Shelby County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 105th-largest in Missouri
The population of Shelby County, Missouri is 6,011 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 105th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $52,127, the median home value is $86,200, and the median age is 43.6.
The population of Shelby County has declined 6.9% since 2010 (6,364 → 5,926), a -0.51% annualized rate.
6,011
Population
-0.51%
Annual growth
12
People / sq mi
$52,127
Median Income
$86,200
Median Home Value
Shelby County covers 501 sq mi of land at 12.0 people per square mile.
About Shelby County, MO
In Shelby County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $86,200. Shelby County is a county in Missouri with a population of 6,011.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $52,127, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.9%, close to the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $86,200, with typical rent around $570.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 18.0% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.6% 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 6,364 in 2010 and 5,926 in 2024, a -6.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,364 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.50%.
5,926
Population (2024)
6,364
Population (2010)
6,364
Peak (2010)
-0.50%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,364 |
| 2011 | 6,232 |
| 2012 | 6,213 |
| 2013 | 6,150 |
| 2014 | 6,089 |
| 2015 | 6,099 |
| 2016 | 6,035 |
| 2017 | 5,992 |
| 2018 | 6,004 |
| 2019 | 5,923 |
| 2020 | 6,095 |
| 2021 | 5,974 |
| 2022 | 6,004 |
| 2023 | 5,930 |
| 2024 | 5,926 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.6
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
21.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,127$-16,793 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,661 |
| Per-capita income | $28,270 |
| Poverty rate | 12.9%+4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 0.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shelby County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
5.3%
Carpool
83.0%
Public transit
4.6%
Work from home
21.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$86,200$-129,400 vs state
Median home value
$570
Median rent
75.0%
Homeownership rate
2,952
Total housing units
80.4%
Occupied
19.6%
Vacant
25.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.0%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
21.7%
Foreign-born
8.1%
Veterans (18+)
17.1%
With a disability
98.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.0%
High School+
18.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County, Missouri has a population of 6,011 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 105th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 12 people per square mile.
The population of Shelby County has declined 6.9% since 2010 (6,364 → 5,926), a -0.51% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shelby County, Missouri is $52,127, with mean (average) household income of $68,661 and per-capita income of $28,270. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shelby County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Black or African American (1.2%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shelby County, Missouri is 43.6 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Shelby County is $86,200 and median monthly rent is $570. 75.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,952 total housing units, 19.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shelby County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.6%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Shelby County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
Shelby County, MO Climate
Shelby County, MO has an average annual temperature of 11.5°C (53°F) and receives about 985 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.5°C
Avg Temp
985
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 38 mm |
| February | -1° / 30° | 35 mm |
| March | 5° / 42° | 76 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 91 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 117 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 105 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 104 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 97 mm |
| September | 19° / 67° | 112 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 86 mm |
| November | 6° / 42° | 70 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 54 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, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Shelby County, MO are typically June, September 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 -9°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.