Shelby County, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in Illinois
The population of Shelby County, Illinois is 20,867 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in Illinois. The median household income is $68,457, the median home value is $130,400, and the median age is 45.5.
The population of Shelby County has declined 8.1% since 2010 (22,354 → 20,542), a -0.60% annualized rate.
20,867
Population
-0.60%
Annual growth
28
People / sq mi
$68,457
Median Income
$130,400
Median Home Value
Shelby County covers 759 sq mi of land at 27.5 people per square mile.
About Shelby County, IL
Shelby County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 10.7% of the population. Shelby County is a county in Illinois with a population of 20,867.
Median household income is $68,457, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.4%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $130,400, with typical rent around $762.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Shelby County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shelby County had a population of 22,354 in 2010 and 20,542 in 2024, a -8.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,354 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.60%.
20,542
Population (2024)
22,354
Population (2010)
22,354
Peak (2010)
-0.60%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,354 |
| 2011 | 22,280 |
| 2012 | 22,204 |
| 2013 | 22,139 |
| 2014 | 22,102 |
| 2015 | 21,819 |
| 2016 | 21,734 |
| 2017 | 21,773 |
| 2018 | 21,685 |
| 2019 | 21,625 |
| 2020 | 20,907 |
| 2021 | 20,853 |
| 2022 | 20,706 |
| 2023 | 20,593 |
| 2024 | 20,542 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 96.8% |
| Black or African American | 0.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.5
Median Age
50.3%
Female
49.7%
Male
23.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.5% · Seniors (65+): 23.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,457$-13,245 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,115 |
| Per-capita income | $33,372 |
| Poverty rate | 6.4%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shelby County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.1%
Carpool
83.7%
Public transit
5.8%
Work from home
21.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$130,400$-120,100 vs state
Median home value
$762
Median rent
78.5%
Homeownership rate
10,054
Total housing units
87.5%
Occupied
12.5%
Vacant
21.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.0%
With health insurance
90.7%
With broadband internet
10.7%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.5%
High School+
17.6%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County, Illinois has a population of 20,867 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in Illinois. Population density is 28 people per square mile.
The population of Shelby County has declined 8.1% since 2010 (22,354 → 20,542), a -0.60% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shelby County, Illinois is $68,457, with mean (average) household income of $79,115 and per-capita income of $33,372. 6.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shelby County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (96.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%), Black or African American (0.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shelby County, Illinois is 45.5 years. Residents are 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
The median home value in Shelby County is $130,400 and median monthly rent is $762. 78.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,054 total housing units, 12.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shelby County, Illinois is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Chicago is among the largest cities associated with Shelby County, Illinois, with a population of 2,707,648.
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Statewide data for Illinois
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Illinois
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.