Shelbyville, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Shelbyville, Kentucky is 17,436 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest city in Kentucky. The median household income is $73,733, the median home value is $238,600, and the median age is 36.8.
The population has grown 26.4% since 2010 (14,278 → 18,048).
17,436
Population
1747
People / sq mi
$73,733
Median Income
$238,600
Median Home Value
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Shelbyville covers 10.0 sq mi of land at 1747 people per square mile.
About Shelbyville, KY
Homeownership is the standout figure in Shelbyville: 57.1% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 17,436 residents, Shelbyville is a city in Kentucky. It ranks #26 among cities in Kentucky by population.
Median household income is $73,733, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.7%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $238,600, with typical rent around $979.
Roughly 25.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Shelbyville city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Shelbyville city had a population of 14,278 in 2010 and 18,048 in 2024, a 26.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,048 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.69%.
18,048
Population (2024)
14,278
Population (2010)
18,048
Peak (2024)
1.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,278 |
| 2011 | 14,489 |
| 2012 | 14,739 |
| 2013 | 15,011 |
| 2014 | 15,235 |
| 2015 | 15,478 |
| 2016 | 15,729 |
| 2017 | 15,968 |
| 2018 | 16,249 |
| 2019 | 16,585 |
| 2020 | 17,350 |
| 2021 | 17,472 |
| 2022 | 17,577 |
| 2023 | 17,840 |
| 2024 | 18,048 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.4% |
| Black or African American | 8.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$73,733
Median Household Income
$34,104
Per Capita Income
8.7%
Poverty Rate
0.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$238,600
Median Home Value
$979
Median Rent
57.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
81.9%
High School+
25.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.2%
Drive Alone
78.0%
Public Transit
8.9%
Work From Home
26.1 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.9%
Foreign Born
81.3%
Non-English at Home
8.3%
Veterans
12.9%
With Disability
93.0%
Health Insurance
97.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 20.3% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 18.9% |
| Construction | 8.4% |
| Information | 7.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.1% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.7% |
| Retail Trade | 6.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.1% |
| Public Administration | 3.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
Largest cities in Kentucky
Largest counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelbyville, Kentucky has a population of 17,436 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest city in Kentucky.
The median household income in Shelbyville, Kentucky is $73,733, with 8.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Shelbyville, Kentucky is $238,600, with median monthly rent at $979 and a homeownership rate of 57.1%.
The median age in Shelbyville, Kentucky is 36.8 years. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The population has grown 26.4% since 2010 (14,278 → 18,048).
Where to stay in Shelbyville
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.