Median Income
$54,500
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,100
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
468/100K
23% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Shelby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population259
Median Age65.6 yrs
Density201/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,500
Per Capita$31,639
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,968M
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,100
Ownership88.2%
Zillow$179,148
Housing Units160
Rent Burden25.6%
Crime
F
Violent468/100K
Property872/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking18.2%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain39.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation642 ft (196 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+85.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Broadband88.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Shelby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shelby receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Shelby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shelby is $54,500, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shelby is $128,100, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 468 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 872 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Shelby experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.9 inches, including 29.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Shelby has a population of 259 with a density of 201 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 65.6 years, 69% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 38.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
65.6yrs
Median Age
69% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Shelby is $54,500, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,639 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $948, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 875 business establishments, including 64 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,500 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,639 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $948 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,170 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 875 |
| County GDP | $1,968M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 52 |
| Retail | 125 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,315 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Shelby is $128,100, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,148, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,267 for a one-bedroom to $1,473 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 160 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $2,315 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,100 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,148 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,118 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,267 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,473 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,907 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,338 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.8% |
| Housing Units | 160 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,315 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.81% |
In Shelby, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.4% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,136. The dentist ratio is 1:2,773. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shelby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,136 |
| Dentists | 1:2,773 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,597 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,161/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 52 |
Shelby has a violent crime rate of 468 per 100,000 residents, 23% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 872 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 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 | 467.9/100K |
| 23% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 872.1/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shelby experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.9 inches. The area receives 29.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. 91% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 642 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 642 ft (196 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 201/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1934°N, 87.3427°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Jasper County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.9"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 90.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
133 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
129 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
79 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
125 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
605 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 110 fatalities, 1,990 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
100 km |
29 |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
76 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
18 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
67 km |
33 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
68 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
30 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
62 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
48 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
71 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Shelby has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.5").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelby
What is the population of Shelby?
Shelby has a population of 259 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 201 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Shelby expensive to live in?
Shelby is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,500, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,100 (55% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shelby safe?
The violent crime rate in Shelby is 468 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 872 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.9 inches, with 29.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
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 $948. There are 875 business establishments in the area, including 64 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Shelby?
The median home value in Shelby is $128,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,148. The homeownership rate is 88.2%. The average annual property tax is $2,315.
How are the schools in Shelby?
Schools in Shelby score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Shelby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shelby?
The obesity rate in Shelby is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,136.
What are the demographics of Shelby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 38.6% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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