Shelbyville, KY
Population 17,436 · Kentucky
About Shelbyville, KY
Shelbyville is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 17,436 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,733 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shelbyville features a median home value of $238,600, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Shelbyville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $979, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,768 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (3,622 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (2,719 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 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shelbyville have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.3% of Shelbyville 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 10.1% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, and 7.6% Asian residents, with 9.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shelbyville Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Shelbyville, KY
Compared to national averages, Shelbyville has a median household income of $73,733 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $238,600, which is 3% below the national median. Monthly rent at $979 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Shelbyville's income is 11% above the state average of $66,273, and home values are 31% above the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Shelbyville, KY?
Shelbyville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $238,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $979/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,733) 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 17,436 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Shelbyville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Shelbyville
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Matthews | 17,491 | $80,716 | $325,700 | Compare |
| Fort Thomas | 17,242 | $100,819 | $301,400 | Compare |
| Danville | 17,235 | $53,370 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Murray | 17,888 | $40,348 | $193,300 | Compare |
| Burlington | 18,090 | $101,550 | $229,700 | Compare |
| Mount Washington | 18,228 | $93,852 | $253,700 | Compare |
| Winchester | 19,133 | $57,653 | $180,400 | Compare |
| Berea | 15,557 | $56,484 | $178,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
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, KY?
The population of Shelbyville, KY is 17,436 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Shelbyville?
The median household income in Shelbyville, KY is $73,733 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shelbyville?
The median home value in Shelbyville, KY is $238,600, which is 3% 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, KY is $979, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelbyville?
The unemployment rate in Shelbyville, KY is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shelbyville, KY a good place to live?
Shelbyville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 17,436 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shelbyville, KY?
25.3% 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, KY: median home value is $238,600 (3% below national), median rent is $979/month, and median household income is $73,733. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shelbyville?
The poverty rate in Shelbyville, KY is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shelbyville, KY?
Shelbyville's population is 10.1% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Black or African American, 7.6% Asian, and 8.4% two or more races. 9.8% of residents are foreign-born.