Cost of Living in Shelley, ID
Population 4,987 · Idaho · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Shelley a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $267,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 180 miles north of Salt Lake City, Shelley is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Salt Lake City's $496,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shelley
The median home value in Shelley is $267,200 — 12% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,212/month, 8% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,864/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Idaho's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 57.5°F and lows of 30.9°F. Overall, Shelley has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.
Shelley 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 | 29 | 34 | 47 | 58 | 67 | 76 | 87 | 86 | 75 | 59 | 43 | 30 |
| Low °F | 12 | 16 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 45 | 49 | 48 | 41 | 31 | 22 | 13 |
| Precip" | 0.67 | 0.56 | 0.81 | 1.03 | 1.57 | 1.09 | 0.46 | 0.59 | 0.97 | 0.88 | 0.66 | 0.78 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shelley, ID?
Shelley has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Shelley, ID?
The median gross rent in Shelley is $1,212 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shelley?
The median home value in Shelley is $267,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Shelley?
The median household income in Shelley is $63,864 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shelley, ID?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shelley is 6.0%. The Idaho state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Shelley, ID affordable?
Yes, Shelley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Shelley?
Shelley has average high temperatures of 57.5°F and average lows of 30.9°F. Annual precipitation is 10.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Shelley at a Glance
- Population
- 4,987
- Median Income
- $63,864
- Home Value
- $267,200
- Median Rent
- $1,212/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Idaho Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs