Shelby, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Shelby, North Carolina is 21,868 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 44th-largest city in North Carolina. The median household income is $50,705, the median home value is $185,400, and the median age is 41.2.
The population has grown 12.1% since 2010 (20,317 → 22,778).
21,868
Population
978
People / sq mi
$50,705
Median Income
$185,400
Median Home Value
Shelby covers 22.4 sq mi of land at 978 people per square mile.
About Shelby, NC
Shelby is a city in North Carolina with a population of 21,868. It ranks #44 among cities in North Carolina by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 46.3% male and 53.7% female.
The median household income in Shelby is $50,705, below the US median of $74,580. 15.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $185,400, with monthly rent averaging $899. The homeownership rate of 59.1% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Shelby reflects 26.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.7 minutes each way.
Shelby city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Shelby city had a population of 20,317 in 2010 and 22,778 in 2024, a 12.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,778 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.85%.
22,778
Population (2024)
20,317
Population (2010)
22,778
Peak (2024)
0.85%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,317 |
| 2011 | 20,192 |
| 2012 | 20,204 |
| 2013 | 20,115 |
| 2014 | 20,108 |
| 2015 | 20,017 |
| 2016 | 20,031 |
| 2017 | 20,024 |
| 2018 | 20,026 |
| 2019 | 20,026 |
| 2020 | 21,953 |
| 2021 | 21,903 |
| 2022 | 21,853 |
| 2023 | 22,059 |
| 2024 | 22,778 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.3% |
| Black or African American | 32.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$50,705
Median Household Income
$30,663
Per Capita Income
15.0%
Poverty Rate
2.0%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$185,400
Median Home Value
$899
Median Rent
59.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.0%
High School+
26.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
79.3%
Public Transit
9.7%
Work From Home
21.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
28.1%
Foreign Born
94.9%
Non-English at Home
10.3%
Veterans
19.5%
With Disability
92.2%
Health Insurance
88.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.8% |
| Manufacturing | 16.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 7.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.6% |
| Construction | 6.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 6.1% |
| Retail Trade | 5.0% |
| Public Administration | 4.4% |
| Information | 3.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
Largest cities in North Carolina
Largest counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby, North Carolina has a population of 21,868 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 44th-largest city in North Carolina.
The median household income in Shelby, North Carolina is $50,705, with 15.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Shelby, North Carolina is $185,400, with median monthly rent at $899 and a homeownership rate of 59.1%.
The median age in Shelby, North Carolina is 41.2 years. The population is 46.3% male and 53.7% female.
The population has grown 12.1% since 2010 (20,317 → 22,778).
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Full rankings of North Carolina cities by population
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.