Shelley city, Idaho Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Shelley city, Idaho has a total population of 4,987, the 35th largest city in Idaho, with a median household income of $63,864, which is 14% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.2%.
Shelley city Quick Facts
How Shelley city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 35 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Shelley city Rankings in Idaho
Explore Idaho Rankings
Cities Similar to Shelley city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimberly city | 4,883 | $76,587 | $289,500 | 21.8% | 17.7% |
| American Falls city | 4,636 | $58,376 | $172,800 | 13.7% | 7.1% |
| Rigby city | 5,251 | $78,278 | $267,200 | 37.6% | 11.9% |
| Preston city | 5,800 | $55,625 | $280,500 | 15.7% | 14.1% |
| Buhl city | 4,624 | $46,217 | $192,600 | 14.1% | 7.2% |
Population Overview
Shelley city is a small community located in Idaho. The total population is 4,987. It ranks as the 35th most populous out of 234 cities and towns in Idaho.
Age Demographics
The median age in Shelley city is 29.4 years. This is 21% lower than the state median of 37.1 years. With 32.8% of the population under 18, Shelley city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Shelley city is $63,864. This is 14% lower than the state median of $74,636. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%. This is 14% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 7.7%. This is 108% higher than the state rate of 3.7%. The median home value is $267,200. Housing costs are 29% lower than the state median of $376,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 69.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% lower than the state average of 72.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Shelley city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 82.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 12.5%. The Asian population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 1.3%.
Education
21.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% lower than the state rate of 31.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Shelley city, Idaho 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 Idaho state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 234 Census-designated places in Idaho. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Shelley city, Idaho?
Shelley city, Idaho has a population of 4,987 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Shelley city, ID?
The median household income in Shelley city is $63,864, which is 19% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Shelley city, ID?
The poverty rate in Shelley city is 9.2%. This means approximately 456 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Shelley city, Idaho?
Shelley city's population is 82.2% White, 0.4% Black, 12.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Shelley city, ID?
The median home value in Shelley city is $267,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Shelley city, Idaho?
21.7% of adults (25+) in Shelley city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.