Shelley, ID demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,092
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,563/yr
21.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,783
-0.2% year-over-year change

Shelley population

How many people live in Shelley

Shelley is home to 5,092 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53% of Shelley locals are male, and 47% are female.

Total population
5,092
2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53%
2,700
Female
47%
2,392
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,700 53% 13.5%
Female 2,392 47% -8.3%
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 Shelley is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 26% are children under 15, then 18.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.2% of the population, while another 16.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
26%
15 to 24
18.5%
25 to 44
28.2%
45 to 64
16.1%
Over 65
11.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,325 26% 0.4%
15 to 24 944 18.5% 4.8%
25 to 44 1,434 28.2% 1.0%
45 to 64 822 16.1% 10.3%
Over 65 567 11.1% -5.7%
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 Shelley, 93.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77.8% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,773 93.7% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 171 3.4% 26.7%
Non-citizens 148 2.9% 26.5%
Racial breakdown
White
77.8%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.5%
Other
6%
Value Percent
White 3,961 77.8%
Black or African American 13 0.3%
Asian 25 0.5%
Two or more races 787 15.5%
Other 306 6%

Households in Shelley

A peek inside Shelley households

Shelley has 1,668 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.3% are families, while the remaining 25.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,668
-2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
429
Family households
1,239
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 429 25.7% -13.0%
Family households 1,239 74.3% 1.3%
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 Shelley

The housing landscape of Shelley

Shelley's housing consists of 1,783 units, with 68% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% 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 8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,783
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,213 68%
1 unit, attached 56 3.1%
2 units 50 2.8%
3 or 4 units 175 9.8%
5 to 9 units 61 3.4%
10 to 19 units 58 3.2%
20 to 49 units 14 0.8%
50 or more units 13 0.7%
Mobile home 143 8%
Homes built since 2020
49
-10.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shelley

In Shelley, the median construction year is 1976. About 17.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 308 17.3% 10.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 29 1.6% 7.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 189 10.6% 0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 216 12.1% 3.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 259 14.5% -13.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 117 6.6% -30.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 149 8.4% 30.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 292 16.4% -5.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 175 9.8% 28.7%
Built in 2020 or later 49 2.8% -10.9%
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.

Shelley occupancy rates

Out of the 1,668 occupied housing units in Shelley, 74.7% are owner-occupied, while 25.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,668
-2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
422
Owner occupied
1,246
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 422 25.3% -19.6%
Owner occupied 1,246 74.7% 4.6%
Unoccupied housing units
6.4%
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.

Shelley housing costs

Housing costs in Shelley come to a median of $1,009 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,265.

Median housing costs per month
$1,009/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 Shelley
$1,265/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 Shelley

Shelley education at a glance

About 31% of the population in Shelley went to high school, while 34.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 9.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 221 6.6% 21.4%
High school diploma 1,040 31% -2.2%
College diploma 1,142 34.1% -2.7%
Associate degree 323 9.6% 2.5%
Bachelor's degree 330 9.8% -13.2%
Graduate degree 297 8.9% 24.3%
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 Shelley

How much people earn in Shelley

The average annual household income in Shelley was $101,360 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $77,563, reflecting a +21.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shelley
$101,360/year
8.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shelley
$77,563/year
21.4% year-over-year change

Shelley income by age

In Shelley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $91,815. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,018 overall. Overall, 89.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $91,815 13.5%
45 - 64 $79,018 58.3%
Over 65 $46,849 1.2%
Above poverty level
4,505
Below poverty level
524
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,505 89.6% 0.0%
Below poverty level 524 10.4% 21.3%

Average renter income in Shelley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shelley, their median household income was $36,646 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,646
Rent-to-income ratio
41.4%
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 Shelley

Workforce and job types in Shelley

The job market in Shelley is powered by 2,367 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 75.3% are employed by private companies, and 15.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,367
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,525
Blue collar
842
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,525 64.4% -1.6%
Blue collar 842 35.6% 6.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
75.3%
Governmental workers
15.2%
Not for profit companies
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 172 7.3% 52.2%
Private companies 1,783 75.3% -0.3%
Governmental workers 359 15.2% -6.5%
Not for profit companies 53 2.2% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
-8.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shelley stands at 7%, 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 Shelley

How people get around in Shelley

Commuting methods vary: 85.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% 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 1,930 85.7% -4.5%
Bus or trolleybus 33 1.5% 153.8%
Motorcycle 35 1.6% -12.5%
Walk 49 2.2% 113.0%
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 Shelley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
83274 11,699 3,700 $92,669 $123,551

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FAQs about Shelley demographics 

What is the total population of Shelley?

Shelley has a total population of 5,092 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 +2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shelley?

The gender ratio in Shelley is as follows:
  • 53% males (2,700 residents)
  • 47% females (2,392 residents)

What is the median age in Shelley?

The median age in Shelley is 30.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shelley?

The age distribution in Shelley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26% (1,325 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.5% (944 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.2% (1,434 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.1% (822 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.1% (567 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shelley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelley is as follows:
  • White: 77.8% (3,961 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (13 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (25 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.5% (787 residents)
  • Other: 6% (306 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.7% of the population in Shelley.

How many housing units are there in Shelley?

There are 1,783 housing units in Shelley, 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 Shelley and what is the average household size?

Shelley has a total of 1,668 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shelley?

Shelley has a median household income of $77,563, representing a +21.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93% in Shelley, with a workforce of 2,367 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.4% (1,525 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.6% (842 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (172 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.3% (1,783 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.2% (359 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.2% (53 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