Shelby County, Tennessee
Income Data
At a Glance
How Shelby County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
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.
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County median: $62,337 per year
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vs. National Median
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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.