Shelby, AL

Alabama · Metropolitan Area

Shelby is a small town in Alabama with a population of 691.

2.4 /5.0
C Fair
691 Population 37/sq mi density
N/A Median Income $28,194 per capita
$95,200 Home Value $310,860 Zillow
N/A Median Rent
64°F Avg Temperature
C
Overall
2.4 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Education
2.4 / 5.0
18.1% bachelor's degree or higher
Home Value $95,200
66% 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%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$28,194
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty18.0%
County GDP$17,333M
Commute26 min

Housing

Home Value$95,200
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$310,860

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity33.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.7%

Climate

Avg Temp64°F
AQI40 (Good)
Rain56.2 in/yr
Elevation489 ft

Education

C
Bachelor's+18.1%
High School+92.1%
School Score5.72

Community

2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute26 min
Libraries14

Is Shelby a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Shelby receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Shelby has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

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.

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. 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. The median age is 58.0 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (82.8%), with 17.2% Black.

Population

691
Total Population
37
People / sq mi
58.0yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
18.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 59.8%
Female 40.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Shelby vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Shelby vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Shelby is N/A. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.

Income: Shelby vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$28,194
Avg Weekly Wage$1,284
IRS Avg AGI$102,306

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate18.0%
45% above US avg
Establishments (County)7,251
County GDP$17,333M

Business (County)

Restaurants436
Healthcare535
Retail708
Manufacturing159

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$3,123
11% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate3.28%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time25.6 min
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Shelby is $95,200, 66% below the national average. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $310,860.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

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

Owner-Occupied92.4%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$3,123
11% below US avg
Effective Rate3.28%
In Shelby, 33.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 25.6% report depression. 24.5% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Shelby vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity33.8%
5% above US avg
Diabetes10.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
High Blood Pressure38.2%
Asthma10.3%
COPD6.7%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking17.2%
Physical Inactivity24.5%
Depression25.6%
Mental Distress18.3%
Physical Distress13.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate95.5%
Checkup Rate76.9%
Premature Death6,795/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment8.2/10
Exercise Access74.0%
Healthcare Facilities535

Crime Rates: Shelby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)18

Safety Score

Shelby has an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 56.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.

Temperature

46°F Jan (8°C) 81°F Jul (27°C)
Annual Average64.4°F
19% above US avg
January Average46°F (8°C)
July Average81°F (27°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall56.2 inches
48% above US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median40.0
RatingGood
Good Days %90.4%
Unhealthy Days0

Geography

Elevation489 ft (149 m)
Area18.8 sq mi (48.6 km²)
Population Density37/sq mi
Coordinates33.1069°N, 86.5854°W
County FIPS01117
It is classified as Metro — 1 million+. 18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (46% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 40.9-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 69.9%
D 29%

Winner: Republican by 40.9 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+18.1%
46% below US avg
High School+92.1%
School Test Score5.72
C Education Grade (2.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 1Metro — 1 million+
Population Density37/sq mi
Total Area18.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Public Libraries14
Healthcare Facilities535
Restaurants436
Retail Stores708

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)18

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute25.6 min
Work from Home0.0%

Nearby Cities

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