Shelby city, Montana Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Shelby city, Montana has a total population of 3,129, the 35th largest city in Montana, with a median household income of $53,357, which is 24% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%.
Shelby city Quick Facts
How Shelby 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: 28 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Shelby city Rankings in Montana
Explore Montana Rankings
Cities Similar to Shelby city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Lodge city | 3,035 | $53,676 | $196,400 | 21.9% | 8.1% |
| Cut Bank city | 3,040 | $55,848 | $161,400 | 19.2% | 22.3% |
| Glasgow city | 3,194 | $76,985 | $206,000 | 19.6% | 13.3% |
| North Browning CDP | 2,894 | $40,813 | $131,300 | 17.1% | 32.7% |
| Libby city | 2,948 | $39,261 | $218,500 | 17.2% | 26.1% |
Population Overview
Shelby city is a small community located in Montana. The total population is 3,129. It ranks as the 35th most populous out of 470 cities and towns in Montana.
Age Demographics
The median age in Shelby city is 42.0 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 40.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Shelby city is $53,357. This is 24% lower than the state median of $69,922. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%. This is 6% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.2%. This is 42% lower than the state rate of 3.8%. The median home value is $206,000. Housing costs are 39% lower than the state median of $338,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 64.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% lower than the state average of 69.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Shelby city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 79.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (3.0% vs 0.5%).
Education
19.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% lower than the state rate of 34.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Shelby city, Montana 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 Montana state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 470 Census-designated places in Montana. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Shelby city, Montana?
Shelby city, Montana has a population of 3,129 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Shelby city, MT?
The median household income in Shelby city is $53,357, which is 32% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Shelby city, MT?
The poverty rate in Shelby city is 11.3%. This means approximately 285 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Shelby city, Montana?
Shelby city's population is 79.2% White, 3.0% Black, 5.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Shelby city, MT?
The median home value in Shelby city is $206,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is Shelby city, Montana?
19.4% of adults (25+) in Shelby city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.