Shelby County, Ohio Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 50th-largest in Ohio
The population of Shelby County, Ohio is 48,007 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest county in Ohio. The median household income is $72,822, the median home value is $190,300, and the median age is 40.1.
The population of Shelby County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (49,347 → 47,952), a -0.20% annualized rate.
48,007
Population
-0.20%
Annual growth
118
People / sq mi
$72,822
Median Income
$190,300
Median Home Value
Shelby County covers 408 sq mi of land at 117.8 people per square mile.
About Shelby County, OH
Shelby County is a county in Ohio with a population of 48,007. It ranks #50 among counties in Ohio by population. The median age is 40.1, older than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Shelby County is $72,822, near the US median of $74,580. 8.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $190,300, with monthly rent averaging $904. The homeownership rate of 73.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Shelby County reflects 20.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.5 minutes each way.
Shelby County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shelby County had a population of 49,347 in 2010 and 47,952 in 2024, a -2.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 49,347 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.20%.
47,952
Population (2024)
49,347
Population (2010)
49,347
Peak (2010)
-0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 49,347 |
| 2011 | 49,256 |
| 2012 | 49,158 |
| 2013 | 49,202 |
| 2014 | 49,001 |
| 2015 | 49,036 |
| 2016 | 48,760 |
| 2017 | 48,731 |
| 2018 | 48,632 |
| 2019 | 48,592 |
| 2020 | 48,154 |
| 2021 | 48,032 |
| 2022 | 47,723 |
| 2023 | 47,785 |
| 2024 | 47,952 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.7% |
| Black or African American | 2.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.1
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
17.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.2% · Seniors (65+): 17.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,822+$3,142 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,960 |
| Per-capita income | $36,711 |
| Poverty rate | 8.5%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shelby County is manufacturing, accounting for 37.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
83.8%
Public transit
4.4%
Work from home
19.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$190,300$-8,900 vs state
Median home value
$904
Median rent
73.7%
Homeownership rate
20,113
Total housing units
93.4%
Occupied
6.6%
Vacant
26.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
95.5%
With broadband internet
13.2%
Foreign-born
7.5%
Veterans (18+)
14.1%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.4%
High School+
20.6%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Ohio
Metro areas in Ohio
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County, Ohio has a population of 48,007 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest county in Ohio. Population density is 118 people per square mile.
The population of Shelby County has declined 2.8% since 2010 (49,347 → 47,952), a -0.20% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shelby County, Ohio is $72,822, with mean (average) household income of $91,960 and per-capita income of $36,711. 8.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shelby County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.7%), Black or African American (2.1%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shelby County, Ohio is 40.1 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Shelby County is $190,300 and median monthly rent is $904. 73.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 20,113 total housing units, 6.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shelby County, Ohio is manufacturing, employing 37.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Columbus is among the largest cities associated with Shelby County, Ohio, with a population of 906,480.
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Statewide data for Ohio
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Ohio
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.