Shelby ZIP Code List — Polk County, NE

There is one unique ZIP code in Shelby, Nebraska and it is 68662. Area code: 402.

ZIP codes

92.74

sq mi land

0.13

sq mi water

402

area code

Shelby, NE ZIP code map

About Shelby, NE

Shelby is a small city located in the heart of Nebraska, nestled within Polk County. Known for its friendly atmosphere and tight-knit community, Shelby offers a tranquil rural lifestyle. The city engages visitors with its welcoming charm and agricultural heritage.

Location & geography

Shelby is situated in central Nebraska, approximately 25 miles northwest of the larger town of Grand Island. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, comprising 92.74 square miles of land and a minimal 0.13 square miles of water. The region's terrain is characterized by rolling fields and farmlands, typical of this part of Nebraska.

Community & economy

The character of Shelby is defined by its agricultural roots and the close relationships among residents. The local economy is primarily supported by farming and livestock industries, mirrored in the day-to-day life of the community. Daily activities often revolve around local events, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and community spirit.

Transportation

Shelby can be accessed via Nebraska Highway 66, which runs through the city and connects to other regional highways. The nearest major airport is the Central Nebraska Regional Airport, located about 30 miles to the southeast in Grand Island. Public transportation options are limited, so personal vehicles are the primary means of getting around.

History

Shelby was established in the late 19th century as a result of the railroad expansion in Nebraska. Historically, the city has thrived on agriculture, with key industries linked to farming and livestock. Notable events in its history include community fairs that celebrate agricultural achievements and local talents.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Shelby is that it has only one ZIP code, which is 68662, making the community tightly bound and easy to navigate. Additionally, the city's land area encompasses nearly 93 square miles, offering ample space for outdoor activities and farming.

ZIP codes for Shelby, NE (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
68662	Shelby	Polk	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,192

Population

42.5

Median age

$84,750

Median household income

$35,097

Per capita income

$153,500

Median home value

$725

Median monthly rent

88.9%

Home ownership

6.8%

Poverty rate

2.7%

Unemployment

414

Housing units

14.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	266	22.3%
18 and over	926	77.7%
65 and over	249	20.9%
Median age	42.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 89.1%

Two or more races 4.5%

Hispanic or Latino 4.2%

Other race 2%

Black or African American 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	1,108	89.1%
Two or more races	56	4.5%
Hispanic or Latino	52	4.2%
Other race	25	2%
Black or African American	3	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 2.1%

$10k–$15k 1.9%

$15k–$25k 2.8%

$25k–$35k 2.8%

$35k–$50k 12.7%

$50k–$75k 23.3%

$75k–$100k 8.5%

$100k–$150k 25.5%

$150k–$200k 16.0%

$200k+ 4.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	2.1%
$10k–$15k	1.9%
$15k–$25k	2.8%
$25k–$35k	2.8%
$35k–$50k	12.7%
$50k–$75k	23.3%
$75k–$100k	8.5%
$100k–$150k	25.5%
$150k–$200k	16.0%
$200k+	4.2%
Median income	$84,750

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.4%

$50k–$100k 22.3%

$100k–$150k 19.9%

$150k–$200k 12.7%

$200k–$300k 20.4%

$300k–$500k 16.2%

$1M+ 2.1%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$153,500
Median rent / month	$725
Owner occupied	88.9%
Renter occupied	11.1%
Vacant	8.0%
Single-family detached	93.9%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	3.7%
Median rooms	6.9
Avg household size (owned)	2.78

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	4.8%
2000–2009	10.4%
1990–1999	3.0%
1980–1989	5.6%
1970–1979	22.8%
1960–1969	12.8%
1950–1959	2.8%
1940–1949	5.0%
1939 or earlier	32.8%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	0.9%
2 bedrooms	28.0%
3 bedrooms	38.8%
4 bedrooms	20.4%
5+ bedrooms	11.9%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.4%
1 vehicle	15.6%
2 vehicles	37.3%
3 or more	45.8%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	35.6%
Electricity	37.7%
Propane / LP gas	25.0%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	291	68.6%
Cohabiting couple	35	8.3%
Male householder, no spouse	60	14.2%
Female householder, no spouse	38	9.0%
Households with children under 18	143	33.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	155	36.6%
Average household size	2.81

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	19.6%	17.8%
Married	64.9%	64.0%
Separated	0.7%	0.2%
Widowed	0.9%	11.2%
Divorced	13.9%	6.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.0%

Some HS, no diploma 5.4%

HS graduate 35.6%

Some college, no degree 17.2%

Associate's degree 25.0%

Bachelor's degree 10.5%

Graduate / professional 4.4%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	92.7%
Bachelor's or higher	14.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	40	13.8%
Kindergarten	9	3.1%
Elementary school	137	47.4%
High school	53	18.3%
College / grad school	50	17.3%

Employment

Industry of employment

Agriculture & mining 24.0%

Education & healthcare 16.1%

Manufacturing 15.5%

Retail trade 10.4%

Other services 7.6%

Professional & management 7.4%

Construction 6.2%

Transportation & utilities 4.0%

Wholesale trade 3.1%

Public administration 2.8%

Arts, food & hospitality 2.2%

Finance & real estate 0.8%

Information 0.2%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	31.4%
Service	9.1%
Sales & office	24.0%
Natural resources & construction	17.6%
Production & transportation	17.9%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	78.5%
Government	7.1%
Self-employed	14.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	64.2%
Carpool	8.8%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	4.5%
Other means	1.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	32.9

Poverty

All people 6.8%

Under 18 years 14.4%

18 and over 4.8%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 45.8%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	40.3%
Retirement income	25.9%
Supplemental Security	1.4%
Cash public assistance	3.3%
Food stamps / SNAP	5.7%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	34.4%
High cholesterol	32.2%
Heart disease	6.8%
Stroke	3.1%
Asthma	8.2%
Arthritis	25.4%
Kidney disease	2.9%
Pulmonary disease	6.3%
Cancer	7.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	21.0%
No physical activity	23.9%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	29.7%
Fair or poor health	12.1%
Poor mental health	11.3%
Poor physical health	9.3%
No health insurance	15.0%
Visited doctor (checkup)	70.8%
Visited dentist	64.0%
Cholesterol screening	88.7%
Teeth loss	12.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	100	10.8%

Disability	%
Any disability	12.8%
Under 18	2.6%
18–64 years	10.0%
65 and over	31.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	68.1%
Public insurance	29.7%
Uninsured under 19	28.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,104	92.6%
Spanish	20	1.8%
Other Indo-European	17	1.5%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,150	96.5%
Born in same state	1,145	96.1%
Born in different state	936	78.5%
Foreign born	5	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	42	3.5%
Not a US citizen	4	9.5%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	148	12.4%
French	110	9.2%
Dutch	46	3.9%
Arab	40	3.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
Polish	28	2.3%
German	2	0.2%
English	1	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	35.6%
Internet access	96.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Shelby, NE?

Shelby, NE has one ZIP code: 68662.

What is the main ZIP code for Shelby, NE?

The primary ZIP code for Shelby, NE is 68662. The city uses area code 402 for phone service.

What county is Shelby, NE in?

Shelby is located in Polk County, Nebraska.

How many ZIP codes are in Shelby, NE?

Shelby, NE has 1 ZIP code.

What is the ZIP code for downtown Shelby, Nebraska?

Downtown Shelby, Nebraska is located in ZIP code 68662, which serves as the primary commercial and civic center of this Polk County community.

Which ZIP code covers the Shelby area near the Shellberg Elementary School?

Shellberg Elementary School and the surrounding residential neighborhoods in Shelby are located in ZIP code 68662, the only ZIP code serving this small Nebraska town.