Shelby County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Tennessee
The population of Shelby County, Tennessee is 922,195 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $62,337, the median home value is $229,700, and the median age is 35.8.
The population of Shelby County has declined 1.9% since 2010 (928,475 → 910,530), a -0.14% annualized rate.
922,195
Population
-0.14%
Annual growth
1225
People / sq mi
$62,337
Median Income
$229,700
Median Home Value
Shelby County covers 753 sq mi of land at 1225.1 people per square mile.
About Shelby County, TN
Homeownership is the standout figure in Shelby County: 54.6% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 922,195 residents, Shelby County is a county in Tennessee. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Tennessee in the country, at #1 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $62,337 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.4%, above the national 12.4%. The median home value is $229,700, with typical rent around $1,170.
About 34.2% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.4%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Shelby County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shelby County had a population of 928,475 in 2010 and 910,530 in 2024, a -1.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 939,421 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.14%.
910,530
Population (2024)
928,475
Population (2010)
939,421
Peak (2012)
-0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 928,475 |
| 2011 | 933,321 |
| 2012 | 939,421 |
| 2013 | 938,713 |
| 2014 | 937,949 |
| 2015 | 937,598 |
| 2016 | 936,716 |
| 2017 | 936,012 |
| 2018 | 937,239 |
| 2019 | 937,070 |
| 2020 | 929,788 |
| 2021 | 923,255 |
| 2022 | 918,382 |
| 2023 | 913,909 |
| 2024 | 910,530 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 35.0% |
| Black or African American | 52.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
35.8
Median Age
52.4%
Female
47.6%
Male
14.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.3% · Seniors (65+): 14.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $62,337$-4,760 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,795 |
| Per-capita income | $37,666 |
| Poverty rate | 13.4%+3.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shelby County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
78.3%
Public transit
9.4%
Work from home
22.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$229,700$-27,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,170
Median rent
54.6%
Homeownership rate
403,144
Total housing units
89.4%
Occupied
10.6%
Vacant
45.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.9%
With health insurance
93.3%
With broadband internet
29.2%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
12.6%
With a disability
89.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.8%
High School+
34.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Common questions about Shelby County, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County, Tennessee has a population of 922,195 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 1225 people per square mile.
The population of Shelby County has declined 1.9% since 2010 (928,475 → 910,530), a -0.14% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shelby County, Tennessee is $62,337, with mean (average) household income of $93,795 and per-capita income of $37,666. 13.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shelby County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (52.8%), White (35.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shelby County, Tennessee is 35.8 years. Residents are 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
The median home value in Shelby County is $229,700 and median monthly rent is $1,170. 54.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 403,144 total housing units, 10.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shelby County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.6%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Shelby County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
Shelby County, TN Climate
Shelby County, TN has an average annual temperature of 16.4°C (62°F) and receives about 1324 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.4°C
Avg Temp
1324
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 38° | 102 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 110 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 134 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 143 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 131 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 102 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 98 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 75 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 89 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 77 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 127 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 136 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, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Shelby County, TN are typically September, May and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). April 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.