North Shelby, Greater Birmingham, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
34,655
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$74,625/yr
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,000
0.2% year-over-year change

North Shelby population

How many people live in North Shelby

North Shelby is home to 34,655 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of North Shelby locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
34,655
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
16,786
Female
51.6%
17,868
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,786 48.4% 0.6%
Female 17,868 51.6% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in North Shelby is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.7% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 27.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.7%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
27.4%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,797 16.7% 2.9%
15 to 24 4,501 13% 3.1%
25 to 44 8,229 23.8% -2.9%
45 to 64 9,508 27.4% -0.5%
Over 65 6,620 19.1% 2.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In North Shelby, 93.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 78.4% of locals are Caucasian, 10.6% are African American and 2.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.1%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 32,526 93.9% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,419 4.1% -6.2%
Non-citizens 710 2% -1.2%
Racial breakdown
White
78.4%
Black or African American
10.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 27,155 78.4%
Black or African American 3,657 10.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 44 0.1%
Asian 951 2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0%
Two or more races 2,012 5.8%
Other 832 2.4%

Households in North Shelby

A peek inside North Shelby households

North Shelby has 13,969 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 69.3% are families, while the remaining 30.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,969
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,289
Family households
9,680
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,289 30.7% 1.6%
Family households 9,680 69.3% 0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in North Shelby

The housing landscape of North Shelby

North Shelby's housing consists of 15,000 units, with 69.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 7.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,000
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,452 69.7%
1 unit, attached 648 4.3%
2 units 41 0.3%
3 or 4 units 232 1.6%
5 to 9 units 665 4.4%
10 to 19 units 1,073 7.2%
20 to 49 units 391 2.6%
50 or more units 401 2.7%
Mobile home 1,088 7.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
273
41.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in North Shelby

In North Shelby, the median construction year is 1995. About 1.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 30.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 246 1.6% 7.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 107 0.7% -0.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 246 1.6% 14.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 436 2.9% 1.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,207 8% -11.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,566 17.1% 1.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,648 24.3% 0.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,626 30.8% 0.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,647 11% -1.1%
Built in 2020 or later 273 1.8% 41.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

North Shelby occupancy rates

Out of the 13,969 occupied housing units in North Shelby, 76.2% are owner-occupied, while 23.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,969
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,329
Owner occupied
10,640
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,329 23.8% -0.6%
Owner occupied 10,640 76.2% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
6.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

North Shelby housing costs

Housing costs in North Shelby come to a median of $1,033 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,076.

Median housing costs per month
$1,033/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in North Shelby
$1,076/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in North Shelby

North Shelby education at a glance

About 22.8% of the population in North Shelby went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 32.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 447 1.6% -11.0%
High school diploma 6,161 22.8% -2.1%
College diploma 5,332 19.7% -0.8%
Associate degree 1,560 5.8% 9.2%
Bachelor's degree 8,811 32.6% -0.2%
Graduate degree 4,756 17.6% 1.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in North Shelby

How much people earn in North Shelby

The average annual household income in North Shelby was $100,459 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $74,625, reflecting a +0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in North Shelby
$100,459/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in North Shelby
$74,625/year
0.4% year-over-year change

North Shelby income by age

In North Shelby, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $84,479. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,030 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,922, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $66,298 in earnings. Overall, 91.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,922 44.5%
25 - 44 $84,479 -1.8%
45 - 64 $93,030 2.1%
Over 65 $66,298 12.4%
Above poverty level
31,467
Below poverty level
2,785
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 31,467 91.9% 0.5%
Below poverty level 2,785 8.1% -0.7%

Employment in North Shelby

Workforce and job types in North Shelby

85.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 69.3% are employed by private companies, and 10.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
15,331
Blue collar
2,562
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 15,331 85.7% 1.0%
Blue collar 2,562 14.3% 0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
69.3%
Governmental workers
10.6%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,926 10.8% 3.7%
Private companies 12,397 69.3% 0.0%
Governmental workers 1,894 10.6% -0.8%
Not for profit companies 1,676 9.4% 7.5%

Transportation in North Shelby

How people get around in North Shelby

Commuting methods vary: 99.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,659 99.3% -1.0%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0% -66.7%
Motorcycle 4 0% N/A
Walk 98 0.7% 10.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in North Shelby by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35094 14,854 5,726 $74,625 $93,874
35147 6,897 2,394 $91,739 $114,777
35176 704 302 $49,348 $87,616
35178 3,078 1,191 $55,299 $72,452
35242 57,374 23,978 $117,047 $164,392

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FAQs about North Shelby demographics 

What is the total population of North Shelby?

North Shelby has a total population of 34,655 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in North Shelby?

The gender ratio in North Shelby is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (16,786 residents)
  • 51.6% females (17,868 residents)

What is the median age in North Shelby?

The median age in North Shelby is 43.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in North Shelby?

The age distribution in North Shelby is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.7% (5,797 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (4,501 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (8,229 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.4% (9,508 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (6,620 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of North Shelby?

The racial and ethnic makeup of North Shelby is as follows:
  • White: 78.4% (27,155 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.6% (3,657 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (44 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (951 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (2,012 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (832 residents)

What percentage of the population in North Shelby are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.9% of the population in North Shelby.

How many housing units are there in North Shelby?

There are 15,000 housing units in North Shelby, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in North Shelby and what is the average household size?

North Shelby has a total of 13,969 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in North Shelby?

North Shelby has a median household income of $74,625, representing a +0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for North Shelby?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.7% (15,331 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.3% (2,562 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (1,926 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.3% (12,397 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.6% (1,894 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (1,676 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025