Shelby County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Alabama
The population of Shelby County, Alabama is 226,955 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $93,543, the median home value is $298,700, and the median age is 40.0.
The population of Shelby County has grown 20.4% since 2010 (196,036 → 235,969), a +1.33% annualized rate.
226,955
Population
+1.33%
Annual growth
289
People / sq mi
$93,543
Median Income
$298,700
Median Home Value
Shelby County covers 785 sq mi of land at 288.9 people per square mile.
About Shelby County, AL
Shelby County is defined demographically by education — 46.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. Shelby County is a county in Alabama with a population of 226,955. It is the #7-largest of all counties in Alabama nationally.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $93,543, putting Shelby County near the top of US counties. Very few residents live in poverty — 4.5%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $298,700, with typical rent around $1,348.
Degree attainment is near the top of the range for US counties: 46.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s, above the 35.0% national rate. Working from home is common here: 15.2% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Shelby County usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
Shelby County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shelby County had a population of 196,036 in 2010 and 235,969 in 2024, a 20.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 235,969 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.33%.
235,969
Population (2024)
196,036
Population (2010)
235,969
Peak (2024)
1.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 196,036 |
| 2011 | 197,968 |
| 2012 | 200,949 |
| 2013 | 204,088 |
| 2014 | 206,346 |
| 2015 | 209,047 |
| 2016 | 211,538 |
| 2017 | 213,854 |
| 2018 | 215,877 |
| 2019 | 218,176 |
| 2020 | 223,915 |
| 2021 | 227,436 |
| 2022 | 230,140 |
| 2023 | 233,593 |
| 2024 | 235,969 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 76.5% |
| Black or African American | 13.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.0
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
16.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.7% · Seniors (65+): 16.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $93,543+$31,516 vs state |
| Mean household income | $123,911 |
| Per-capita income | $47,914 |
| Poverty rate | 4.5%-6.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 63.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shelby County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
76.7%
Public transit
15.2%
Work from home
29.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$298,700+$103,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,348
Median rent
81.3%
Homeownership rate
90,805
Total housing units
94.1%
Occupied
5.9%
Vacant
18.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.3%
With health insurance
96.8%
With broadband internet
30.2%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
11.7%
With a disability
91.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.0%
High School+
46.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County, Alabama has a population of 226,955 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 289 people per square mile.
The population of Shelby County has grown 20.4% since 2010 (196,036 → 235,969), a +1.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shelby County, Alabama is $93,543, with mean (average) household income of $123,911 and per-capita income of $47,914. 4.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shelby County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (76.5%), Black or African American (13.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shelby County, Alabama is 40.0 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Shelby County is $298,700 and median monthly rent is $1,348. 81.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 90,805 total housing units, 5.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shelby County, Alabama is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Shelby County, Alabama, with a population of 218,814.
Shelby County, AL Climate
Shelby County, AL has an average annual temperature of 16.5°C (62°F) and receives about 1440 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.5°C
Avg Temp
1440
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 143 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 128 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 170 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 132 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 114 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 106 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 133 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 97 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 100 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 79 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 110 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 128 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Shelby County, AL
The most comfortable months to visit Shelby County, AL are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Shelby County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.