Median Income
$53,309
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,000
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$682
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.4%
8% higher than US avg
How Shelby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,571
Median Age29.3 yrs
Density1,568/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,309
Per Capita$24,023
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty13.4%
County GDP$833M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,000
Rent$682
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$232,411
Rent Burden25.1%
Health
Obesity42.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.9 in/yr
Elevation807 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+82.8%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute16 min
Broadband84.7%
Libraries4
Is Shelby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shelby receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $53,309, 29% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shelby is $124,000, 56% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $682 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Shelby experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.9 inches, including 78.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Shelby has a population of 2,571 with a density of 1,568 people per square mile. The median age is 29.3 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (72.9%), with 2.8% Hispanic.
Population
29.3yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 62.2% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Spanish | 37.8% |
| 182% above US avg |
The median household income in Shelby is $53,309, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,309 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,023 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $878 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,589 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.4% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 567 |
| County GDP | $833M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,613 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Shelby is $124,000, 56% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $682 (41% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,411.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,411 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $682 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,613 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.53% |
In Shelby, 42.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 26.4% report depression. 29.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Shelby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,787/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Crime Rates: Shelby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
Safety Score
Shelby has an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation is 38.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 38.9 inches |
| 2% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 78.5 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 807 ft (246 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,568/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6121°N, 86.3645°W |
| County FIPS | 26127 |