Home Value
$95,200
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
184/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.1%
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.0%
45% higher than US avg
How Shelby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population691
Median Age58.0 yrs
Density37/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans16.1%
Economy
Per Capita$28,194
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty18.0%
County GDP$17,333M
Commute26 min
Housing
Home Value$95,200
Ownership92.4%
Zillow$310,860
Housing Units386
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent184/100K
Property1,939/100K
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking14.8%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain56.2 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation489 ft (149 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.1%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute26 min
Broadband68.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries14
Is Shelby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shelby receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Shelby faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 18.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shelby is $95,200, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Shelby is below the national average at 184 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,939 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Shelby enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Shelby has a population of 691 with a density of 37 people per square mile, spread across 19.0 square miles. The median age is 58.0 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.2% female and 59.8% male. The city is predominantly White (82.8%), with 17.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 16.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 33.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.0yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $28,194 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,284. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,251 business establishments, including 436 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $28,194 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,284 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $102,306 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.0% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,251 |
| County GDP | $17,333M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 436 |
| Healthcare | 535 |
| Retail | 708 |
| Manufacturing | 159 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,123 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Shelby is $95,200, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,860, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,155 for a one-bedroom to $1,266 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 386 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $3,123. 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,200 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $310,860 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,024 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,155 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,266 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,583 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,801 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.6% |
| Housing Units | 386 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,123 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.28% |
In Shelby, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 38.2% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 17.2% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,297. The dentist ratio is 1:1,967. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shelby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,297 |
| Dentists | 1:1,967 |
| Mental Health | 1:756 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,795/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 535 |
Shelby has a violent crime rate of 184 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,939 per 100,000, 1% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Shelby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shelby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 183.7/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,938.7/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shelby enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 304 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 56.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. 90% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 489 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.4°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 489 ft (149 m) |
| Area | 19.0 sq mi (49.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 37/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.1069°N, 86.5854°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Shelby County County |
| Nearest Airport | Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International (BHM)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.2"
48% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.77"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 90.4% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0447 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 2.90 ppb |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
60 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 25, 2020.
| Aug 19, 2004 |
8 km W of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.6 |
37 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
12 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| May 28, 1995 |
14 km WSW of Coker, Alabama |
M3.4 |
116 km |
| Jun 24, 1998 |
11 km W of Demopolis, Alabama |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Apr 21, 2009 |
12 km S of Centreville, Alabama |
M3.4 |
57 km |
| May 9, 2004 |
8 km WNW of Brantleyville, Alabama |
M3.3 |
38 km |
| Jul 15, 1995 |
21 km SSW of Berry, Alabama |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
12 km E of Vernon, Alabama |
M3.2 |
148 km |
| Sep 2, 1990 |
12 km NW of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Mar 12, 2015 |
14 km W of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Jun 28, 2008 |
7 km WNW of Brookwood, Alabama |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
8 km N of Belk, Alabama |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Feb 27, 2015 |
11 km WSW of Union, Alabama |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Sep 11, 1992 |
5 km SSE of Riverview, Alabama |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
13 km S of Winfield, Alabama |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
3 km NE of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.0 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
8 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Sally (2020, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
268 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 1 |
289 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
265 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
265 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 2 |
217 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
112 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
643 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 213 fatalities, 2,113 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 8, 1998 |
EF5 |
79 km |
32 |
| Apr 4, 1977 |
EF5 |
56 km |
22 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
64 km |
22 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
66 km |
7 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
79 km |
22 |
| Feb 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 6, 1967 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1964 |
EF4 |
28 km |
10 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Mar 5, 1963 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| Apr 15, 1956 |
EF4 |
57 km |
25 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
62 km |
7 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
67 km |
7 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
80 km |
6 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (5,157 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
5,157 |
46 km |
| 2024 |
OAK COMPARTMENT 50/51 RX |
5,018 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
OK C-49 |
4,745 |
75 km |
| 2022 |
OK TORNADO UNIT |
4,504 |
82 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,279 |
54 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,199 |
68 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 40/53 |
4,093 |
84 km |
| 2020 |
OK PAYNE LAKE |
4,078 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
OK C-1/2/3/4 COMBINED |
3,841 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
OK COMP 50/51/52 |
3,786 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
OAK COMP 16/17/18 RX |
3,579 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,507 |
54 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,482 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
OK 234 |
3,482 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
WIREGRASS |
3,467 |
42 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,414 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
OK C-36/38/39 COMBINED |
3,373 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
CHEAHA WILDERNESS |
3,299 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
OK COMP 33 AND 43 |
3,164 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
TL TYLER WEST |
3,148 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
6.8 in |
Wettest |
| April |
62°F (17°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
5.3 in |
|
Shelby has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 46°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.2 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.8") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Shelby. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$355) |
| Specialist Visit |
$311 ($178–$488) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$311) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,954 ($710–$4,440) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$355) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($44–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$533 ($355–$888) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$311) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$355 ($133–$710) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,216 ($3,552–$10,656) |
| Roof Repair |
$888 ($355–$1,776) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,992 ($4,884–$13,320) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,332 ($444–$3,108) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,320 ($4,440–$26,640) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,440 ($1,776–$8,880) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,332 ($710–$2,664) |
| Will Preparation |
$444 ($178–$888) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,220 ($888–$4,440) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($67–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.64 ($2.66–$4.88) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.11 ($2.22–$4.44) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.88) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.00 ($2.66–$5.77) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.88 ($3.55–$6.66) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$444) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,776 ($1,066–$3,108) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.10–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,066 ($533–$2,220) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$888 ($444–$1,776) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$355 ($178–$622) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$888 ($355–$2,220) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,100 ($4,440–$26,640) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$444) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$355) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $638 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $631 |
| Toddler | $615 |
| Preschool | $561 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelby
What is the population of Shelby?
Shelby has a population of 691 residents and is located in Alabama. The population density is 37 people per square mile, spread across 19.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.2% female and 59.8% male.
Is Shelby expensive to live in?
Shelby is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $95,200 (66% below the U.S. median).
Is Shelby safe?
Shelby is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 184 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,939 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shelby receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shelby?
Shelby enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Shelby?
The job market in Shelby is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,284. There are 7,251 business establishments in the area, including 436 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shelby?
The median home value in Shelby is $95,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,860. The homeownership rate is 92.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,123.
How are the schools in Shelby?
Schools in Shelby score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.1% of adults in Shelby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shelby?
The obesity rate in Shelby is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,297.
What is transportation like in Shelby?
The average commute in Shelby is 26 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shelby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby is 82.8% White, 17.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 16.1% of the population are military veterans. 33.4% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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