Median Income
$27,728
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,400
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$613
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
55.0%
71% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
45.2%
265% higher than US avg
How Shelby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,709
Median Age42.1 yrs
Density626/mi²
Male / Female43% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Economy
D
Median Income$27,728
Per Capita$11,422
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty45.2%
County GDP$1,386M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,400
Rent$613
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity55.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.1%
Heart Disease9.1%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain54.0 in/yr
Elevation153 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+75.0%
School Score4.42
Community
2024 VoteR 38% / D 62%
Commute36 min
Libraries5
Is Shelby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shelby receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, 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 $27,728, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 45.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shelby is $82,400, 71% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $613 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Shelby enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 54.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Shelby has a population of 1,709 with a density of 626 people per square mile. The median age is 42.1 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (98.5%), with 1.5% White.
Population
42.1yrs
Median Age
8% 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 $27,728, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 45.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,728 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $11,422 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $855 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,801 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 45.2% |
| 265% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 841 |
| County GDP | $1,386M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 70 |
| Healthcare | 83 |
| Retail | 140 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.0 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Shelby is $82,400, 71% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $613 (47% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,400 |
| 71% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $613 |
| 47% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,290 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.99% |
In Shelby, 55.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 19.1% report depression. 52.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Shelby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 55.0% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 24.3% |
| Heart Disease | 9.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 56.9% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 12.8% |
| Stroke | 7.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 9.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 52.2% |
| Depression | 19.1% |
| Mental Distress | 22.6% |
| Physical Distress | 20.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 84.6% |
| Premature Death | 19,769/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 83 |
Crime Rates: Shelby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
Safety Score
Shelby has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation is 54.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.1°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 54.0 inches |
| 42% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.1 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 153 ft (47 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 626/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.9505°N, 90.7651°W |
| County FIPS | 28011 |