Shelby County, Indiana
Income Data
U.S. Census Bureau ACSAt a Glance
Economic Indicators
How Shelby County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Income Advisory: Shelby County
Income Verdict
Shelby County has a median household income of $71,301 and per capita income of $35,637 — a gap of $35,664, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.
Housing Affordability
With median gross rent at $956/month and a median household income of $71,301, rent consumes approximately 16.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.
Economic Context
A median household income of $71,301 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $35,637 is in line with national norms for individual earners.
Neighbor Context
Shelby County earns approximately 3.8% above the Indiana state median household income of $68,681, positioning it favorably within the state.
Data Story
About Household Income in Shelby County, Indiana
Shelby County slightly below U.S. median
Shelby County's median household income of $71,301 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $3,454 (4.6%), placing it just below the national typical household. The county reflects solid middle-income performance with modest room for improvement.
Above Indiana's state average
Shelby County's $71,301 median income surpasses Indiana's state average of $68,681 by $2,620 (3.8%), ranking it among the state's moderate earners. Per capita income of $35,637 also exceeds Indiana's average of $34,773, indicating relatively balanced wealth distribution.
Mid-tier regional performer
Shelby County's $71,301 income matches Ripley County and ranks ahead of Randolph, Rush, and Scott counties, but trails Putnam ($76,182) and Posey ($79,124). The county provides decent earning opportunity relative to most of its neighbors.
Watch housing cost pressure
Shelby County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% slightly exceeds the 15% affordability threshold, suggesting housing costs are a tighter squeeze than in wealthier counties. The median home value of $188,300 remains within reach but requires disciplined saving.
Leverage stability for growth
Above-average state income and manageable housing create a platform for Shelby County residents to invest. Contribute consistently to employer retirement plans, consider an IRA for additional retirement savings, or explore real estate investment through home equity as wealth builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Income Comparison Calculator
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Your income is above the Shelby County median
County median: $71,301 per year
vs. County Median
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vs. State Average
+4%
vs. National Median
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Income Adequacy
Your monthly income ($5,942) vs. median rent ($956/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.