Shelby
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Shelby County is unusual in three ways: rainfall is in the top 2% of American counties (62 inches a year), the median household income is in the top 12% of American counties ($81,012), and population growth is in the top 15% of American counties (+1.4% a year). Within Kentucky it ranks 25th of 120 counties for rainfall.

Where you are

You live in Shelby County, Kentucky. 48,105 people live here with you. The population grew 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +509).

Kentucky moved to a flat income tax, 3.5% for 2026, and exempts the first $31,110 of pension and retirement income per person. It has an inheritance tax, but spouses, children, parents and siblings are exempt. Home prices are among the lowest in the country outside Louisville and Lexington, and the state has some of the cheapest electricity, much of it still coal-fired.

Money

The typical household here brings in $81,012 a year, higher than 88% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $55,073. Unemployment runs 3.4%, higher than 50% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 24 minutes each way.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,835 a year.

Home

The median home costs $329K, pricier than 75% of American counties, about 2.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $916 a month. Property tax is 0.82% of home value, roughly $2,040 a year on that median home, lower than 53% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 69% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 20 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.2 years, longer than 67% of American counties. There are 58 active physicians in the county, about 12.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 8.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.78 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 82% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 30 points. 67% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kentucky law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 56°F, highs near 67 and lows near 45, warmer than 50% of American counties. About 62 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 63 out of 100, riskier than 64% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 251 Mbps down, faster than 75% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.