Shelbyville, TN
Population 24,125 · Tennessee
About Shelbyville, TN
Shelbyville is a mid-sized city located in Tennessee with a population of 24,125 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,290 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Shelbyville features a median home value of $224,700, which is 8% 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 $935, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,245 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (4,233 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (4,526 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shelbyville shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shelbyville have an average one-way commute time of 26.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.6% of Shelbyville 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 20.9% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 8.0% Asian residents, with 12.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shelbyville Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Shelbyville, TN
Compared to national averages, Shelbyville has a median household income of $52,290 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $224,700, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $935 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Shelbyville's income is 17% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 5% above the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Shelbyville, TN?
Shelbyville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $224,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $935/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,290) 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 24,125 with a median age of 32 years. Compare Shelbyville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Shelbyville
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farragut | 24,309 | $142,402 | $513,100 | Compare |
| East Ridge | 22,034 | $55,988 | $182,500 | Compare |
| Bristol | 27,490 | $55,007 | $182,500 | Compare |
| Tullahoma | 20,672 | $60,855 | $228,800 | Compare |
| Springfield | 18,985 | $58,741 | $235,200 | Compare |
| Sevierville | 18,105 | $55,106 | $264,000 | Compare |
| Goodlettsville | 17,598 | $65,898 | $355,000 | Compare |
| Morristown | 30,983 | $44,811 | $155,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
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, TN?
The population of Shelbyville, TN is 24,125 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Shelbyville?
The median household income in Shelbyville, TN is $52,290 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shelbyville?
The median home value in Shelbyville, TN is $224,700, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Shelbyville?
The median monthly rent in Shelbyville, TN is $935, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shelbyville?
The unemployment rate in Shelbyville, TN is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Shelbyville, TN a good place to live?
Shelbyville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 24,125 and a median age of 32, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shelbyville, TN?
11.6% 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, TN: median home value is $224,700 (8% below national), median rent is $935/month, and median household income is $52,290. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shelbyville?
The poverty rate in Shelbyville, TN is 20.3%, 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 Shelbyville, TN?
Shelbyville's population is 20.9% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 8.0% Asian, and 11.7% two or more races. 12.6% of residents are foreign-born.