Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Shelby County, IN, had a population of 44,436. The median age is 41.8 years. The gender split is roughly equal, with about 50.2% female and 49.8% male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (93.7%), with smaller populations of Black or African American (1.2%), Asian (0.7%), and those identifying as two or more races (3.2%). Hispanic or Latino residents comprise 2.7% of the population.
Education, Employment and Housing
Shelby County, Indiana, has 21 public schools, including Shelbyville High School, serving roughly 7,000 students. About 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 18% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average graduation rate is 92%, and schools report an average safety score of 8/10. Districts offer vocational, STEM, and early college programs. Adult education is available through Ivy Tech Community College and local initiatives, supporting lifelong learning and career development.
As of 2023, Shelby County, IN, has an employment rate of approximately 63.2%. Leading industries include manufacturing (28.4%), health care and social assistance (14.5%), and retail trade (10.3%). Major occupation types are production (20.1%), office/administrative support (12.6%), and management (9.8%). Around 51% of residents commute outside the county for work, with Indianapolis as a primary destination. The average commute time is about 25.8 minutes.
Shelby County, IN, has a homeownership rate of around 72%, with median home values near $180,000 (2023). The median rent is about $900 monthly. Single-family homes dominate, though apartments and townhomes exist, especially in Shelbyville. Property values have steadily increased, averaging 6-7% growth annually since 2020. Popular neighborhoods include Westover and Eagle Brook. Property tax rates average 0.85% of assessed value, lower than the national average. The housing market is considered affordable and stable, appealing to both families and retirees.
County Crime & Safety
Shelby County, IN, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 1.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, below Indiana’s average of 3.1. Property crime occurred at 13.7 incidents per 1,000, also lower than the state rate. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department actively reports crime statistics and promotes community-based safety initiatives. While incidents of theft and burglary are the most reported, overall rates have declined by 9% over five years. Emergency response and community vigilance contribute to Shelby County’s reputation for safety.
Elections
Shelby County, IN, has around 32,000 residents and nearly 21,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in presidential, state, and local elections, with the Republican Party dominating recent results—Trump won 68% in 2020. The county has about 15 polling locations, managed by the Shelby County Election Board. Key issues include economic development and infrastructure. Voters can register online, by mail, or in person, and early and absentee voting are available. Both Democrats and Republicans field candidates, but GOP typically leads, reflecting the county’s conservative leanings.
Popular names
- Andrew Smith
- James Smith
- Susan Smith
- William Brown
- Christina Johnson
- James Alexander
- John Cassidy
- John Smith
- Michael Jones
- David Johnson
- James Brown
- James Stewart
- Jennifer Taylor
- Joseph Smith
- Larry Smith
- Michelle Smith
- William Smith
- Amy Smith
- Brian Smith
- Charles Smith
- James Collins
- Justin Smith
- Linda Clark
- Linda Jones
- Lois Miller
- Sarah Jones
- Frank Sundvall
- James Anderson
- James Johnson
- Jason Smith
- Kevin Gilles
- Michael Miller
- Michael Smith
- Michael Turner
- Robert Alexander
- Robert Brown
- Robert Williams
- Ronald Cox
- Stephanie Smith
- Thomas Sundvall
- Ashley Hankins
- Barbara Smith
- Benjamin Smith
- Blake Tait
- Brandi Greenier
- Brandy Smothers
- Brenda Brown
- Brittany Jordan
- Charles Brown
- Charles Phillips
- Charles Reed
- Charles Thomas
- David Miller
- David Smith
- Donna Smith
- Garrett Phares
- Gary Bennett
- Heather Smith
- Heather Sparks
- Jacob Miller
Other Counties in Indiana
- Adams
- Allen
- Bartholomew
- Benton
- Blackford
- Boone
- Brown
- Carroll
- Cass
- Clark
- Clay
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Daviess
- De Kalb
- Dearborn
- Decatur
- Delaware
- Dubois
- Elkhart
- Fayette
- Floyd
- Fountain
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gibson
- Grant
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Harrison
- Hendricks
- Henry
- Howard
- Huntington
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jay
- Jefferson
- Jennings
- Johnson
- Knox
- Kosciusko
- La Porte
- Lagrange
- Lake
- Lawrence
- Madison
- Marion
- Marshall
- Martin