Shelby, MT
Population 3,129 · Montana
About Shelby, MT
Shelby is a small community in Montana with a population of 3,129 residents. The median household income is $53,357 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Shelby is 42 years.
Housing in Shelby has a median home value of $206,000 and median monthly rent of $769. Of the 1,407 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 749 owner-occupied and 405 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Shelby is 2.2% and the poverty rate is 11.3%. 19.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 12.3 minutes.
How Shelby Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Shelby, MT
Compared to national averages, Shelby has a median household income of $53,357 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $206,000, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $769 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Shelby's income is 19% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 29% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Shelby, MT?
Shelby offers affordable housing with a median home value of $206,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $769/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 12.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,357) that falls below the national average. However, Shelby’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shelby has a population of 3,129 with a median age of 42 years. Compare Shelby with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Shelby
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 3,194 | $76,985 | $206,000 | Compare |
| Cut Bank | 3,040 | $55,848 | $161,400 | Compare |
| Deer Lodge | 3,035 | $53,676 | $196,400 | Compare |
| Libby | 2,948 | $39,261 | $218,500 | Compare |
| Montana City | 2,899 | $125,223 | $519,100 | Compare |
| North Browning | 2,894 | $40,813 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Lakeside | 2,730 | $83,958 | $589,500 | Compare |
| Wolf Point | 2,604 | $48,750 | $124,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Montana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shelby
What is the population of Shelby, MT?
The population of Shelby, MT is 3,129 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Shelby?
The median household income in Shelby, MT is $53,357 per year.
What is the median home value in Shelby?
The median home value in Shelby, MT is $206,000.
What is the average rent in Shelby?
The median monthly rent in Shelby, MT is $769.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelby?
The unemployment rate in Shelby, MT is 2.2%.