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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 18.4% of the population. Shelby County is a county in Indiana with a population of 45,104. It ranks #33 among counties in Indiana by population.
The typical household earns $71,301 a year, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $188,300, with typical rent around $956.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 8.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 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.