Shelby County, Indiana Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Shelby County is located in Indiana with a total population of 45,104. It is the 33rd most populous county out of 92 in Indiana. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Shelby County is 41.2 years. This is 8% higher than the state median of 38.0 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Shelby County is $71,301. This is 2% higher than the state median of $70,051. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%. This is 6% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.0%. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $188,300. Housing costs are 7% lower than the state median of $201,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Shelby County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 73.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 70.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

Shelby County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.4%. The Black or African American population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 9.1%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 2.5%.

Education

19.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 33% lower than the state rate of 28.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.4%.