Shelby County, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 104th-largest in Texas
The population of Shelby County, Texas is 24,108 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 104th-largest county in Texas. The median household income is $50,436, the median home value is $111,700, and the median age is 40.0.
The population of Shelby County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (25,460 → 24,192), a -0.36% annualized rate.
24,108
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$50,436
Median Income
$111,700
Median Home Value
Shelby County covers 796 sq mi of land at 30.3 people per square mile.
About Shelby County, TX
Shelby County is a county in Texas with a population of 24,108. It ranks #104 among counties in Texas by population. The median age is 40.0, in line with the national median. The population is 50.1% male and 49.9% female.
The median household income in Shelby County is $50,436, below the US median of $74,580. 19.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $111,700, with monthly rent averaging $832. The homeownership rate of 75.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Shelby County reflects 13.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.3 minutes each way.
Shelby County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Shelby County had a population of 25,460 in 2010 and 24,192 in 2024, a -5.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 26,062 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.35%.
24,192
Population (2024)
25,460
Population (2010)
26,062
Peak (2012)
-0.35%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,460 |
| 2011 | 25,736 |
| 2012 | 26,062 |
| 2013 | 25,977 |
| 2014 | 25,604 |
| 2015 | 25,366 |
| 2016 | 25,583 |
| 2017 | 25,218 |
| 2018 | 25,300 |
| 2019 | 25,297 |
| 2020 | 24,048 |
| 2021 | 24,112 |
| 2022 | 24,163 |
| 2023 | 24,258 |
| 2024 | 24,192 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 67.1% |
| Black or African American | 15.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.9% |
Age & Sex
40.0
Median Age
49.9%
Female
50.1%
Male
17.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.8% · Seniors (65+): 17.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,436$-25,856 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,633 |
| Per-capita income | $28,183 |
| Poverty rate | 19.3%+8.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Shelby County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
83.3%
Public transit
4.0%
Work from home
24.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$111,700$-148,700 vs state
Median home value
$832
Median rent
75.0%
Homeownership rate
11,530
Total housing units
79.6%
Occupied
20.4%
Vacant
25.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
80.8%
With health insurance
90.4%
With broadband internet
14.9%
Foreign-born
5.3%
Veterans (18+)
16.0%
With a disability
86.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.5%
High School+
13.7%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Shelby County, Texas has a population of 24,108 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 104th-largest county in Texas. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Shelby County has declined 5.0% since 2010 (25,460 → 24,192), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Shelby County, Texas is $50,436, with mean (average) household income of $74,633 and per-capita income of $28,183. 19.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Shelby County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (67.1%), Black or African American (15.6%), Hispanic or Latino (4.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Shelby County, Texas is 40.0 years. Residents are 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
The median home value in Shelby County is $111,700 and median monthly rent is $832. 75.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,530 total housing units, 20.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Shelby County, Texas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Houston is among the largest cities associated with Shelby County, Texas, with a population of 2,300,419.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.