Shelby County, Iowa is a rural county located in the west-central part of the state. It has a population of approximately 12,000 people and covers an area of 564 square miles. The county seat is Harlan, and other notable cities and towns include Irwin, Defiance, and Earling.
The economy of Shelby County is largely agricultural, with corn, soybeans, and hogs being the main crops. Other industries in the area include manufacturing, retail, and health care. The median household income in Shelby County is $50,000, which is slightly below the state average of $52,000. The unemployment rate in the county is 3.4%, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Demographically, Shelby County is predominantly white (97.3%). The other racial and ethnic groups in the county include African American (1.2%), Native American (0.3%), Asian (0.2%), and Hispanic (1.1%). The median age in the county is 43.3, which is slightly higher than the state median age of 41.7.
Education in Shelby County is provided by the Harlan Community School District, which serves the county's public schools. There are three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The district also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. The district has an enrollment of approximately 1,400 students.
Real estate in Shelby County is relatively affordable. The median home value in the county is $112,000, which is slightly lower than the state median home value of $117,000. The median rent in the county is $743, which is slightly lower than the state median rent of $766. The county has a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.