Median Income
$52,760
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,300
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
178/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.2%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$724
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.2%
18% lower than US avg
How Shelby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,706
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density1,375/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,760
Per Capita$27,234
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty10.2%
County GDP$6,005M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,300
Rent$724
Ownership63.9%
Zillow$178,106
Housing Units3,755
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent178/100K
Property2,568/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault100/100K
Burglary589/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.4%
Depression28.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain42.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,080 ft (329 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.2%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute21 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries11
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 low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $52,760, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 10.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shelby is $117,300, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $724 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Shelby is below the national average at 178 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,568 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
15.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Shelby experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Shelby has a population of 8,706 with a density of 1,375 people per square mile, spread across 6.5 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.9% female and 43.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Shelby is $52,760, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,234 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $977, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,896 business establishments, including 244 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,760 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,234 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $977 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,303 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.2% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,896 |
| County GDP | $6,005M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 244 |
| Healthcare | 355 |
| Retail | 396 |
| Manufacturing | 168 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,401 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Shelby is $117,300, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,106, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $724 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $787 for a one-bedroom to $1,033 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,755 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,401 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,300 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,106 |
| Median List Price | $171,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $171,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $123 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.1% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 21 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $724 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $787 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,033 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,384 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,448 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.1% |
| Housing Units | 3,755 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,401 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.75% |
In Shelby, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 28.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,122. The dentist ratio is 1:1,586. 78.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shelby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 28.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,122 |
| Dentists | 1:1,586 |
| Mental Health | 1:208 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,193/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 355 |
Shelby has a violent crime rate of 178 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 100.0 per 100,000, robbery at 11.1, rape at 66.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,568 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,878, burglary at 589, vehicle theft at 100 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Shelby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shelby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 177.8/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 66.7/100K |
| Robbery | 11.1/100K |
| Assault | 100.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,567.5/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
| Burglary | 589.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,878.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 100.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
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 26°F in January while summers reach 72°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 42.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,080 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,080 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 6.5 sq mi (16.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,375/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8851°N, 82.6583°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Richland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mansfield Lahm Regional (MFD) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.5"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 61.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
34 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
134 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
148 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
51 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
135 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
96 km |
| Jan 4, 2022 |
3 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Sep 22, 1999 |
16 km NW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M2.8 |
144 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
30 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
78 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
413 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 44 fatalities, 750 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
51 km |
18 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1981 |
EF3 |
47 km |
4 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
75 km |
6 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
45 km |
4 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Sep 4, 2017 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2011 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Shelby has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 26°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.0").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelby
What is the population of Shelby?
Shelby has a population of 8,706 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,375 people per square mile, spread across 6.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 56.9% female and 43.1% male.
Is Shelby expensive to live in?
Shelby is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,760, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,300 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $724 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shelby safe?
Shelby is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 178 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,568 per 100,000 (above 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 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Shelby?
The job market in Shelby is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $977. There are 2,896 business establishments in the area, including 244 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shelby?
The median home value in Shelby is $117,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,106. For renters, the median monthly rent is $724. Fair market rent is $787 for a 1-bedroom and $1,033 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,401.
How are the schools in Shelby?
Schools in Shelby score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.2% of adults in Shelby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shelby?
The obesity rate in Shelby is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 28.5% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 78.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,122.
What is transportation like in Shelby?
The average commute in Shelby is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shelby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby is 94.7% White. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.