Shelby, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
22,100
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,376/yr
-4.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
10,758
-0.4% year-over-year change

Shelby population

How many people live in Shelby

Shelby is home to 22,100 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.4% of Shelby locals are male, and 53.6% are female.

Total population
22,100
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.4%
10,262
Female
53.6%
11,838
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,262 46.4% 1.3%
Female 11,838 53.6% 0.9%
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 18.1% are children under 15, then 13.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,006 18.1% 0.2%
15 to 24 2,974 13.5% 8.3%
25 to 44 5,314 24% 6.5%
45 to 64 5,234 23.7% -3.7%
Over 65 4,572 20.7% -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

In Shelby, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 55.6% of locals are Caucasian, 31.3% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. Another 1% are Indigenous American, 0.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,500 97.3% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 355 1.6% -30.1%
Non-citizens 245 1.1% 15.0%
Racial breakdown
White
55.6%
Black or African American
31.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.3%
Two or more races
9.8%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 12,280 55.6%
Black or African American 6,922 31.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 233 1%
Asian 196 0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 64 0.3%
Two or more races 2,160 9.8%
Other 245 1.1%

Households in Shelby

A peek inside Shelby households

Shelby has 9,533 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.3% are families, while the remaining 42.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,533
3.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,072
Family households
5,461
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,072 42.7% 6.5%
Family households 5,461 57.3% 2.0%
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 10,758 units, with 69.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.7% 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 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
10,758
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,448 69.2%
1 unit, attached 287 2.7%
2 units 358 3.3%
3 or 4 units 760 7.1%
5 to 9 units 775 7.2%
10 to 19 units 391 3.6%
20 to 49 units 229 2.1%
50 or more units 238 2.2%
Mobile home 272 2.5%
Homes built since 2020
175
236.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shelby

In Shelby, the median construction year is 1970. About 11.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.4% 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 1,224 11.4% 3.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 925 8.6% 5.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,522 14.2% 2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,741 16.2% -8.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,146 20% 3.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 993 9.2% -12.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 579 5.4% -26.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,194 11.1% 13.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 259 2.4% 12.1%
Built in 2020 or later 175 1.6% 236.5%
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 9,533 occupied housing units in Shelby, 60% are owner-occupied, while 40% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,533
3.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,818
Owner occupied
5,715
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,818 40% 1.7%
Owner occupied 5,715 60% 5.4%
Unoccupied housing units
11.4%
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.

Shelby housing costs

Housing costs in Shelby come to a median of $939 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $945.

Median housing costs per month
$939/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
$945/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 38.5% of the population in Shelby went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 13.3% earned an associate degree and 16.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 591 3.5% -7.2%
High school diploma 6,536 38.5% 1.4%
College diploma 3,186 18.8% 3.4%
Associate degree 2,262 13.3% 1.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,755 16.2% 3.7%
Graduate degree 1,634 9.6% -0.5%
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 $70,877 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,376, reflecting a -4.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shelby
$70,877/year
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shelby
$48,376/year
-4.6% year-over-year change

Shelby income by age

In Shelby, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,591. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,383 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $32,885, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,030 in earnings. Overall, 82.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $32,885 -3.5%
25 - 44 $51,591 11.9%
45 - 64 $55,383 -0.1%
Over 65 $49,030 -5.1%
Above poverty level
17,682
Below poverty level
3,691
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 17,682 82.7% 1.1%
Below poverty level 3,691 17.3% -2.9%

Average renter income in Shelby

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shelby, their median household income was $30,724 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,724
Rent-to-income ratio
36.9%
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 Shelby

Workforce and job types in Shelby

The job market in Shelby is powered by 9,458 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.9% run their own businesses, 71% are employed by private companies, and 11.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
9,458
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
6,921
Blue collar
2,537
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,921 73.2% 1.6%
Blue collar 2,537 26.8% -3.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.9%
Private companies
71%
Governmental workers
11.3%
Not for profit companies
10.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 656 6.9% -19.0%
Private companies 6,719 71% 4.5%
Governmental workers 1,069 11.3% -11.5%
Not for profit companies 1,014 10.7% 1.4%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
0.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shelby stands at 3.6%, 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

Commuting methods vary: 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% 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 8,282 89% 0.8%
Walk 106 1.1% 1.9%
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
28089 167 18 $75,000 $72,583
28150 28,142 11,499 $55,832 $77,688
28152 26,134 10,016 $57,806 $73,387
28017 663 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Shelby demographics 

What is the total population of Shelby?

Shelby has a total population of 22,100 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 +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shelby?

The gender ratio in Shelby is as follows:
  • 46.4% males (10,262 residents)
  • 53.6% females (11,838 residents)

What is the median age in Shelby?

The median age in Shelby is 39.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shelby?

The age distribution in Shelby is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (4,006 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.5% (2,974 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (5,314 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (5,234 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.7% (4,572 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shelby is as follows:
  • White: 55.6% (12,280 residents)
  • Black or African American: 31.3% (6,922 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (233 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (196 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.3% (64 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.8% (2,160 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (245 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Shelby.

How many housing units are there in Shelby?

There are 10,758 housing units in Shelby, reflecting a -0.4% 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 9,533 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shelby?

Shelby has a median household income of $48,376, representing a -4.6% 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 96.4% in Shelby, with a workforce of 9,458 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.2% (6,921 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.8% (2,537 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.9% (656 residents)
  • Private companies: 71% (6,719 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.3% (1,069 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.7% (1,014 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