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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 13.2% of the population. Shelby County is a county in Ohio with a population of 48,007. It ranks #50 among counties in Ohio by population.
Households take in a median $72,822, comfortably below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.5%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $190,300, with typical rent around $904.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.4%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 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+
Largest cities in Ohio
Other counties in Ohio
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.