The North Shelby School District is located in the northern half of Shelby County in northeastern Missouri. The current census lists the district's population at 2,096 with a total school-age population of 450 and 34.7% of the district's households having individuals under age eighteen. Approximately 40% of the population is over 45 years of age. The primary occupational focus of the county is agricultural and human services with the largest employers being the school district, county, state, and federal agencies. An independent religious community is the next largest enterprise followed by two farm chemical distributors. There is no manufacturing or other industry within the district. Many adults and teens work beyond the district with some commuting up to two hours daily.