Cost of Living in Shelby County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
These figures are county medians, not a personal budget. Use them to frame rent, ownership, and income tradeoffs, then account for household size, commute, financing, insurance, taxes, debt, and local availability before making a decision.
How Shelby County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Shelby County ranks #2,465 of 3,142 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Sourced county brief
Shelby County Median Home Value Reaches $304,800 in 2024 ACS Estimate
The median home value in Shelby County was estimated at $304,800, according to the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates. This value is $143,965 higher than the Kentucky unweighted county mean of $160,835. For owner-occupied housing units, the median selected monthly owner cost is $1,254, which is $501 above the state unweighted county mean of $753. Regarding rental housing, the median gross rent in the county is $1,033 per month, compared to a state unweighted county mean of $793. The official median gross rent as a percentage of household income (GRAPI), recorded in ACS table B25071, is 25.9%. This official GRAPI is 1.3 percentage points below the Kentucky unweighted county mean of 27.2%. The median renter-household income in Shelby County was recorded at $44,399 for the same period. These metrics offer a data snapshot of the county's housing costs without indicating future market directions. See ACS table B25071 for the underlying estimate.
Source record
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25064 Median Gross Rent
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25071 GRAPI
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25077 Median Home Value
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25088 Selected Monthly Owner Costs
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25119 Household Income by Tenure
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-brief-v1
Cost of Living Advisory: Shelby County
Affordability Verdict
ACS B25071 estimates median gross rent at 25.9% of renter household income in Shelby County, which is below the 30% affordability benchmark. This is a median percentage among renter-occupied units, not the share of households above a threshold.
Rent vs. Own
Median gross rent is $1,033 per month; median selected monthly owner costs are $1,254. These ACS medians describe different tenure groups and are not a personalized rent-versus-buy calculation.
Income Needed
Using the common 30% budgeting benchmark, $41,320 in annual gross income would allocate 30% to the county's median gross rent. This is a reproducible illustration, not evidence that a particular household can afford housing.
Regional Context
The Kentucky unweighted mean of county median rents is $793 per month. Shelby County's $1,033 median is 30.2% above that comparison value.
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-advisory-v2
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Shelby County
Rent Burden
15.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,927
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in Shelby County may be a stretch
Median home value is $304,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,433 vs. your max of $1,927.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shelby County, Kentucky?
What is the median rent in Shelby County?
Is Shelby County affordable?
How does Shelby County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Shelby County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Shelby County, Kentucky? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Shelby County
Whether you're buying in Shelby County, Kentucky, or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders using the terms each lender provides.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2020-2024). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.