Shirley, IN
Population 1,026 · Indiana
About Shirley, IN
Shirley is a small town located in Indiana with a population of 1,026 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,429 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.2 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 Shirley features a median home value of $103,700, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shirley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $513, 56% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 400 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (331 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (45 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shirley shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shirley have an average one-way commute time of 30.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.7% of Shirley 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 0.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shirley Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Shirley, IN
Compared to national averages, Shirley has a median household income of $66,429 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $103,700, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $513 is 56% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Shirley's income is 4% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 37% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Shirley, IN?
Shirley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $103,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $513/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,429) that falls below the national average. However, Shirley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shirley has a population of 1,026 with a median age of 33.2 years. Compare Shirley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Shirley
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | 1,025 | $34,250 | $86,300 | Compare |
| St. Paul | 1,019 | $71,750 | $100,800 | Compare |
| Utica | 1,017 | $75,268 | $210,900 | Compare |
| Topeka | 1,037 | $62,857 | $138,900 | Compare |
| St. Leon | 1,012 | $86,932 | $273,900 | Compare |
| Lynnville | 1,011 | $64,583 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Wolcott | 1,044 | $70,938 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Waverly | 1,006 | $72,426 | $254,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Shirley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shirley
What is the population of Shirley, IN?
The population of Shirley, IN is 1,026 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Shirley?
The median household income in Shirley, IN is $66,429 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shirley?
The median home value in Shirley, IN is $103,700, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shirley?
The median monthly rent in Shirley, IN is $513, which is 56% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shirley?
The unemployment rate in Shirley, IN is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shirley, IN a good place to live?
Shirley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,026 and a median age of 33.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shirley, IN?
6.7% of residents in Shirley 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 Shirley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shirley, IN: median home value is $103,700 (58% below national), median rent is $513/month, and median household income is $66,429. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shirley?
The poverty rate in Shirley, IN is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shirley, IN?
Shirley's population is 0.6% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.