Shelby, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,700
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$25,948/yr
-6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
863
6.4% year-over-year change

Shelby population

How many people live in Shelby

Shelby is home to 1,700 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 39.2% of Shelby locals are male, and 60.8% are female.

Total population
1,700
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
39.2%
667
Female
60.8%
1,033
Value Percent YoY change
Male 667 39.2% -8.1%
Female 1,033 60.8% 5.1%
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 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.2% are children under 15, then 14.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21% of the population, while another 27.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.2%
15 to 24
14.9%
25 to 44
21%
45 to 64
27.3%
Over 65
17.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 326 19.2% 37.0%
15 to 24 253 14.9% -17.3%
25 to 44 357 21% 0.0%
45 to 64 464 27.3% -10.1%
Over 65 300 17.6% 2.7%
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

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,700 100% -0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
1.3%
Black or African American
98.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 22 1.3%
Black or African American 1,678 98.7%

Households in Shelby

A peek inside Shelby households

Shelby has 746 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.2% are families, while the remaining 40.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
746
6.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
304
Family households
442
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 304 40.8% 17.4%
Family households 442 59.2% 0.0%
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 863 units, with 63.6% 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 13.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
863
6.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 549 63.6%
2 units 66 7.6%
3 or 4 units 88 10.2%
5 to 9 units 27 3.1%
10 to 19 units 19 2.2%
Mobile home 114 13.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shelby

In Shelby, the median construction year is 1973. About 7.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% 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 64 7.4% 20.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 39 4.5% -30.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 116 13.4% 34.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 179 20.7% 11.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 126 14.6% -35.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 66 7.6% 69.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 111 12.9% 8.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 138 16% 46.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 24 2.8% -7.7%
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 746 occupied housing units in Shelby, 67.8% are owner-occupied, while 32.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
746
6.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
240
Owner occupied
506
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 240 32.2% 0.8%
Owner occupied 506 67.8% 9.3%
Unoccupied housing units
13.6%
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.

Shelby housing costs

Housing costs in Shelby come to a median of $616 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $666.

Median housing costs per month
$616/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 Shelby
$666/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 Shelby

Shelby education at a glance

About 42.5% of the population in Shelby went to high school, while 24.9% pursued college studies. Another 10.1% earned an associate degree and 12.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 29 2.4% -72.6%
High school diploma 522 42.5% -1.9%
College diploma 305 24.9% -13.3%
Associate degree 124 10.1% -37.1%
Bachelor's degree 158 12.9% 39.8%
Graduate degree 89 7.2% 21.9%
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 $26,218 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $25,948, reflecting a -6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shelby
$26,218/year
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shelby
$25,948/year
-6.4% year-over-year change

Shelby income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $31,033 overall. Overall, 44.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $31,033 4.2%
Over 65 $26,500 -4.2%
Above poverty level
729
Below poverty level
896
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 729 44.9% 6.7%
Below poverty level 896 55.1% -5.3%

Average renter income in Shelby

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shelby, their median household income was $19,188 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,188
Rent-to-income ratio
41.7%
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 Shelby

Workforce and job types in Shelby

The job market in Shelby is powered by 253 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
253
-0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
214
Blue collar
39
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 214 84.6% 7.5%
Blue collar 39 15.4% -29.1%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
60.1%
Governmental workers
39.9%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 152 60.1% 21.6%
Governmental workers 101 39.9% -9.0%
Unemployment rate
13.4%
-59.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shelby stands at 13.4%, 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 Shelby

How people get around in Shelby

In Shelby, the average commute time is 37 minutes.

Commute time
37 min
1.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 253 100% -0.4%
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 Shelby by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38774 1,758 804 $19,811 $24,666

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FAQs about Shelby demographics 

What is the total population of Shelby?

Shelby has a total population of 1,700 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shelby?

The gender ratio in Shelby is as follows:
  • 39.2% males (667 residents)
  • 60.8% females (1,033 residents)

What is the median age in Shelby?

The median age in Shelby is 38.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shelby?

The age distribution in Shelby is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.2% (326 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.9% (253 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21% (357 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.3% (464 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.6% (300 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby is as follows:
  • White: 1.3% (22 residents)
  • Black or African American: 98.7% (1,678 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: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Shelby.

How many housing units are there in Shelby?

There are 863 housing units in Shelby, reflecting a +6.4% 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 746 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shelby?

Shelby has a median household income of $25,948, representing a -6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 86.6% in Shelby, with a workforce of 253 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.6% (214 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.4% (39 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.1% (152 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 39.9% (101 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 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