Shelton city, Connecticut Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Shelton city, Connecticut has a total population of 41,402, the 16th largest city in Connecticut, with a median household income of $114,739, which is 22% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.6%.
Shelton city Quick Facts
How Shelton city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 56 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Shelton city Rankings in Connecticut
Explore Connecticut Rankings
Cities Similar to Shelton city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milford city (balance) | 50,749 | $110,126 | $377,400 | 48.4% | 4.5% |
| Norwich city | 39,992 | $64,185 | $231,300 | 22.6% | 14.9% |
| Manchester CDP | 36,561 | $76,780 | $205,800 | 31.8% | 14.8% |
| Middletown city | 47,646 | $73,979 | $279,500 | 40.7% | 12.2% |
| Naugatuck borough | 31,634 | $92,184 | $241,600 | 32.4% | 6.1% |
Population Overview
Shelton city is a mid-sized community located in Connecticut. The total population is 41,402. It ranks as the 16th most populous out of 215 cities and towns in Connecticut.
Age Demographics
The median age in Shelton city is 43.9 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 41.2 years. 10.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Shelton city is $114,739. This is 22% higher than the state median of $93,760. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 46% higher. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%. This is 44% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 8% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $435,700. Housing costs are 27% higher than the state median of $343,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x. 75.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% higher than the state average of 66.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Shelton city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 69.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 11.8%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (8.6% vs 4.7%).
Education
43.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 4% higher than the state rate of 41.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.0%. Notably, 18.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Shelton city, Connecticut is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Connecticut state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 215 Census-designated places in Connecticut. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Shelton city, Connecticut?
Shelton city, Connecticut has a population of 41,402 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Shelton city, CT?
The median household income in Shelton city is $114,739, which is 46% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Shelton city, CT?
The poverty rate in Shelton city is 5.6%. This means approximately 2,311 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Shelton city, Connecticut?
Shelton city's population is 69.3% White, 5.8% Black, 11.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 8.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in Shelton city, CT?
The median home value in Shelton city is $435,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
How educated is Shelton city, Connecticut?
43.5% of adults (25+) in Shelton city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.