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
Shelby County is a county in Missouri with a population of 6,011. It ranks #105 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 43.6, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Shelby County is $52,127, below the US median of $74,580. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $86,200, with monthly rent averaging $570. The homeownership rate of 75.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Shelby County reflects 18.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.0 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.
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Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.