countyscore
48.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.3Water Quality 86Lawn Care 73.7

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Kentucky

Shelby County Competes on a National Stage

With a composite score of 48.4, Shelby County tracks closely with the national median of 50.0. It offers a high-earning environment that mirrors many successful suburban counties across the country.

High Wealth with a Unique Score Profile

Shelby County's score of 48.4 sits roughly 10 points below the Kentucky state average of 58.6. While it leads the state in many economic metrics, infrastructure and cost pressures affect its overall ranking.

Leading in Local Income and Health

Economic vitality is a major draw, reflected in an Income Score of 86.3 and a median household income of $82,671. The county also maintains solid health and water standards, with both scores exceeding 63.

Housing and School Metrics Need Focus

The county faces significant cost pressures, with a Cost Score of 21.8 and a median gross rent of $998 per month. A School Score of 35.0 and a Risk Score of 38.1 suggest opportunities for long-term community investment.

A Hub for Established Professionals

Shelby County is best suited for established professionals who value high local wages and good health infrastructure. It is a growth-oriented community for those less focused on entry-level housing affordability.

2040608010052.421.857.363.33586.338.18651.3Tax52.4Cost21.8Safety57.3Health63.3Schools35Income86.3Risk38.1Water86Weather51.348.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Shelby County DNA

Foverall

How Shelby County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Shelby County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (86.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (21.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.4
Cost
21.8-26.2
Safety
57.3
Health
63.3+13.299999999999997
Schools
35-19
Income
86.3+35.3
Risk
38.1-8.899999999999999
Water
86+28
Weather
51.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$277,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$998/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$277,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $82,671/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

2.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Iowa
Median income: $56,824
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Worcester County
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Median income: $81,455
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Washington County
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Marengo County
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Logan County
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Marion County
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Trinity County
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Kiowa County
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Median income: $56,389
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Nearby counties

Spencer County
Kentucky
59.3
Henry County
Kentucky
51.7
Franklin County
Kentucky
46
Anderson County
Kentucky
59.6
Oldham County
Kentucky
57.2
Woodford County
Kentucky
56.3
Jefferson County
Kentucky
34.3
Owen County
Kentucky
62.1

Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Shelby County

via TaxByCounty

Shelby County taxes near national average

Shelby County's effective tax rate of 0.810% exceeds the national median of 0.876% slightly, placing it in the moderate-to-high tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,248 falls below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values despite higher rate pressure. Shelby County homeowners shoulder a slightly heavier rate burden than most Americans.

Kentucky's highest rate among these eight

At 0.810%, Shelby County has the highest effective tax rate among the eight counties profiled here and exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. Its median tax of $2,248 also ranks second-highest, making it one of Kentucky's more tax-intensive counties.

Shelby leads the region in rates

Shelby County's 0.810% rate significantly outpaces Spencer County (0.712%), Scott County (0.681%), and Trimble County (0.680%). Only among this regional peer group does Shelby stand apart for higher tax pressure on property owners.

What Shelby County homeowners pay

With a median home value of $277,500, Shelby County residents pay roughly $2,248 annually in property taxes—the second-highest figure in this study. Mortgage holders pay $2,424, while those owning free-and-clear pay $1,827.

Contest assessments and save

High-rate counties like Shelby present particular incentive for homeowners to verify their assessments and pursue appeals if values seem inflated. Shelby County residents who challenge overassessments during revaluation periods can recover hundreds in annual tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shelby County

via CostByCounty

Shelby County: Kentucky's affordable housing sweet spot

Shelby County renters spend just 14.5% of their $82,671 median household income on housing—well below the national average of roughly 17%. This makes Shelby one of the state's most affordable counties relative to earning power, offering relief compared to the state's 17.0% rent-to-income average.

Top-tier affordability across Kentucky

With a 14.5% rent-to-income ratio, Shelby County ranks among Kentucky's best for rental affordability. The combination of reasonable median rent ($998) and strong household incomes ($82,671) creates one of the state's healthiest housing markets for renters.

Modest rents, stable home values

Shelby's $998 monthly rent falls between Scott County's pricier $1,181 and Taylor County's bargain $691, positioning it as a mid-cost rental market. Shelby's $277,500 median home value is the highest among its neighbors, reflecting stronger property demand from a relatively affluent population.

Renters get the better deal here

Renters in Shelby County spend 14.5% of income on housing, while homeowners allocate 18.4% toward monthly ownership costs of $1,272. The $274 difference between median rent and owner costs suggests Shelby's strength lies in the rental market rather than the ownership sector.

Shelby rewards renters seeking balance

If you want genuine affordability without sacrificing income stability, Shelby County delivers—rents are reasonable, incomes are solid, and your housing budget can stretch further than most Kentucky options. Homebuyers should note that ownership costs climb more steeply here, making Shelby best for renters or well-capitalized buyers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shelby County

via IncomeByCounty

Shelby County outpaces national income norms

Shelby County's median household income of $82,671 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 10.6%, placing it among prosperous American counties. This strong performance reflects a resilient local economy.

Second highest earners in Kentucky

Shelby County's income of $82,671 ranks second in Kentucky, trailing only Scott County and running 47.9% above the state average of $55,909. This positions it as one of the state's wealth engines.

Shelby holds its own against regional peers

Shelby County's $82,671 household income competes directly with Scott County ($83,660) and falls below Spencer County ($98,333), anchoring the region's prosperity. Its per capita income of $38,834 reflects a well-distributed earning base.

Housing costs stay comfortably affordable

Shelby County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% sits well below the 30% affordability benchmark, making housing costs highly manageable. The median home value of $277,500 remains accessible to most households earning above the county median.

Build long-term wealth with your earnings

Shelby County residents enjoy incomes that rank among the highest in the nation, creating excellent opportunities for saving, investing, and retirement planning. Take advantage of this earning power by exploring tax-advantaged accounts and diversified investment portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shelby County

via CrimeByCounty

Shelby County Maintains High Safety Scores

Shelby County boasts a safety score of 98.5, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 981.2 per 100,000 is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5. These metrics highlight the county as an exceptionally safe place to live by national standards.

Matching the Kentucky State Average

Shelby County's safety score of 98.5 nearly matches the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Although its crime rate of 981.2 is slightly higher than the state mean of 786.2, it remains a stable and secure region. Law enforcement efforts across three reporting agencies help maintain this consistent level of public safety.

Safety Leader Among Regional Neighbors

Shelby County is significantly safer than nearby Scott County, which reports a higher crime rate of 1,286.5 per 100,000. However, it sees more activity than rural Spencer County to the south. This makes Shelby a middle-ground for safety in the region, offering a balance of security and accessibility.

Violent Crime Remains Remarkably Low

The violent crime rate in Shelby County is 95.6 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 885.6. These numbers indicate that the vast majority of crimes are non-violent in nature. Residents are far more likely to experience property-related issues than personal safety threats.

Prioritizing Home and Vehicle Security

Since property crime is the most common issue, keeping vehicles locked and valuables out of sight is essential. Motion-sensor lights and alarm systems provide cost-effective ways to enhance residential security. Local community awareness remains the best defense against neighborhood theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Shelby County

via SchoolsByCounty

Shelby County's Growing Education Network

Shelby County supports a diverse population of 6,935 students across 15 public schools. The landscape features seven elementary schools and four high schools, all managed by a single district. This network provides a stable foundation for the county's growing suburban and town populations.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

Shelby County hits the national graduation rate mark of 87.0%, though it trails the Kentucky state average of 93.8%. The county invests $6,928 per pupil, which is slightly higher than the state average but well below the national spending level of $13,000. With a composite school score of 51.8, the district continues to focus on aligning outcomes with state targets.

Single District Management for All Schools

The Shelby County school district manages all 6,935 students and 14 primary school locations. Charter schools do not currently operate in the county, leaving traditional public schools as the sole provider of state-funded education. This allows the district to maintain a specialized focus on its specific regional needs.

A Blend of Town and Rural Learning

Schools in Shelby County are predominantly located in town settings, though five campuses retain a rural character. Martha Layne Collins High School is the largest campus with 1,174 students, while the average school size is a manageable 533 students. This balance offers families the choice between larger secondary schools and more intimate primary environments.

Settle into Shelby's Academic Community

For families looking to move, Shelby County offers a school system that meets national standards in a growing town-and-country setting. Proximity to schools like Martha Layne Collins High remains a significant factor for local real estate buyers. Explore available homes to find a location that supports your child's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shelby County

via RiskByCounty

Shelby County's disaster risk compared nationally

Shelby County's composite risk score of 61.86 earns a Relatively Low rating, placing it above Kentucky's state average of 44.21. While moderate by national standards, Shelby faces measurably higher natural disaster threats than many American counties.

Where Shelby ranks among Kentucky counties

At 61.86, Shelby County's composite risk score ranks it among the higher-risk counties in Kentucky, driven by the state's second-highest tornado risk of 87.82. Shelby residents face substantially greater tornado exposure than the typical Kentucky county.

How Shelby compares to nearby counties

Shelby's 61.86 score exceeds Scott County (56.08) and significantly surpasses Spencer County (13.33) and Trimble County (11.90). Shelby's tornado risk of 87.82 stands as one of the highest in the entire state, making it far more exposed to severe weather than surrounding counties.

Shelby's top two natural disaster threats

Tornadoes present Shelby County's dominant risk, with a score of 87.82—among Kentucky's highest tornado exposure levels. Earthquakes rank second at 73.57, creating a secondary but significant ground-shaking hazard for residents and structures.

Protect your Shelby County home now

Shelby's exceptionally high tornado risk demands robust coverage—ensure your homeowners policy includes tornado and wind damage protection. Review your flood insurance as well, since Shelby's flood risk of 61.42 indicates moderate but real vulnerability to water damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Shelby County

via WaterByCounty

Clean Drinking Water Record

Shelby County holds a Grade A for water quality with no health violations recorded in the last five years. The county maintains a violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, outperforming the state average of 35.7.

Clean Water Act Standards Met

The single assessed water body in Shelby County passed all federal standards during the 2022 reporting cycle. With 0.0% impairment, the county's assessed waters are currently in good standing under Clean Water Act §303(d).

Active Water Quality Monitoring

Agencies maintain seven monitoring sites across the county, collecting 1,480 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on organics, pesticides, and inorganic chemicals.

No Active USGS Streamgages

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live flow data for Shelby County. This makes the perfect drinking water compliance record the primary available indicator for local water health.

Monitor Organic and Pesticide Levels

High levels of monitoring for organics and pesticides suggest these are key areas of local interest. Residents can review their annual Consumer Confidence Report to ensure these specific substances remain within safe limits.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shelby County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical American Middle-Ground

Shelby County's 53.5°F average temperature sits right at the national median. Its 49.8 inches of precipitation, however, is significantly higher than the average U.S. county.

One of Kentucky's Cooler Spots

The county is nearly three degrees cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It maintains a more temperate profile than many of its southern counterparts.

Drier than the State Average

With 49.8 inches of rain, Shelby is slightly drier than the Kentucky average of 50.6 inches. However, it still sees more extreme heat days than Russell County to the south.

Significant Summer Heat Spikes

Shelby faces 34 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually, concentrated in a summer that averages 73.1°F. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging a brisk 31.0°F.

Focus on HVAC Performance

The combination of freezing winters and over a month of 90-degree heat makes a reliable HVAC system vital. Ensure your home is well-insulated to handle the January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shelby County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced acidity in the heart of Shelby

Shelby County soil maintains a pH of 6.16, which is more alkaline than the Kentucky average of 5.80. This puts the region closer to the national target of 6.5, creating a hospitable environment for most garden crops. With a total soil score of 67.7, these lands rank well above the state benchmark for productivity.

Silt dominates the local landscape

Silt makes up a significant 64.8% of the soil profile, providing a smooth, flour-like texture. Clay accounts for 22.2% of the mix, while sand stays low at 13.0%. This composition creates a dense, nutrient-rich medium that resists the rapid leaching often seen in sandier regions.

Superior water storage for thirsty plants

This county offers an impressive available water capacity of 0.202 in/in, significantly higher than the Kentucky average of 0.186. Organic matter levels sit at 2.45%, beating the national 2.0% average and fueling plant growth. This combination ensures that the soil acts like a sponge, keeping moisture available for crops during Kentucky summers.

Natural moisture retention for stable growth

While specific drainage and hydrologic groups are not digitally recorded for this area, the high silt and clay content indicates slow but steady drainage. These soils are generally stable for small-scale building but may require tiling for large-scale agricultural operations. The high water capacity serves as a natural insurance policy against brief droughts.

Diverse planting options in Zone 6b

Shelby County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, where the high soil score supports everything from orchard fruits to soybeans. The soil's ability to hold water makes it particularly good for leafy greens and heavy feeders like tomatoes. It is a fantastic time to till a new bed and enjoy the region's natural fertility.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shelby County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Success for Shelby County Lawns

Shelby County earns a strong lawn difficulty score of 73.7, making it easier to maintain than the state average. This Zone 6b location provides a stable foundation for homeowners compared to the more volatile conditions found across the national landscape.

Long Growing Seasons and Moderate Heat

The area experiences 34 extreme heat days per year, which is slightly higher than the state average of 30. With 49.8 inches of rain and 3,491 growing degree days, grass grows vigorously from May through October.

Solid Foundation with Balanced Acidity

A soil pH of 6.16 provides an ideal environment for nutrient absorption without the need for heavy lime applications. The soil consists of 22.2% clay, which helps retain water during the warmer July months when temperatures average 74.9°F.

Brief Drought Windows Require Minimal Intervention

The county only spent 3 weeks in drought over the last year, keeping lawn stress to a minimum. Currently, 0.0% of the county is dry, allowing you to focus on routine maintenance rather than emergency irrigation.

Early May Starts for Optimal Growth

Wait until after the last spring frost around May 1st to start your heavy lawn work. Tall fescue is a local favorite for its ability to withstand the 34 days of heat while staying green through the autumn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shelby County's county score?
Shelby County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 48.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Shelby County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Shelby County ranks #104 among all counties in Kentucky on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Shelby County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Shelby County is $2,248, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Shelby County a tax score of 52.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County, Kentucky is $82,671 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shelby County earns an income score of 86.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shelby County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Shelby County scores 48.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #104 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Shelby County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Shelby County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.