Shelby County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 65th-largest in Iowa
The population of Shelby County, Iowa is 11,757 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 65th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $67,690, the median home value is $156,200, and the median age is 45.1.
The population of Shelby County has declined 2.9% since 2010 (12,179 → 11,821), a -0.21% annualized rate.
11,757
Population
-0.21%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$67,690
Median Income
$156,200
Median Home Value
Shelby County covers 591 sq mi of land at 19.9 people per square mile.
About Shelby County, IA
Remote work is unusually prominent in Shelby County: 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, above the 14.0% national rate. With 11,757 residents, Shelby County is a county in Iowa.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,690 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.8%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $156,200, with typical rent around $810.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 23.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Shelby County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Shelby County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shelby County had a population of 12,179 in 2010 and 11,821 in 2024, a -2.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,179 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.21%.
11,821
Population (2024)
12,179
Population (2010)
12,179
Peak (2010)
-0.21%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,179 |
| 2011 | 11,997 |
| 2012 | 12,032 |
| 2013 | 11,905 |
| 2014 | 11,886 |
| 2015 | 11,799 |
| 2016 | 11,662 |
| 2017 | 11,584 |
| 2018 | 11,564 |
| 2019 | 11,479 |
| 2020 | 11,727 |
| 2021 | 11,776 |
| 2022 | 11,745 |
| 2023 | 11,823 |
| 2024 | 11,821 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.2% |
| Black or African American | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.1
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
23.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.3% · Seniors (65+): 23.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,690$-5,457 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,881 |
| Per-capita income | $38,805 |
| Poverty rate | 8.8%+1.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shelby County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
5.3%
Carpool
77.3%
Public transit
11.5%
Work from home
18.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$156,200$-39,700 vs state
Median home value
$810
Median rent
75.8%
Homeownership rate
5,429
Total housing units
91.8%
Occupied
8.2%
Vacant
24.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.8%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
29.1%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
9.5%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.3%
High School+
23.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County, Iowa has a population of 11,757 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 65th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Shelby County has declined 2.9% since 2010 (12,179 → 11,821), a -0.21% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shelby County, Iowa is $67,690, with mean (average) household income of $91,881 and per-capita income of $38,805. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shelby County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%), Black or African American (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shelby County, Iowa is 45.1 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Shelby County is $156,200 and median monthly rent is $810. 75.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,429 total housing units, 8.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shelby County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Shelby County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Shelby County, IA Climate
Shelby County, IA has an average annual temperature of 9.3°C (49°F) and receives about 813 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.3°C
Avg Temp
813
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 18 mm |
| February | -4° / 26° | 21 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 53 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 78 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 108 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 112 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 95 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 94 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 106 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 65 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 37 mm |
| December | -5° / 24° | 26 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, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Shelby County, IA are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Shelby County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.