Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shelby, NC
Thinking of making Shelby, NC your new home? With a population of just over 19,000, Shelby offers affordable living—median home values are $153,000 and average rent is just $810. Enjoy a mild climate with 62% sunny days and short 20-minute average commutes. While property crime rates are higher than average, Shelby’s strong sense of community, accessible local healthcare, and proximity to colleges make it a welcoming choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Shelby, NC
Demographics - Shelby, NC
Shelby, NC is home to about 19,244 residents, featuring a balanced mix of White and Black populations and a median age of nearly 40. The city’s moderate population density and a growing diversity, with 7.3% non-English speakers, create a welcoming and dynamic community.
Population:
19,244
Density:
1,360 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.9
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
48.6%
Black:
41.7%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
8.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shelby, NC?
Shelby offers a notably affordable cost of living, with median home values at $153,000 and average rents around $810. Lower housing and utility costs make it an attractive option for families and retirees seeking value in North Carolina.
Median House Value:
$153,000
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$128
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,025
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.5
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
54.0
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
83.7
Health Care:
93.4
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Is Shelby, NC a safe place to live?
Shelby experiences higher property crime rates, with about 3,083 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the chance of violent crime remains lower at 1 in 252. Residents should stay mindful of personal property security, though the community maintains a strong local presence.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
397
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,083
Crime Index:
3,480
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 252
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Shelby, NC year-round?
Shelby enjoys a mild climate with winters averaging lows of 30°F and summers reaching highs of 88°F. The city receives about 46.6 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making it pleasant for year-round outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
51°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Local households in Shelby typically earn a median income of $43,700, with a poverty rate of 22.7%. Most residents have completed high school, and commute times are short at just over 20 minutes, fostering a close-knit, accessible community.
Median Income:
$30,700
Household Income:
$43,700
Family Income:
$54,100
Per Capita Income:
$23,900
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
22.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.3%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
20.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.3%
Education
How are the schools in Shelby, NC?
Shelby offers a variety of educational opportunities, including public and private schools with reasonable student-teacher ratios and local colleges like Cleveland Community College nearby. These options provide accessible learning for families and support lifelong education in the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Shelby High School
Street:
230 E Dixon Blvd
Phone:
704-476-8325
Students:
830
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Shelby Intermediate School
Street:
2300 S Post Rd
Phone:
704-476-8223
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.0

Private Schools
Name:
Crestview Christian Academy
Street:
1090 S Post Rd
Phone:
704-487-6732
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Cleveland Community College
City:
Shelby
State:
NC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,700
Name:
Gardner-Webb University
City:
Boiling Springs
State:
NC
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
3,500
Healthcare
Shelby residents have access to quality healthcare through facilities like Atrium Health Cleveland, and there are about 2 physicians per 1,000 people. With 85% of the population covered by health insurance, the city provides solid support for medical needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Atrium Health Cleveland
Address:
201 E Grover St, Shelby, NC 28150
Phone:
(980) 487-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.4%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shelby, NC?
The housing market in Shelby is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $153,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $810. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen an 8.2% home appreciation rate in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$153,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Shelby residents are served by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest major office located in Charlotte. The DMV provides essential services such as licensing, registration, and title transfers, with more information available on their official website.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
601 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
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.