Shelby, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
809
17.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
439
15.5% year-over-year change

Shelby population

How many people live in Shelby

Shelby is home to 809 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 63.2% of Shelby locals are male, and 36.8% are female.

Total population
809
17.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
63.2%
511
Female
36.8%
298
Value Percent YoY change
Male 511 63.2% 23.7%
Female 298 36.8% 7.2%
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 Shelby is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.9% are children under 15, then 15.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 9.6% of the population, while another 31.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 36.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
58.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.9%
15 to 24
15.7%
25 to 44
9.6%
45 to 64
31.6%
Over 65
36.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 56 6.9% 43.6%
15 to 24 127 15.7% 35.1%
25 to 44 78 9.6% 21.9%
45 to 64 256 31.6% -2.7%
Over 65 292 36.1% 26.4%
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 Shelby, 97.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.1%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 792 97.9% 14.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 17 2.1% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
82.1%
Black or African American
12.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 664 82.1%
Black or African American 103 12.7%
Two or more races 42 5.2%

Households in Shelby

A peek inside Shelby households

Shelby has 376 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.2% are families, while the remaining 37.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
376
19.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
142
Family households
234
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 142 37.8% 17.4%
Family households 234 62.2% 20.6%
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 Shelby

The housing landscape of Shelby

Shelby's housing consists of 439 units, with 52.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 47.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
439
15.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 231 52.6%
Mobile home 208 47.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shelby

In Shelby, the median construction year is 1990. About 1.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 8 1.8% -11.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 40 9.1% N/A
Built between 1960 and 1969 47 10.7% 42.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 59 13.4% -20.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 58 13.2% 52.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 158 36% -10.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 52 11.8% 4.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17 3.9% N/A
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.

Shelby occupancy rates

Out of the 376 occupied housing units in Shelby, 90.7% are owner-occupied, while 9.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 14.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
376
19.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
35
Owner occupied
341
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 35 9.3% 45.8%
Owner occupied 341 90.7% 17.2%
Unoccupied housing units
14.4%
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.

Shelby housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$429/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.

Education in Shelby

Shelby education at a glance

About 61.6% of the population in Shelby went to high school, while 9.8% pursued college studies. Another 3.5% earned an associate degree and 14.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21 2.9% 0.0%
High school diploma 440 61.6% 25.0%
College diploma 70 9.8% -22.2%
Associate degree 25 3.5% 78.6%
Bachelor's degree 106 14.8% 10.4%
Graduate degree 52 7.3% 10.6%
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 Shelby

How much people earn in Shelby

The average annual household income in Shelby was $57,845 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.6% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Shelby
$57,845/year
-1.6% year-over-year change

Shelby income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,009 overall. Overall, 78.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $57,009 -7.5%
Over 65 $32,594 18.3%
Above poverty level
629
Below poverty level
171
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 629 78.6% 8.8%
Below poverty level 171 21.4% 66.0%

Employment in Shelby

Workforce and job types in Shelby

The job market in Shelby is powered by 314 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.2% run their own businesses, 67.5% are employed by private companies, and 25.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
314
9.8% year-over-year change
White collar
244
Blue collar
70
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 244 77.7% 7.5%
Blue collar 70 22.3% 18.6%
Employer type
Self employees
2.2%
Private companies
67.5%
Governmental workers
25.8%
Not for profit companies
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7 2.2% 16.7%
Private companies 212 67.5% 11.6%
Governmental workers 81 25.8% -5.8%
Not for profit companies 14 4.5% 250.0%

Transportation in Shelby

How people get around in Shelby

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 314 100% 9.8%
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.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Shelby demographics 

What is the total population of Shelby?

Shelby has a total population of 809 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 +17.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shelby?

The gender ratio in Shelby is as follows:
  • 63.2% males (511 residents)
  • 36.8% females (298 residents)

What is the median age in Shelby?

The median age in Shelby is 58.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shelby?

The age distribution in Shelby is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.9% (56 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.7% (127 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 9.6% (78 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 31.6% (256 residents)
  • Over 65: 36.1% (292 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby is as follows:
  • White: 82.1% (664 residents)
  • Black or African American: 12.7% (103 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (42 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.9% of the population in Shelby.

How many housing units are there in Shelby?

There are 439 housing units in Shelby, reflecting a +15.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shelby has a total of 376 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the job market overview for Shelby?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.7% (244 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.3% (70 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.2% (7 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.5% (212 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.8% (81 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.5% (14 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