Shelby, MT
Population 3,129 · Montana
About Shelby, MT
Shelby is a small town located in Montana with a population of 3,129 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,357 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42 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 Shelby features a median home value of $206,000, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Shelby in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $769, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,407 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (749 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (405 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shelby shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Shelby have an average one-way commute time of 12.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.4% of Shelby 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 4.9% White, 9.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Shelby With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shelby
What is the population of Shelby, MT?
The population of Shelby, MT is 3,129 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Montana.
What is the median household income in Shelby?
The median household income in Shelby, MT is $53,357 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shelby?
The median home value in Shelby, MT is $206,000, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shelby?
The median monthly rent in Shelby, MT is $769, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelby?
The unemployment rate in Shelby, MT is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shelby, MT a good place to live?
Shelby offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,129 and a median age of 42, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Shelby, MT?
19.4% of residents in Shelby 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 Shelby?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shelby, MT: median home value is $206,000 (16% below national), median rent is $769/month, and median household income is $53,357. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shelby?
The poverty rate in Shelby, MT is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Shelby, MT?
Shelby's population is 4.9% White, 9.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.