Shelby, Alabama Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Shelby, Alabama had a total population of 809, the 353rd largest community in Alabama. The poverty rate is 21.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Shelby Quick Facts
How Shelby Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 691 | 809 | +17.1% |
| Median home value | $95,200 | $158,200 | +66.2% |
How Shelby Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 53 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Shelby Rankings in Alabama
Explore Alabama Rankings
Other Cities in Shelby County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabaster | 33,917 | $91,357 | 7.1% | $261,700 |
| Pelham | 24,827 | $101,094 | 6.7% | $299,800 |
| Calera | 17,714 | $87,194 | 7.3% | $235,300 |
| Chelsea | 16,260 | $115,337 | 2.7% | $360,000 |
| Meadowbrook | 9,117 | $141,862 | 5.5% | $423,700 |
| Brook Highland | 8,146 | $79,904 | 4.6% | $427,400 |
| Montevallo | 7,556 | $56,626 | 17.7% | $220,700 |
| Highland Lakes | 5,866 | $169,361 | 4.1% | $599,200 |
| Columbiana | 4,725 | $80,546 | 9.8% | $259,500 |
| Eagle Point | 3,110 | $151,842 | 3.2% | $493,800 |
Cities Similar to Shelby
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autaugaville | 809 | $49,643 | $144,000 | 13.4% | 8.5% |
| Ivalee | 809 | $41,198 | $140,600 | 4.0% | 7.7% |
| Sterrett | 805 | $65,756 | N/A | 16.0% | 15.8% |
| Wilton | 804 | $54,750 | $162,100 | 5.3% | 15.9% |
| Pickensville | 803 | $34,250 | $159,800 | 12.8% | 33.8% |
A note before these figures: with a population of 809, Shelby's ACS estimates come from a small number of survey responses and carry wide margins of error. Individual percentages below — particularly rates that round to 0% or 100% — are approximations, not precise measurements. See data.census.gov for the published margins of error.
Population Overview
Shelby is a small community located in Alabama, within Shelby County. The total population is 809. It ranks as the 353rd most populous out of 592 Census-designated places in Alabama.
Age Demographics
The median age in Shelby is 58.2 years. This is 48% higher than the state median of 39.3 years. Only 11.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 24.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 21.4%. This is 37% higher than the state poverty rate of 15.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The survey records no unemployed residents in Shelby, which reflects the size of the sample rather than a labor market without joblessness. The median home value is $158,200. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $209,900. 90.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 29% higher than the state average of 70.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Shelby is White (non-Hispanic), making up 80.0% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 12.7%. The Black or African American population (12.7%) is well below the state average of 25.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 5.6%.
Education
20.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% lower than the state rate of 28.4%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Shelby, Alabama is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Alabama state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 592 Census-designated places in Alabama. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Shelby, Alabama?
Shelby, Alabama has a population of 809 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Shelby, AL?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Shelby — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Shelby, AL?
The poverty rate in Shelby is 21.4%. This means approximately 171 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Shelby, Alabama?
Shelby's population is 80.0% White, 12.7% Black, 2.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Shelby, AL?
The median home value in Shelby is $158,200.
How educated is Shelby, Alabama?
20.0% of adults (25+) in Shelby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.