Shelby County, Tennessee

Income Data

+6% vs. Tennessee average
$62,337
Median Household Income
$37,666
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$62,337
+6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$37,666
-5% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
27.1%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#27 / 95
by median household income

How Shelby County Compares

Shelby County$62,337
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$62,337
Median Household Income
$37,666
Per Capita Income
$229,700
Median Home Value
27.1%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Shelby County, Tennessee

Shelby lags nation despite Memphis presence

Shelby County's median household income of $62,337 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,418, a 16.6% shortfall. Despite housing Tennessee's largest city and major employment hub, Shelby underperforms national averages due to income inequality and concentrated poverty.

Shelby ranks near Tennessee middle

Shelby County's median household income of $62,337 exceeds the state average of $58,994 by 5.7%, placing it slightly above Tennessee's midpoint. The county's diverse economy—anchored by healthcare, logistics, and government—provides stability despite urban challenges.

Shelby underperforms suburban counties

Shelby's $62,337 income ranks sixth among these eight counties, trailing Rutherford ($82,588), Robertson ($78,439), Roane ($66,218), and Sevier ($63,829). The gap reflects Nashville's suburban outperformance versus Memphis's urban economic structure.

Housing costs strain urban households

Shelby's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% is the highest among profiled counties, with median home value of $229,700 consuming roughly $51,600 annually. Many Shelby households dedicate over one-quarter of earnings to housing, limiting savings capacity.

Build wealth despite urban cost pressures

Shelby households can overcome housing cost pressures through employer benefits: maximize health savings accounts for tax-advantaged saving, leverage 401(k) matches, and explore down payment assistance programs. Community development financial institutions in Memphis also offer affordable lending for homeownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Shelby County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Shelby County, Tennessee is $62,337, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Shelby County?
The per capita income in Shelby County is $37,666, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $62,337.
How does Shelby County compare to the Tennessee average?
Shelby County's median household income of $62,337 is higher than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $37,666, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Shelby County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Shelby County, Tennessee is $37,666, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Shelby County income higher than the Tennessee average?
Shelby County's median household income of $62,337 is higher than the Tennessee average of $58,994. This difference of $3,343 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Shelby County rank for income in Tennessee?
Shelby County ranks #27 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $62,337 and per capita income of $37,666, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $62,337 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-17%

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vs. Tennessee Average6% above
vs. National Median17% below

Income Adequacy

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.