Shelter Cove, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
543
-28.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,444/yr
-3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
670
-10.4% year-over-year change

Shelter Cove population

How many people live in Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove is home to 543 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 58.9% of Shelter Cove locals are male, and 41.1% are female.

Total population
543
-28.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
58.9%
320
Female
41.1%
223
Value Percent YoY change
Male 320 58.9% -25.8%
Female 223 41.1% -33.0%
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 Shelter Cove is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.2% are children under 15, then 10.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 11.4% of the population, while another 43.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.2%
15 to 24
10.3%
25 to 44
11.4%
45 to 64
43.6%
Over 65
25.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 50 9.2% -45.6%
15 to 24 56 10.3% 1.8%
25 to 44 62 11.4% -29.6%
45 to 64 237 43.6% -14.8%
Over 65 138 25.4% -45.0%
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 Shelter Cove, 88.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 79.4% of locals are Caucasian, 5.2% are African American and 5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.3%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 480 88.4% -32.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 56 10.3% 24.4%
Non-citizens 7 1.3% -12.5%
Racial breakdown
White
79.4%
Black or African American
5.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 431 79.4%
Black or African American 28 5.2%
Asian 27 5%
Two or more races 57 10.5%

Households in Shelter Cove

A peek inside Shelter Cove households

Shelter Cove has 324 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 23.8% are families, while the remaining 76.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
324
-23.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
247
Family households
77
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 247 76.2% -10.8%
Family households 77 23.8% -47.3%
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 Shelter Cove

The housing landscape of Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove's housing consists of 670 units, with 82.8% 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 13.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
670
-10.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 555 82.8%
3 or 4 units 23 3.4%
Mobile home 92 13.7%
Homes built since 2020
25
-21.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shelter Cove

In Shelter Cove, the median construction year is 1997. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 25.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 23 3.4% 35.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 23 3.4% N/A
Built between 1970 and 1979 121 18.1% -23.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 24 3.6% -82.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 201 30% 16.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 168 25.1% 11.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 85 12.7% 9.0%
Built in 2020 or later 25 3.7% -21.9%
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.

Shelter Cove occupancy rates

Out of the 324 occupied housing units in Shelter Cove, 81.5% are owner-occupied, while 18.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 51.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
324
-23.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
60
Owner occupied
264
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 60 18.5% 66.7%
Owner occupied 264 81.5% -31.8%
Unoccupied housing units
51.6%
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.

Shelter Cove housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$973/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 Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove education at a glance

About 46.4% of the population in Shelter Cove went to high school, while 22.9% pursued college studies. Another 12.6% earned an associate degree and 14% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5 1% -68.8%
High school diploma 229 46.4% -29.8%
College diploma 113 22.9% -29.4%
Associate degree 62 12.6% 55.0%
Bachelor's degree 69 14% -43.9%
Graduate degree 15 3% 114.3%
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 Shelter Cove

How much people earn in Shelter Cove

The average annual household income in Shelter Cove was $53,813 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,444, reflecting a -3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shelter Cove
$53,813/year
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shelter Cove
$44,444/year
-3.5% year-over-year change

Shelter Cove income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $43,802 overall. Overall, 75.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $43,802 -0.2%
Above poverty level
408
Below poverty level
135
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 408 75.1% -37.0%
Below poverty level 135 24.9% 16.4%

Employment in Shelter Cove

Workforce and job types in Shelter Cove

The job market in Shelter Cove is powered by 256 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 57.8% run their own businesses, 16.8% are employed by private companies, and 19.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
256
-10.5% year-over-year change
White collar
212
Blue collar
44
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 212 82.8% -5.8%
Blue collar 44 17.2% -27.9%
Employer type
Self employees
57.8%
Private companies
16.8%
Governmental workers
19.5%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 148 57.8% -12.9%
Private companies 43 16.8% -25.9%
Governmental workers 50 19.5% 4.2%
Not for profit companies 15 5.9% 50.0%
Unemployment rate
3.8%

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shelter Cove stands at 3.8%, 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 Shelter Cove

How people get around in Shelter Cove

Commuting methods vary: 73.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 15.1% 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 181 73.9% -14.6%
Walk 37 15.1% 2.8%
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 Shelter Cove demographics 

What is the total population of Shelter Cove?

Shelter Cove has a total population of 543 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 -28.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shelter Cove?

The gender ratio in Shelter Cove is as follows:
  • 58.9% males (320 residents)
  • 41.1% females (223 residents)

What is the median age in Shelter Cove?

The median age in Shelter Cove is 49.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shelter Cove?

The age distribution in Shelter Cove is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.2% (50 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.3% (56 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 11.4% (62 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 43.6% (237 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.4% (138 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shelter Cove?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelter Cove is as follows:
  • White: 79.4% (431 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.2% (28 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 5% (27 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.5% (57 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.4% of the population in Shelter Cove.

How many housing units are there in Shelter Cove?

There are 670 housing units in Shelter Cove, reflecting a -10.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shelter Cove has a total of 324 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shelter Cove?

Shelter Cove has a median household income of $44,444, representing a -3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Shelter Cove?

The employment rate is 96.2% in Shelter Cove, with a workforce of 256 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.8% (212 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.2% (44 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 57.8% (148 residents)
  • Private companies: 16.8% (43 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.5% (50 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (15 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