Shelby County, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 33rd-largest in Indiana
The population of Shelby County, Indiana is 45,104 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 33rd-largest county in Indiana. The median household income is $71,301, the median home value is $188,300, and the median age is 41.2.
The population of Shelby County has grown 3.1% since 2010 (44,295 → 45,654), a +0.22% annualized rate.
45,104
Population
+0.22%
Annual growth
110
People / sq mi
$71,301
Median Income
$188,300
Median Home Value
Shelby County covers 411 sq mi of land at 109.7 people per square mile.
About Shelby County, IN
Shelby County is a county in Indiana with a population of 45,104. It ranks #33 among counties in Indiana by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The median household income in Shelby County is $71,301, near the US median of $74,580. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $188,300, with monthly rent averaging $956. The homeownership rate of 73.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Shelby County reflects 19.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.9 minutes each way.
Shelby County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shelby County had a population of 44,295 in 2010 and 45,654 in 2024, a 3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 45,654 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.22%.
45,654
Population (2024)
44,295
Population (2010)
45,654
Peak (2024)
0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 44,295 |
| 2011 | 44,277 |
| 2012 | 44,258 |
| 2013 | 44,336 |
| 2014 | 44,359 |
| 2015 | 44,343 |
| 2016 | 44,241 |
| 2017 | 44,378 |
| 2018 | 44,535 |
| 2019 | 44,771 |
| 2020 | 45,066 |
| 2021 | 45,113 |
| 2022 | 45,213 |
| 2023 | 45,281 |
| 2024 | 45,654 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.2
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
17.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 17.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $71,301+$1,250 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,245 |
| Per-capita income | $35,637 |
| Poverty rate | 9.4%+1.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shelby County is manufacturing, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
79.3%
Public transit
8.5%
Work from home
24.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$188,300$-13,300 vs state
Median home value
$956
Median rent
73.8%
Homeownership rate
19,576
Total housing units
92.7%
Occupied
7.3%
Vacant
26.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.8%
With health insurance
93.1%
With broadband internet
18.4%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
94.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.4%
High School+
19.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Indiana
Other counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County, Indiana has a population of 45,104 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 33rd-largest county in Indiana. Population density is 110 people per square mile.
The population of Shelby County has grown 3.1% since 2010 (44,295 → 45,654), a +0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shelby County, Indiana is $71,301, with mean (average) household income of $88,245 and per-capita income of $35,637. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shelby County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.3%), Black or African American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shelby County, Indiana is 41.2 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Shelby County is $188,300 and median monthly rent is $956. 73.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 19,576 total housing units, 7.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shelby County, Indiana is manufacturing, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Indianapolis is among the largest cities associated with Shelby County, Indiana, with a population of 882,043.
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Statewide data for Indiana
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Indiana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.