Shirley, AR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
269
-12.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$37,344/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
153
-6.1% year-over-year change

Shirley population

How many people live in Shirley

Shirley is home to 269 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Shirley locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
269
-12.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
135
Female
49.8%
134
Value Percent YoY change
Male 135 50.2% -8.2%
Female 134 49.8% -16.2%
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 Shirley is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.4% are children under 15, then 19% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.2% of the population, while another 34.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.4%
15 to 24
19%
25 to 44
18.2%
45 to 64
34.9%
Over 65
20.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 20 7.4% -53.5%
15 to 24 51 19% 6.2%
25 to 44 49 18.2% -29.0%
45 to 64 94 34.9% 0.0%
Over 65 55 20.4% 3.8%
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

At the same time, 2.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 263 97.8% -12.0%
Non-citizens 6 2.2% -25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
97%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 261 97%
Two or more races 8 3%

Households in Shirley

A peek inside Shirley households

Shirley has 119 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 73.1% are families, while the remaining 26.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
119
-6.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
32
Family households
87
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 32 26.9% -15.8%
Family households 87 73.1% -2.2%
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 Shirley

The housing landscape of Shirley

Shirley's housing consists of 153 units, with 83.7% 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 16.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
153
-6.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 128 83.7%
Mobile home 25 16.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shirley

In Shirley, the median construction year is 1967. About 17% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 16.3% 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 26 17% 8.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 25 16.3% 19.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 19 12.4% -17.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 9 5.9% 12.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 24 15.7% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 18 11.8% -37.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 25 16.3% -13.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4 2.6% 100.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3 2% 0.0%
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.

Shirley occupancy rates

Out of the 119 occupied housing units in Shirley, 86.6% are owner-occupied, while 13.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
119
-6.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
16
Owner occupied
103
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 16 13.4% -30.4%
Owner occupied 103 86.6% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
22.2%
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.

Shirley housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$666/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 Shirley

Shirley education at a glance

About 46.7% of the population in Shirley went to high school, while 29.3% pursued college studies. Another 2.2% earned an associate degree and 11.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8 3.5% 60.0%
High school diploma 107 46.7% 0.9%
College diploma 67 29.3% -23.9%
Associate degree 5 2.2% -37.5%
Bachelor's degree 27 11.8% 50.0%
Graduate degree 15 6.6% -11.8%
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 Shirley

How much people earn in Shirley

The average annual household income in Shirley was $59,855 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $37,344, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shirley
$59,855/year
9.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shirley
$37,344/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Shirley income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,750 overall. Overall, 72.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $68,750 29.9%
Over 65 $37,188 3.5%
Above poverty level
195
Below poverty level
74
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 195 72.5% -3.9%
Below poverty level 74 27.5% -28.9%

Employment in Shirley

Workforce and job types in Shirley

The job market in Shirley is powered by 109 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.5% run their own businesses, 48.6% are employed by private companies, and 28.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
109
-8.4% year-over-year change
White collar
78
Blue collar
31
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 78 71.6% 0.0%
Blue collar 31 28.4% -24.4%
Employer type
Self employees
5.5%
Private companies
48.6%
Governmental workers
28.4%
Not for profit companies
17.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6 5.5% -45.5%
Private companies 53 48.6% -27.4%
Governmental workers 31 28.4% 63.2%
Not for profit companies 19 17.4% 18.8%
Unemployment rate
0.9%
-66.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shirley stands at 0.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Shirley

How people get around in Shirley

Commuting methods vary: 90.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.7% 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 94 90.4% -13.8%
Walk 7 6.7% 75.0%
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 Shirley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
72153 4,191 1,591 $50,253 $61,870

Explore more communities

FAQs about Shirley demographics 

What is the total population of Shirley?

Shirley has a total population of 269 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 -12.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shirley?

The gender ratio in Shirley is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (135 residents)
  • 49.8% females (134 residents)

What is the median age in Shirley?

The median age in Shirley is 48.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shirley?

The age distribution in Shirley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.4% (20 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 19% (51 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.2% (49 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.9% (94 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.4% (55 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shirley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shirley is as follows:
  • White: 97% (261 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 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: 3% (8 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Shirley.

How many housing units are there in Shirley?

There are 153 housing units in Shirley, reflecting a -6.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shirley has a total of 119 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shirley?

Shirley has a median household income of $37,344, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Shirley?

The employment rate is 99.1% in Shirley, with a workforce of 109 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.6% (78 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.4% (31 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.5% (6 residents)
  • Private companies: 48.6% (53 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.4% (31 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 17.4% (19 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