Shelton, CT
Population 41,402 · Connecticut
About Shelton, CT
Shelton is a mid-sized city located in Connecticut with a population of 41,402 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $114,739 per year, which is 53% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shelton features a median home value of $435,700, which is 78% above the national median of $244,900. This places Shelton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,661, 43% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,578 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (11,950 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (3,791 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shelton shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shelton have an average one-way commute time of 28.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.5% of Shelton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 16.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shelton Ranks in Connecticut
Cost of Living in Shelton, CT
Compared to national averages, Shelton has a median household income of $114,739 (53% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $435,700, which is 78% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,661 is 43% above the US average of $1,163. Within Connecticut, Shelton's income is 7% below the state average of $123,065, and home values are 16% below the state median of $516,920.
Why Live in Shelton, CT?
Shelton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $114,739, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 43.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $435,700. However, Shelton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shelton has a population of 41,402 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Shelton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Connecticut.
Similar Cities Near Shelton
Cities in Connecticut with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich | 39,992 | $64,185 | $231,300 | Compare |
| Manchester | 36,561 | $76,780 | $205,800 | Compare |
| Torrington | 35,481 | $69,611 | $195,800 | Compare |
| Middletown | 47,646 | $73,979 | $279,500 | Compare |
| Milford city (balance), Connecticut | 50,749 | $110,126 | $377,400 | Compare |
| East Hartford | 50,798 | $66,943 | $215,400 | Compare |
| Naugatuck | 31,634 | $92,184 | $241,600 | Compare |
| Newington | 30,551 | $98,585 | $279,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Connecticut
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Shelton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelton
What is the population of Shelton, CT?
The population of Shelton, CT is 41,402 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Connecticut.
What is the median household income in Shelton?
The median household income in Shelton, CT is $114,739 per year, which is 53% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shelton?
The median home value in Shelton, CT is $435,700, which is 78% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shelton?
The median monthly rent in Shelton, CT is $1,661, which is 43% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelton?
The unemployment rate in Shelton, CT is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shelton, CT a good place to live?
Shelton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 41,402 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shelton, CT?
43.5% of residents in Shelton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Shelton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shelton, CT: median home value is $435,700 (78% above national), median rent is $1,661/month, and median household income is $114,739. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shelton?
The poverty rate in Shelton, CT is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shelton, CT?
Shelton's population is 0.7% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 5.8% two or more races. 16.6% of residents are foreign-born.