ConnecticutPop. 41,889Small cities
Is Shelton a Good Place to Live? Shelton, Connecticut: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Shelton ranks #137 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #28 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (32 per 100,000, #3 of 174) and high graduation rates (95%, #22 of 191), and trails on long commutes (30.3 min, #199 of 208) and high rents ($1,741/mo, #183 of 208).
Shelton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Shelton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Shelton?
Shelton's cost of living index is 99.8, in line with the US level of 100 and #637 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,741/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $565,911, 26% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
| Measure | Shelton | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 99.8#637 of 1,308 | 103.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $565,911#906 of 1,187 | $450,873 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,536/mo#921 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $452,600#892 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,741/mo#911 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.3%#361 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Shelton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Shelton is in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT metro.
Connecticut housing market →Is Shelton safe?
Shelton recorded 32 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 90% below the US rate of 328 and 71% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #9 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #3 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Shelton Police Department. Property crime runs 651 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Shelton | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 32#9 of 1,085 | 110 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 651#72 of 1,085 | 1,146 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Shelton?
The median household in Shelton earns $108,185, 30% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Shelton | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $108,185#255 of 1,312 | $96,049 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 6.6%#218 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.3%#489 of 1,132 | +0.4% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Shelton?
The median resident of Shelton is 44.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #424 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Shelton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 44.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 41.7%#424 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 76.5% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Shelton's schools and health?
Shelton's 8 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $20,407 spent per pupil. 24.5% of adults are obese and 8.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Shelton | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 88.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $20,407#183 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 24.5%#121 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.9%#197 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 14%#144 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.9%#358 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,352 students are enrolled in Shelton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Shelton?
The average commute in Shelton is 30.3 minutes (Connecticut 27); 0.8% of workers take transit and 13.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Shelton scores 7.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.8°F and winters 29.3°F, with 52 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Shelton | ConnecticutCT | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 30.3 min#1123 of 1,312 | 27 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 12.2%#1155 of 1,312 | 9.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 75.4% | 70.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.8% | 4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.5% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 13.9% | 13.4% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.9#1084 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Connecticut is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36 | 18.4 | 4 |
| Feb | 38.1 | 18.9 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 46.8 | 27.4 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 58.2 | 37.5 | 4.7 |
| May | 69 | 47.2 | 4 |
| Jun | 77.3 | 57.9 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 82 | 63.1 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 82 | 62.1 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 75 | 53.6 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 63.3 | 41.2 | 5 |
| Nov | 51.6 | 32 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 41.2 | 23.3 | 4.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ansonia 1 Ne.
| Measure | Shelton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 50.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 70.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 29.3°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 52 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ansonia 1 Ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Shelton?
Fairfield County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 21 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Naugatuck Valley Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Shelton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 21#975 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#790 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Fairfield County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.026% | 82% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 79% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0016% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0031% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0025% | 25% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Shelton compare with similar-size cities?
Shelton is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #28 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 41,889.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #137 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 | 30.3 min |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #621 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 | 15.5 min |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #128 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 | 19.2 min |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #915 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 | 18.7 min |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #326 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 | 24.3 min |
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #34 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 | 20.7 min |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #535 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 | 21.8 min |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #307 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 | 15.5 min |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #703 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 | 15.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Shelton compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Shelton ranks #5 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 66.9 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 13% above the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 71% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above the typical Connecticut home.
| City | Rank in CT | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Hartford, CTPop. 63,620 | #1 | 75.4 | $129,890 | $1,756/mo | 45 |
| Milford, CTPop. 51,023 | #2 | 69.3 | $111,201 | $1,882/mo | 71 |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #3 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 |
| Norwalk, CTPop. 92,187 | #4 | 67.0 | $107,616 | $2,073/mo | 50 |
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #5 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #6 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 |
| Middletown, CTPop. 47,958 | #7 | 63.8 | $79,438 | $1,446/mo | 67 |
| Bristol, CTPop. 61,462 | #8 | 62.7 | $79,076 | $1,338/mo | 53 |
| Torrington, CTPop. 35,547 | #9 | 59.9 | $70,856 | $1,169/mo | 98 |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #10 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 |
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #11 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 |
| East Hartford, CTPop. 50,918 | #12 | 58.7 | $70,778 | $1,225/mo | 92 |
| Manchester, CTPop. 36,759 | #13 | 57.6 | $74,267 | $1,384/mo | county/metro |
| Norwich, CTPop. 39,973 | #14 | 57.4 | $65,024 | $1,253/mo | 215 |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #15 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 |
| New Britain, CTPop. 74,223 | #16 | 53.1 | $58,613 | $1,253/mo | 424 |
| New Haven, CTPop. 134,349 | #17 | 52.7 | $56,851 | $1,488/mo | 399 |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #18 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #19 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #20 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 |
All 20 Connecticut cities we track, by overall score. Connecticut statewide: median income $96,049, violent crime 109.6 per 100,000.
How is Shelton's score calculated?
Shelton scores 66.9 out of 100, #137 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Connecticut's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Shelton. Similar-size median 52.9.
67.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Shelton's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
98.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Shelton. Similar-size median 52.2.
78.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Shelton's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
79.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Shelton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
57.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Shelton. Similar-size median 46.7.
75.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Shelton. Similar-size median 44.2.
44.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Shelton. Similar-size median 47.3.
39.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Shelton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
36.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
46.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Shelton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Shelton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Shelton
Is Shelton, CT a good place to live?
Shelton ranks #137 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #28 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Connecticut. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (32 per 100,000, #3 of 174) and high graduation rates (95%, #22 of 191), and trails on long commutes (30.3 min, #199 of 208) and high rents ($1,741/mo, #183 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Shelton?
Shelton's cost of living index is 99.8, in line with the US level of 100 and #637 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,741/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $565,911, 26% above the typical Connecticut home ($450,873).
What is the crime rate in Shelton?
Shelton recorded 32 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 90% below the US rate of 328 and 71% below Connecticut's 110. That ranks #9 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #3 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Shelton Police Department. Property crime runs 651 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Shelton?
The median household in Shelton earns $108,185, 30% above the US figure of $83,163 and 13% above Connecticut ($96,049). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Shelton?
Median rent in Shelton is $1,741/mo (Census), #911 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,536/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Shelton?
The typical home value in Shelton is $565,911, up 4.9% in a year, against $450,873 for Connecticut and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $452,600.
How are the public schools in Shelton?
Shelton's 8 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Connecticut 88.9%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $20,407 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Shelton?
The average commute is 30.3 minutes, #1123 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27 minutes across Connecticut. 12.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Shelton?
Shelton averages 50.2°F over the year, 70.8°F in summer and 29.3°F in winter, with 52 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Shelton walkable?
Shelton scores 7.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Shelton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Naugatuck Valley Planning Region's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Shelton?
Fairfield County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 21 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Shelton?
Shelton has 41,889 residents. The median resident of Shelton is 44.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #424 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Shelton compare with the rest of Connecticut?
Shelton ranks #5 of the 20 Connecticut cities we track, with a score of 66.9 against Connecticut's statewide 66.9. Its households earn 13% above the Connecticut median. Violent crime is 71% below the statewide rate. Homes are 26% above the typical Connecticut home.
What cities are similar in size to Shelton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Shelton's population of 41,889 are Jefferson City, MO (#621 overall), Marion, IA (#128 overall), Florence, AL (#915 overall), Greer, SC (#326 overall), and Brookfield, WI (#34 overall). Shelton is #137.