Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Shelby County, OH, had a population of 48,230. The median age was approximately 40 years, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female residents. The racial composition was predominantly White (93.5%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), Black or African American (1.7%), Asian (0.5%), and two or more races (1.5%). Children under 18 comprised about 23% of the population, while those 65 and older made up roughly 17%.
County Crime & Safety
Shelby County, OH, reports lower-than-average crime rates compared to national figures. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 1.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stood at 8.2 per 1,000—both below Ohio and U.S. averages. The Sheriff's Office actively encourages community crime reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of approximately 35% for property crimes and 55% for violent crimes. Continuous initiatives in neighborhood watch and digital crime reporting aim to further enhance public safety and awareness throughout the county.
Elections
Shelby County, OH, had 31,248 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout at 67%. The Board of Elections administers these, managing 35 polling locations across the county. In the 2022 general election, Republicans received 74% and Democrats 24% of the vote, with 2% for others. Major recent issues included school levies and local tax increases, with 54% approval. The two primary parties are Republican and Democratic, with voter registration favoring Republicans by a 2:1 margin. Online and mail registrations are available for residents.
Education, Employment and Housing
Shelby County, OH, has 11 public school districts with about 15 elementary and 7 high schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 95%, above Ohio’s average. Around 18% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools score a 6/10 average on GreatSchools ratings. Shelby County offers Career Tech programs and adult education through the Upper Valley Career Center. School safety measures include resource officers and security systems. Educational programs emphasize STEM and college readiness, supported by local partnerships.
As of 2023, Shelby County, OH, reported an employment rate of approximately 62%. Key industries include manufacturing (31%), health care and social assistance (12%), and retail trade (10%). Among occupations, production (23%) and office/administrative roles (13%) are most common. About 84% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 20 minutes. While 73% of residents work within the county, the remainder commute primarily to nearby Miami and Montgomery counties.
Shelby County, OH has a homeownership rate of around 73%, with median home values near $160,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $850 monthly. The local market saw a modest property value increase of about 7% over the past year. Housing types range from single-family homes in Sidney and Anna, to apartments in Jackson Center, with rural areas also prevalent. Neighborhoods are typically quiet, with strong community ties. Property tax rates average 1.13%, making Shelby County relatively affordable for both buyers and renters compared to state averages.
Popular names
- Carolyn Davis
- James Davis
- Linda Lee
- Michael Smith
- Robert Smith
- Michael Brown
- David Smith
- James Smith
- Mary Davis
- Mary Jones
- Mary Smith
- Robert Davis
- Scott Phillips
- Steven Young
- Wesley Jones
- Amber King
- Brian Wood
- David Mann
- Dawn Bailey
- James King
- Jeremy Davis
- Jessica Smith
- John Francis
- Linda Lewis
- Robert Lyme
- Roberto Jimenez
- Roberto Martinez
- Amber Thompson
- Anthony Martin
- Carolyn Lewis
- Catherine King
- Corey Shreves
- Cynthia Barhorst
- Dalton Bollinger
- David Ward
- David Young
- Edward York
- James Byers
- James Jones
- Jason Scott
- Jennifer Kinninger
- Jesse Jones
- Jill Baker
- John Byers
- John Smith
- Karen Smith
- Mark Harris
- Mary Barhorst
- Mary Sherman
- Matthew Cooper
- Michael Elliott
- Michael Miller
- Nicholas Cotterman
- Paul Meyer
- Paul Smith
- Phillip Bennett
- Robert Meyer
- Roberto Lopez
- Roger Schmidt
- Susan Coy
Other Counties in Ohio
- Adams
- Allen
- Ashland
- Ashtabula
- Athens
- Auglaize
- Belmont
- Brown
- Butler
- Carroll
- Champaign
- Clark
- Clermont
- Clinton
- Columbiana
- Coshocton
- Crawford
- Cuyahoga
- Darke
- Defiance
- Delaware
- Erie
- Fairfield
- Fayette
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Gallia
- Geauga
- Greene
- Guernsey
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Harrison
- Henry
- Highland
- Hocking
- Holmes
- Huron
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Knox
- Lake
- Lawrence
- Licking
- Logan
- Lorain
- Lucas
- Madison
- Mahoning
- Marion