Shelby County, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in Kentucky
The population of Shelby County, Kentucky is 48,599 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in Kentucky. The median household income is $82,671, the median home value is $277,500, and the median age is 40.9.
The population of Shelby County has grown 18.7% since 2010 (42,222 → 50,124), a +1.23% annualized rate.
48,599
Population
+1.23%
Annual growth
128
People / sq mi
$82,671
Median Income
$277,500
Median Home Value
Shelby County covers 380 sq mi of land at 128.0 people per square mile.
About Shelby County, KY
What sets Shelby County apart is money: median household income runs $82,671, above the US median of $78,538. With 48,599 residents, Shelby County is a county in Kentucky. It ranks #20 among counties in Kentucky by population.
Median household income is $82,671, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.6%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $277,500, with typical rent around $998.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 31.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 11.4% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Shelby County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Shelby County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shelby County had a population of 42,222 in 2010 and 50,124 in 2024, a 18.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 50,124 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.24%.
50,124
Population (2024)
42,222
Population (2010)
50,124
Peak (2024)
1.24%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,222 |
| 2011 | 42,891 |
| 2012 | 43,704 |
| 2013 | 44,507 |
| 2014 | 45,135 |
| 2015 | 45,838 |
| 2016 | 46,579 |
| 2017 | 47,216 |
| 2018 | 48,073 |
| 2019 | 49,022 |
| 2020 | 48,255 |
| 2021 | 48,600 |
| 2022 | 48,884 |
| 2023 | 49,617 |
| 2024 | 50,124 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.3% |
| Black or African American | 4.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.9
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
16.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 16.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $82,671+$20,254 vs state |
| Mean household income | $102,077 |
| Per-capita income | $38,834 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%-6.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shelby County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
75.3%
Public transit
11.4%
Work from home
26.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$277,500+$85,200 vs state
Median home value
$998
Median rent
74.1%
Homeownership rate
19,216
Total housing units
92.9%
Occupied
7.1%
Vacant
25.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.8%
With health insurance
95.9%
With broadband internet
25.1%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
12.3%
With a disability
89.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.2%
High School+
31.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Kentucky
Other counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County, Kentucky has a population of 48,599 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in Kentucky. Population density is 128 people per square mile.
The population of Shelby County has grown 18.7% since 2010 (42,222 → 50,124), a +1.23% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shelby County, Kentucky is $82,671, with mean (average) household income of $102,077 and per-capita income of $38,834. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shelby County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.3%), Black or African American (4.7%), Hispanic or Latino (2.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shelby County, Kentucky is 40.9 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Shelby County is $277,500 and median monthly rent is $998. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 19,216 total housing units, 7.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shelby County, Kentucky is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Louisville/Jefferson County is among the largest cities associated with Shelby County, Kentucky, with a population of 627,210.
Shelby County, KY Climate
Shelby County, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.6°C (55°F) and receives about 1203 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.6°C
Avg Temp
1203
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 31° | 83 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 88 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 112 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 108 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 126 mm |
| June | 22° / 72° | 111 mm |
| July | 24° / 76° | 120 mm |
| August | 24° / 74° | 96 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 81 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 77 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 97 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 104 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, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Shelby County, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Shelby County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.