Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Located in the state of Montana, Shelby is a small city with a population of 2,875 residents. At 85%, the majority of the Shelby population is White; this is followed by 12% American Indian and Alaskan and 1% Black. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 50% of the Shelby population is married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Shelby will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 14 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Shelby, Montana could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Shelby, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, education, employment and more.
Shelby, MT receives 77 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #15 in Montana and #2,062 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Shelby ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Shelby ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Shelby scores well for crime (B) and housing (B+) On a less positive note, Shelby does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
The Shelby unemployment rate of 0.76% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Shelby can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Shelby real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Shelby. Median real estate prices in Shelby come in at $155,500, which is 22.1% lower than the Montana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Shelby, the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 14.6% lower than the Montana average.
| Statistic | Shelby | Montana | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 18min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 75.2% | 75.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 15.1% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 0.8% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 1.4% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.9% | 5.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.8% | 6.3% | 4.6% |
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