Shell Knob, MO demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,486
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,925/yr
5.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,540
4.7% year-over-year change

Shell Knob population

How many people live in Shell Knob

Shell Knob is home to 1,486 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Shell Knob locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
1,486
2.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
692
Female
53.4%
794
Value Percent YoY change
Male 692 46.6% -3.6%
Female 794 53.4% 9.2%
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 Shell Knob is 60, with the population distributed as follows: about 5.8% are children under 15, then 8.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 13% of the population, while another 34.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 37.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
59.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
5.8%
15 to 24
8.7%
25 to 44
13%
45 to 64
34.7%
Over 65
37.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 87 5.8% -36.0%
15 to 24 129 8.7% 9.3%
25 to 44 193 13% -20.9%
45 to 64 515 34.7% 22.0%
Over 65 562 37.8% 7.0%
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

At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 14.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,473 99.1% 3.0%
Non-citizens 13 0.9% -13.3%
Racial breakdown
White
82.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.4%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.7%
Other
0.9%
Value Percent
White 1,221 82.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 20 1.4%
Asian 13 0.9%
Two or more races 218 14.7%
Other 14 0.9%

Households in Shell Knob

A peek inside Shell Knob households

Shell Knob has 758 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.3% are families, while the remaining 39.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
758
10.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
301
Family households
457
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 301 39.7% 29.7%
Family households 457 60.3% 0.7%
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 Shell Knob

The housing landscape of Shell Knob

Shell Knob's housing consists of 1,540 units, with 85.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,540
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,323 85.9%
1 unit, attached 29 1.9%
2 units 42 2.7%
3 or 4 units 18 1.2%
5 to 9 units 12 0.8%
Mobile home 116 7.5%
Homes built since 2020
49
88.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shell Knob

In Shell Knob, the median construction year is 1995. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 26.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 20 1.3% 11.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 47 3% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 47 3% -58.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 254 16.5% 16.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 265 17.2% 6.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 304 19.7% 9.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 413 26.8% -6.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 141 9.2% 78.5%
Built in 2020 or later 49 3.2% 88.5%
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.

Shell Knob occupancy rates

Out of the 758 occupied housing units in Shell Knob, 85.6% are owner-occupied, while 14.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 50.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
758
10.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
109
Owner occupied
649
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 109 14.4% 4.8%
Owner occupied 649 85.6% 11.5%
Unoccupied housing units
50.8%
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.

Shell Knob housing costs

Housing costs in Shell Knob come to a median of $721 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,274.

Median housing costs per month
$721/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 Shell Knob
$1,274/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 Shell Knob

Shell Knob education at a glance

About 56.2% of the population in Shell Knob went to high school, while 12.6% pursued college studies. Another 7% earned an associate degree and 15.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 13 1% -13.3%
High school diploma 769 56.2% -0.3%
College diploma 173 12.6% 29.1%
Associate degree 96 7% -22.6%
Bachelor's degree 215 15.7% 9.7%
Graduate degree 103 7.5% 134.1%
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 Shell Knob

How much people earn in Shell Knob

The average annual household income in Shell Knob was $73,059 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,925, reflecting a +5.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shell Knob
$73,059/year
-3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shell Knob
$54,925/year
5.9% year-over-year change

Shell Knob income by age

In Shell Knob, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,833. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $87,589 overall. Overall, 85.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $65,833 N/A
45 - 64 $87,589 18.0%
Over 65 $53,346 9.3%
Above poverty level
1,267
Below poverty level
219
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,267 85.3% 5.1%
Below poverty level 219 14.7% -8.4%

Employment in Shell Knob

Workforce and job types in Shell Knob

The job market in Shell Knob is powered by 569 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 30.9% run their own businesses, 61.5% are employed by private companies, and 7.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
569
-2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
365
Blue collar
204
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 365 64.2% -0.5%
Blue collar 204 35.8% -5.6%
Employer type
Self employees
30.9%
Private companies
61.5%
Governmental workers
7.6%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 176 30.9% -18.5%
Private companies 350 61.5% 8.0%
Governmental workers 43 7.6% 34.4%
Unemployment rate
8.4%
85.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shell Knob stands at 8.4%, 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 Shell Knob

How people get around in Shell Knob

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 390 72.8% -8.7%
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 Shell Knob by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
65747 4,016 1,919 $55,060 $67,811

Explore more communities

FAQs about Shell Knob demographics 

What is the total population of Shell Knob?

Shell Knob has a total population of 1,486 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 +2.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shell Knob?

The gender ratio in Shell Knob is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (692 residents)
  • 53.4% females (794 residents)

What is the median age in Shell Knob?

The median age in Shell Knob is 59.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shell Knob?

The age distribution in Shell Knob is as follows:
  • Under 15: 5.8% (87 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.7% (129 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 13% (193 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.7% (515 residents)
  • Over 65: 37.8% (562 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shell Knob?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shell Knob is as follows:
  • White: 82.2% (1,221 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.4% (20 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (13 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.7% (218 residents)
  • Other: 0.9% (14 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.1% of the population in Shell Knob.

How many housing units are there in Shell Knob?

There are 1,540 housing units in Shell Knob, reflecting a +4.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shell Knob has a total of 758 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shell Knob?

Shell Knob has a median household income of $54,925, representing a +5.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Shell Knob?

The employment rate is 91.6% in Shell Knob, with a workforce of 569 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.2% (365 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.8% (204 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 30.9% (176 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.5% (350 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.6% (43 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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