Cost of Living in Sheldon, IA
Population 5,386 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Sheldon can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $174,000 against $68,448 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 0.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 50 miles east of Sioux Falls, Sheldon is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sheldon
The median home value in Sheldon is $173,600 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $842/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,448/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 57.4°F and lows of 36.2°F. Overall, Sheldon has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
Sheldon has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 26 | 30 | 44 | 59 | 71 | 81 | 85 | 82 | 76 | 61 | 45 | 31 |
| Low °F | 8 | 13 | 25 | 36 | 48 | 59 | 62 | 59 | 50 | 37 | 25 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.25 | 0.43 | 1.44 | 2.82 | 3.83 | 4.01 | 3.84 | 3.29 | 3.21 | 2.22 | 1.07 | 0.42 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sheldon, IA?
Sheldon has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sheldon, IA?
The median gross rent in Sheldon is $842 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sheldon?
The median home value in Sheldon is $173,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sheldon?
The median household income in Sheldon is $68,448 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sheldon, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sheldon is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Sheldon, IA affordable?
Yes, Sheldon is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Sheldon?
Sheldon has average high temperatures of 57.4°F and average lows of 36.2°F. Annual precipitation is 26.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sheldon at a Glance
- Population
- 5,386
- Median Income
- $68,448
- Home Value
- $173,600
- Median Rent
- $842/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs