Shelly, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
229
17.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,750/yr
-14.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
129
7.5% year-over-year change

Shelly population

How many people live in Shelly

Shelly is home to 229 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Shelly locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
229
17.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
115
Female
49.8%
114
Value Percent YoY change
Male 115 50.2% 12.8%
Female 114 49.8% 22.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Shelly is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.9% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.9%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 57 24.9% 35.7%
15 to 24 24 10.5% 4.3%
25 to 44 55 24% -8.3%
45 to 64 55 24% 52.8%
Over 65 38 16.6% 11.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

There’s also a share of 11.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 229 100% 17.4%
Racial breakdown
White
76.9%
Black or African American
5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.9%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.8%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 176 76.9%
Black or African American 12 5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 3.9%
Two or more races 27 11.8%
Other 5 2.2%

Households in Shelly

A peek inside Shelly households

Shelly has 94 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.6% are families, while the remaining 39.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
94
14.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
37
Family households
57
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 37 39.4% -2.6%
Family households 57 60.6% 29.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Shelly

The housing landscape of Shelly

Shelly's housing consists of 129 units, with 80.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
129
7.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 104 80.6%
3 or 4 units 17 13.2%
5 to 9 units 8 6.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shelly

In Shelly, the median construction year is 1950. About 34.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 14.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 45 34.9% 4.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 19 14.7% 5.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 13 10.1% 18.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 10 7.8% 42.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 16 12.4% -33.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7 5.4% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 9 7% 800.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8 6.2% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 1.6% 100.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Shelly occupancy rates

Out of the 94 occupied housing units in Shelly, 84% are owner-occupied, while 16% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 27.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
94
14.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
15
Owner occupied
79
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 15 16% 275.0%
Owner occupied 79 84% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
27.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Shelly housing costs

Housing costs in Shelly come to a median of $792 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $810.

Median housing costs per month
$792/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Shelly
$810/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Shelly

Shelly education at a glance

About 43.9% of the population in Shelly went to high school, while 20.7% pursued college studies. Another 16.5% earned an associate degree and 17.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2 1.2% 0.0%
High school diploma 72 43.9% 10.8%
College diploma 34 20.7% 9.7%
Associate degree 27 16.5% 42.1%
Bachelor's degree 28 17.1% 0.0%
Graduate degree 1 0.6% 0.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Shelly

How much people earn in Shelly

The average annual household income in Shelly was $67,678 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,750, reflecting a -14.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shelly
$67,678/year
11.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shelly
$43,750/year
-14.6% year-over-year change

Shelly income by age

In Shelly, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,250. Overall, 79.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $66,250 13.5%
Over 65 $22,000 0.6%
Above poverty level
174
Below poverty level
44
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 174 79.8% 17.6%
Below poverty level 44 20.2% 46.7%

Employment in Shelly

Workforce and job types in Shelly

The job market in Shelly is powered by 88 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.3% run their own businesses, 77.3% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
88
15.8% year-over-year change
White collar
54
Blue collar
34
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 54 61.4% 25.6%
Blue collar 34 38.6% 3.0%
Employer type
Self employees
2.3%
Private companies
77.3%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2 2.3% -75.0%
Private companies 68 77.3% 38.8%
Governmental workers 13 14.8% -27.8%
Not for profit companies 5 5.7% 400.0%
Unemployment rate
12.9%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shelly stands at 12.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Shelly

How people get around in Shelly

In Shelly, the average commute time is 30 minutes.

Commute time
30 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 88 100% 18.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Shelly by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
56581 276 122 $53,750 $78,163

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Shelly demographics 

What is the total population of Shelly?

Shelly has a total population of 229 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +17.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shelly?

The gender ratio in Shelly is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (115 residents)
  • 49.8% females (114 residents)

What is the median age in Shelly?

The median age in Shelly is 36.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shelly?

The age distribution in Shelly is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.9% (57 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (24 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (55 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (55 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (38 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shelly?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelly is as follows:
  • White: 76.9% (176 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.2% (12 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.9% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.8% (27 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (5 residents)

What percentage of the population in Shelly are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Shelly.

How many housing units are there in Shelly?

There are 129 housing units in Shelly, reflecting a +7.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Shelly and what is the average household size?

Shelly has a total of 94 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shelly?

Shelly has a median household income of $43,750, representing a -14.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Shelly?

The employment rate is 87.1% in Shelly, with a workforce of 88 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.4% (54 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.6% (34 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.3% (2 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.3% (68 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (13 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.7% (5 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025