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
The poverty rate is what most separates Shelby County from the typical county: 19.3% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Shelby County is a county in Texas with a population of 24,108.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,436, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 19.3%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $111,700, with typical rent around $832.
Shelby County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.7% — below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Shelby County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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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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.