Shelby County, Ohio Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Shelby County is located in Ohio with a total population of 48,007. It is the 50th most populous county out of 88 in Ohio.

Age Demographics

The median age in Shelby County is 40.1 years. This is 1% higher than the state median of 39.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Shelby County is $72,822. This is 5% higher than the state median of $69,680. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 7% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%. This is 16% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.6%. This is 5% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $190,300. Housing costs are 4% lower than the state median of $199,200. 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 10% higher than the state average of 67.0%.

Race & Ethnicity

Shelby County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.8% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 2.1%. The Black or African American population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 12.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 2.4%.

Education

20.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 33% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.4%.