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
Shelby County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 922,195. It ranks #1 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 35.8, younger than the national median. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The median household income in Shelby County is $62,337, below the US median of $74,580. 13.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $229,700, with monthly rent averaging $1,170. The homeownership rate of 54.6% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Shelby County reflects 34.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.5 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.
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Statewide data for Tennessee
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Tennessee
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.