Shively, KY
Population 15,556 · Kentucky
About Shively, KY
Shively is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 15,556 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,522 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.3 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 Shively features a median home value of $139,200, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shively one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $847, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,245 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (4,078 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,957 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shively shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shively have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.7% of Shively 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 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shively Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Shively, KY
Compared to national averages, Shively has a median household income of $46,522 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $139,200, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $847 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Shively's income is 30% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 24% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Shively, KY?
Shively offers affordable housing with a median home value of $139,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $847/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,522) that falls below the national average. However, Shively’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shively has a population of 15,556 with a median age of 46.3 years. Compare Shively with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Shively
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berea | 15,557 | $56,484 | $178,000 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 15,141 | $42,417 | $147,700 | Compare |
| Shepherdsville | 14,351 | $71,250 | $202,300 | Compare |
| Newport | 14,039 | $58,422 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Danville | 17,235 | $53,370 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Fort Thomas | 17,242 | $100,819 | $301,400 | Compare |
| Shelbyville | 17,436 | $73,733 | $238,600 | Compare |
| Bardstown | 13,673 | $49,781 | $190,800 | 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 Shively With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shively
What is the population of Shively, KY?
The population of Shively, KY is 15,556 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 Shively?
The median household income in Shively, KY is $46,522 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shively?
The median home value in Shively, KY is $139,200, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shively?
The median monthly rent in Shively, KY is $847, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shively?
The unemployment rate in Shively, KY is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shively, KY a good place to live?
Shively offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,556 and a median age of 46.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Shively, KY?
12.7% of residents in Shively 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 Shively?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shively, KY: median home value is $139,200 (43% below national), median rent is $847/month, and median household income is $46,522. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shively?
The poverty rate in Shively, KY is 17.6%, 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 Shively, KY?
Shively's population is 0.8% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 57.8% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.