Shelley, ID
Population 4,987 · Idaho
About Shelley, ID
Shelley is a small town located in Idaho with a population of 4,987 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,864 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shelley features a median home value of $267,200, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Shelley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,212, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,787 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (1,191 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (525 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shelley shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shelley have an average one-way commute time of 20.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.7% of Shelley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 8.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shelley Ranks in Idaho
Cost of Living in Shelley, ID
Compared to national averages, Shelley has a median household income of $63,864 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $267,200, which is 9% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,212 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Shelley's income is 2% below the state average of $65,190, and home values are 3% below the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Shelley, ID?
Shelley offers a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,864) that falls below the national average. However, Shelley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shelley has a population of 4,987 with a median age of 29.4 years. Compare Shelley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
Similar Cities Near Shelley
Cities in Idaho with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kimberly | 4,883 | $76,587 | $289,500 | Compare |
| Rigby | 5,251 | $78,278 | $267,200 | Compare |
| American Falls | 4,636 | $58,376 | $172,800 | Compare |
| Buhl | 4,624 | $46,217 | $192,600 | Compare |
| Preston | 5,800 | $55,625 | $280,500 | Compare |
| Weiser | 5,803 | $45,463 | $196,200 | Compare |
| McCall | 3,847 | $60,197 | $564,500 | Compare |
| St. Anthony | 3,818 | $52,446 | $199,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Idaho
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Shelley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelley
What is the population of Shelley, ID?
The population of Shelley, ID is 4,987 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Idaho.
What is the median household income in Shelley?
The median household income in Shelley, ID is $63,864 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shelley?
The median home value in Shelley, ID is $267,200, which is 9% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shelley?
The median monthly rent in Shelley, ID is $1,212, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelley?
The unemployment rate in Shelley, ID is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shelley, ID a good place to live?
Shelley offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,987 and a median age of 29.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shelley, ID?
21.7% of residents in Shelley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Shelley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shelley, ID: median home value is $267,200 (9% above national), median rent is $1,212/month, and median household income is $63,864. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shelley?
The poverty rate in Shelley, ID is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shelley, ID?
Shelley's population is 8.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.