Shelton, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
41,889
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$108,185/yr
-5.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,927
2.1% year-over-year change

Shelton population

How many people live in Shelton

Shelton is home to 41,889 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Shelton locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
41,889
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
20,120
Female
52%
21,769
Value Percent YoY change
Male 20,120 48% 2.2%
Female 21,769 52% 0.2%
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 Shelton is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 27.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
27.9%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,530 15.6% 0.2%
15 to 24 4,014 9.6% 0.9%
25 to 44 10,693 25.5% -0.6%
45 to 64 11,690 27.9% -1.3%
Over 65 8,962 21.4% 7.9%
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 Shelton, 81.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 68.3% of locals are Caucasian, 7.1% are African American and 8.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.2%
Non-citizens
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 34,111 81.4% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,521 13.2% 4.5%
Non-citizens 2,257 5.4% -1.5%
Racial breakdown
White
68.3%
Black or African American
7.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
8.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10%
Other
5.3%
Value Percent
White 28,625 68.3%
Black or African American 2,973 7.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 170 0.4%
Asian 3,692 8.8%
Two or more races 4,192 10%
Other 2,237 5.3%

Households in Shelton

A peek inside Shelton households

Shelton has 16,096 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.4% are families, while the remaining 30.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,096
2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,918
Family households
11,178
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,918 30.6% 5.9%
Family households 11,178 69.4% 0.7%
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 Shelton

The housing landscape of Shelton

Shelton's housing consists of 16,927 units, with 64.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.2% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,927
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 10,867 64.2%
1 unit, attached 2,071 12.2%
2 units 705 4.2%
3 or 4 units 641 3.8%
5 to 9 units 514 3%
10 to 19 units 278 1.6%
20 to 49 units 493 2.9%
50 or more units 1,171 6.9%
Mobile home 175 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
270
82.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shelton

In Shelton, the median construction year is 1977. About 10.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,834 10.8% 6.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 877 5.2% -1.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,777 10.5% -2.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,249 13.3% 1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,320 13.7% -1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,326 19.6% 1.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,975 11.7% 1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,130 6.7% 6.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,169 6.9% 3.9%
Built in 2020 or later 270 1.6% 82.4%
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.

Shelton occupancy rates

Out of the 16,096 occupied housing units in Shelton, 76.5% are owner-occupied, while 23.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,096
2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,784
Owner occupied
12,312
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,784 23.5% -0.2%
Owner occupied 12,312 76.5% 3.0%
Unoccupied housing units
4.9%
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.

Shelton housing costs

Housing costs in Shelton come to a median of $1,821 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,741.

Median housing costs per month
$1,821/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 Shelton
$1,741/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 Shelton

Shelton education at a glance

About 29.6% of the population in Shelton went to high school, while 17.9% pursued college studies. Another 7.9% earned an associate degree and 25.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,051 3.1% 21.8%
High school diploma 10,059 29.6% 6.8%
College diploma 6,066 17.9% -2.1%
Associate degree 2,677 7.9% 0.2%
Bachelor's degree 8,792 25.9% 2.7%
Graduate degree 5,311 15.6% -9.7%
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 Shelton

How much people earn in Shelton

The average annual household income in Shelton was $138,636 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $108,185, reflecting a -5.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shelton
$138,636/year
-2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shelton
$108,185/year
-5.7% year-over-year change

Shelton income by age

In Shelton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $132,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $130,295 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $115,859, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $74,353 in earnings. Overall, 93.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $115,859 11.6%
25 - 44 $132,143 4.1%
45 - 64 $130,295 0.9%
Over 65 $74,353 -5.0%
Above poverty level
38,125
Below poverty level
2,725
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 38,125 93.3% 0.6%
Below poverty level 2,725 6.7% 18.1%

Average renter income in Shelton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shelton, their median household income was $69,848 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$69,848
Rent-to-income ratio
29.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Shelton

Workforce and job types in Shelton

The job market in Shelton is powered by 21,523 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.2% run their own businesses, 67.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,523
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
17,936
Blue collar
3,587
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,936 83.3% -1.7%
Blue collar 3,587 16.7% 4.6%
Employer type
Self employees
11.2%
Private companies
67.2%
Governmental workers
11.5%
Not for profit companies
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,409 11.2% 4.3%
Private companies 14,463 67.2% -0.9%
Governmental workers 2,472 11.5% 0.8%
Not for profit companies 2,179 10.1% -5.8%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-7.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shelton stands at 4.9%, 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 Shelton

How people get around in Shelton

Commuting methods vary: 84.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% 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 17,749 84.1% -1.2%
Taxicab 13 0.1% 8.3%
Bus or trolleybus 15 0.1% -83.9%
Subway or elevated 42 0.2% N/A
Railroad 121 0.6% -24.4%
Motorcycle 13 0.1% 8.3%
Walk 104 0.5% 1.0%
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 Shelton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
06484 41,889 16,096 $108,185 $138,636

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FAQs about Shelton demographics 

What is the total population of Shelton?

Shelton has a total population of 41,889 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shelton?

The gender ratio in Shelton is as follows:
  • 48% males (20,120 residents)
  • 52% females (21,769 residents)

What is the median age in Shelton?

The median age in Shelton is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shelton?

The age distribution in Shelton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (6,530 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (4,014 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (10,693 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.9% (11,690 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.4% (8,962 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shelton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelton is as follows:
  • White: 68.3% (28,625 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.1% (2,973 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (170 residents)
  • Asian: 8.8% (3,692 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10% (4,192 residents)
  • Other: 5.3% (2,237 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81.4% of the population in Shelton.

How many housing units are there in Shelton?

There are 16,927 housing units in Shelton, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shelton has a total of 16,096 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shelton?

Shelton has a median household income of $108,185, representing a -5.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.1% in Shelton, with a workforce of 21,523 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.3% (17,936 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.7% (3,587 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.2% (2,409 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.2% (14,463 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.5% (2,472 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.1% (2,179 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