Shelbyville, IL
Population 4,248 · Illinois
About Shelbyville, IL
Shelbyville is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 4,248 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,400 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45 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 Shelbyville features a median home value of $111,200, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shelbyville one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $724, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,457 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (1,267 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (827 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shelbyville shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shelbyville have an average one-way commute time of 11.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.1% of Shelbyville 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 1.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shelbyville, IL
Compared to national averages, Shelbyville has a median household income of $54,400 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,200, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $724 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Shelbyville's income is 28% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 33% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Shelbyville, IL?
Shelbyville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $724/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,400) that falls below the national average. However, Shelbyville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shelbyville has a population of 4,248 with a median age of 45 years. Compare Shelbyville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Shelbyville
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Peoria | 4,246 | $57,450 | $92,500 | Compare |
| Hometown | 4,244 | $59,265 | $152,000 | Compare |
| Sullivan | 4,253 | $62,845 | $95,600 | Compare |
| Lawrenceville | 4,241 | $44,885 | $77,600 | Compare |
| Anna | 4,222 | $36,238 | $128,200 | Compare |
| Sherman | 4,211 | $147,025 | $291,300 | Compare |
| Poplar Grove | 4,202 | $93,409 | $253,500 | Compare |
| Paxton | 4,201 | $60,470 | $116,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Shelbyville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelbyville
What is the population of Shelbyville, IL?
The population of Shelbyville, IL is 4,248 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Shelbyville?
The median household income in Shelbyville, IL is $54,400 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shelbyville?
The median home value in Shelbyville, IL is $111,200, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shelbyville?
The median monthly rent in Shelbyville, IL is $724, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelbyville?
The unemployment rate in Shelbyville, IL is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shelbyville, IL a good place to live?
Shelbyville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,248 and a median age of 45, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shelbyville, IL?
18.1% of residents in Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shelbyville, IL: median home value is $111,200 (55% below national), median rent is $724/month, and median household income is $54,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shelbyville?
The poverty rate in Shelbyville, IL is 14.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Shelbyville, IL?
Shelbyville's population is 1.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.