Shelbyville, KY
Population 17,436 · Kentucky
About Shelbyville, KY
Shelbyville is a mid-sized city in Kentucky with a population of 17,436 residents. The median household income is $73,733 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Shelbyville is 36.8 years.
Housing in Shelbyville has a median home value of $238,600 and median monthly rent of $979. Of the 6,768 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,622 owner-occupied and 2,719 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Shelbyville is 1.4% and the poverty rate is 11.6%. 25.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 26.1 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shelbyville
What is the population of Shelbyville, KY?
The population of Shelbyville, KY is 17,436 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Shelbyville?
The median household income in Shelbyville, KY is $73,733 per year.
What is the median home value in Shelbyville?
The median home value in Shelbyville, KY is $238,600.
What is the average rent in Shelbyville?
The median monthly rent in Shelbyville, KY is $979.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelbyville?
The unemployment rate in Shelbyville, KY is 1.4%.