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.
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Statewide data for Alabama
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Alabama
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.