Shelby, North Carolina

Small North Carolina city with local appeal

Southeast Shelby, NC Metro

WhereAtHome Score

70.8

C-

out of 100

Overview

Shelby is a North Carolina city with a population of approximately 22,010, part of the Shelby, NC metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $214,559. Median household income is $46,176.

Key Highlights

  • Population of approximately 22,010 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $214,559 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $46,176 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 22.4 minutes
  • Part of the Shelby, NC metro area

Key Metrics

Population 2023

22,010

Source: Census ACS

$214,559

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$46,176

Source: Census ACS

22.4 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2026

28

Source: Walk Score

90 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: AreaVibes / BLS

2024 Presidential Election

Cleveland County (county-level results)

32%
67%
Democrat 16,603
Republican 34,654
Leans R+35.0

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 95.7/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 59.3/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 65.6/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 10/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 28/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 43/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 70.8

Location

Shelby, NC (35.3471, -81.5816)
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Last Updated: 2026-01-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.