 100k residents, which is 22.3% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate stands at 236.6 per 100k, 27.3% lower than the national average.
- Violent crime: 236.6 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3, showing a decrease of 20% from 2022 to 2025.
- Property crime: 1,201.8 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9, with a 17.3% decline over the same period.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate is significantly low at 1.6 per 100k, 62.8% lower than the national figure.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Iowa).
Schools & Higher Ed
Shell Rock has access to higher education institutions nearby, with one notable school.
- Postsecondary institutions: 1
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Nearby option: Wartburg College in Waverly, IA.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Butler County experiences an average annual temperature of 44°F, with a high of 65°F in summer and a low of 29°F in winter. The area sees about 33.1 inches of precipitation per year, primarily during the summer months.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Black Hawk Park - 4.6 stars (316 reviews)
- Wilder Park - 4.7 stars (259 reviews)
- Heery Woods State Park - 4.5 stars (139 reviews)
- Cedar Bend County Park - 4.6 stars (130 reviews)
- Shell Rock Park - 4.4 stars (53 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Butler County, the unemployment rate is 3.9%, with a labor force of 7,549 individuals.
- Unemployment rate: 3.9% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 7,253 individuals.
- Labor force: 7,549 individuals.
Source: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.