Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shelby, MI
Considering a move to Shelby, MI? This welcoming small town of about 4,700 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $162,000 and average rents near $860. Residents enjoy a slower pace, low violent crime (199 per 100K), and a typical commute of just over 27 minutes. Shelby features a strong sense of community, access to local schools, and four-season weather with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. Discover Shelby’s relaxed pace and budget-friendly lifestyle below!
Demographics - Shelby, MI
Demographics - Shelby, MI
Shelby, MI is a small town of approximately 4,725 residents, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 37.8 years. The community is predominantly White at 83%, with a modest presence of other ethnic groups, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The population density is moderate, fostering a friendly small-town atmosphere.
Population:
4,725
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.0%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
14.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shelby, MI?
Shelby offers an affordable cost of living, with a median house value of $162,000 and average rents around $860 per month. Essential expenses such as utilities and transportation are below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and individuals. Residents also benefit from Michigan's flat 4.25% state income tax.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.9
Grocery:
91.0
Housing:
74.5
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
93.1
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
92.4
Crime
Is Shelby, MI a safe place to live?
Shelby is a relatively safe community, with a violent crime rate of 199 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,270 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 503 chance of experiencing violent crime, supporting a sense of security for families and newcomers. The town’s overall crime index remains lower than many urban areas in Michigan.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
199
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,270
Crime Index:
1,469
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 503
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 79
Weather
What is the weather like in Shelby, MI year-round?
Shelby experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs around 82°F and cold winters dipping to about 18°F. The area receives nearly 33 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 48% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
The median household income in Shelby is $52,800, with a family income averaging $62,100 and a poverty rate of 14.4%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is just over 27 minutes. The community is close-knit, with low public transit usage and a modest unemployment rate of 5.6%.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$52,800
Family Income:
$62,100
Per Capita Income:
$23,200
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$24,900
Poverty Rate:
14.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$860
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.1%
Bachelors or More:
15.7%
Education
How are the schools in Shelby, MI?
Shelby is served by public schools such as Shelby High School and Shelby Middle School, offering a supportive learning environment with reasonable student-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private education at New Era Christian School, while Muskegon Community College, located 25 miles away, offers higher education options. The town values education, with the majority of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Shelby High School
Street:
641 N State St
Phone:
231-861-4452
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Name:
Shelby Middle School
Street:
525 N State St
Phone:
231-861-4521
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.3
Private Schools
Name:
New Era Christian School
Street:
1901 Oak Ave, New Era, MI
Phone:
231-861-5787
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
Muskegon Community College
City:
Muskegon
State:
MI
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
4,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Shelby is anchored by Mercy Health Lakeshore Campus, offering general and emergency services. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, locals have access to essential care. The area’s healthcare index indicates reliable services for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mercy Health Lakeshore Campus
Address:
72 S State St, Shelby, MI 49455
Phone:
(231) 861-2156
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
67.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shelby, MI?
Shelby’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $162,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $860. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated by 6% in the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates make it a stable place to buy or rent.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$860
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Shelby residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Michigan Secretary of State, with the nearest office located in Montague. Services are available both in-person and online, ensuring convenient access for drivers. For more information, the Michigan SOS website provides comprehensive resources.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
4478 Dowling St, Montague, MI 49437
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.