2023 Shelby County, Tennessee Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Shelby County, Tennessee, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Shelby County, Tennessee Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Shelby County, Tennessee Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following statistics highlight Shelby County, Tennessee population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 922,195
- Median Age (Total)
- 35.8 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 34.3 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 37.2 years
Shelby County, Tennessee Age Distribution Comparison with Tennessee 2023
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee age demographics with Tennessee to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 35.8 yrs | 39.1 yrs | -3.3 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 6.86% | 5.68% | +1.2pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 18.61% | 16.13% | +2.5pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 8.72% | 9.06% | -0.3pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 24.67% | 25.20% | -0.5pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 14.38% | 17.63% | -3.2pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 66.25 | 65.12 | +1.1 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 66.25
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 42.35 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 23.91 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Shelby County, Tennessee Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Shelby County, Tennessee
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Shelby County, Tennessee are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 60.35
- Diversity Tier
- high
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee racial and ethnic demographics with Tennessee to understand regional diversity patterns.
Shelby County, Tennessee Diversity
60.35
highTennessee Diversity
47.25
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black/African American Alone | 52.65% | 14.87% | +37.8pp |
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 33.28% | 70.50% | -37.2pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 8.49% | 7.84% | +0.7pp |
| Asian Alone | 2.83% | 1.99% | +0.8pp |
| Two or More Races | 2.35% | 4.28% | -1.9pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.30% | 0.37% | -0.1pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.07% | 0.04% | +0.0pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.04% | 0.11% | -0.1pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 60.35 | 47.25 | +13.1 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Shelby County, Tennessee Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Shelby County, Tennessee, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $62,337 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 360,590
Income Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee household income with Tennessee to understand regional economic patterns.
Shelby County, Tennessee
$62,337
Tennessee
$71,997
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 15.49% | 12.07% | +3.4pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 12.83% | 10.65% | +2.2pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 12.58% | 11.67% | +0.9pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 16.63% | 17.26% | -0.6pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 26.34% | 30.63% | -4.3pp |
| $150,000 or more | 16.14% | 17.72% | -1.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Tennessee.
Shelby County, Tennessee Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Shelby County, Tennessee, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $229,700
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 196,804 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee property values with Tennessee to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Shelby County, Tennessee
$229,700
Tennessee
$332,600
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 2.57% | 2.95% | -0.4pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 3.38% | 2.43% | +0.9pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 14.43% | 5.61% | +8.8pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 22.89% | 13.46% | +9.4pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 43.47% | 51.05% | -7.6pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 12.62% | 22.22% | -9.6pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.63% | 2.28% | -1.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Tennessee.
Shelby County, Tennessee Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Shelby County, Tennessee, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 89.83%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 34.20%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 606,855
Education Level Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee educational attainment with Tennessee to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Shelby County, Tennessee
34.20%
Bachelor's+ in Tennessee
32.42%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 10.17% | 9.43% | +0.7pp |
| HS Graduate | 27.44% | 30.68% | -3.2pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 28.19% | 27.47% | +0.7pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 20.10% | 20.01% | +0.1pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 14.10% | 12.40% | +1.7pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 89.83% | 90.57% | -0.7pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Tennessee.
Shelby County, Tennessee Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Shelby County, Tennessee, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 12.1%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 110,111
- Total Civilian Population
- 910,552
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee health insurance coverage with Tennessee to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Shelby County, Tennessee
12.1%
Uninsured in Tennessee
9.7%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 6.9% | 7.2% | 6.9% | 6.2% |
| 18-34 years | 26.6% | 16.6% | 18.4% | 14.8% |
| 35-64 years | 16.4% | 12.8% | 13.2% | 10.6% |
| 65+ years | 1.4% | 0.8% | 0.8% | 0.7% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Shelby County, Tennessee Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Shelby County, Tennessee, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 95.2% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 25,528 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 44,124
Citizenship Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee citizenship and nativity with Tennessee to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Shelby County, Tennessee
95.2%
Citizenship in Tennessee
96.0%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 91.5% | 92.4% | -0.9pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.2% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.8% | 0.8% | 0.0pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 2.8% | 2.6% | +0.2pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 4.8% | 4.0% | +0.8pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 95.2% | 96.0% | -0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Tennessee.
Shelby County, Tennessee Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Shelby County, Tennessee, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 87.5%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 0.5%
- Work From Home Rate
- 9.4%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 420,700
Transportation Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee commuting patterns with Tennessee to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Shelby County, Tennessee
87.5%
Drove in Tennessee
84.3%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 87.5% | 84.3% | +3.2pp |
| Public transportation | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.0pp |
| Bicycle | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0pp |
| Walked | 1.3% | 1.2% | +0.1pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.2% | 1.3% | -0.1pp |
| Worked from home | 9.4% | 12.7% | -3.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Tennessee.
Shelby County, Tennessee Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Shelby County, Tennessee by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 428,027
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee employment patterns with Tennessee to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Shelby County, Tennessee
5.2% (M) / 8.1% (F)
Government Employment in Tennessee
6.1% (M) / 7.7% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 37.5% F: 34.3% | M: 39.1% F: 32.2% | M: -1.6pp F: +2.1pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 3.3% F: 5.9% | M: 2.8% F: 5.1% | M: +0.5pp F: +0.8pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 5.2% F: 8.1% | M: 6.1% F: 7.7% | M: -0.9pp F: +0.4pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 3.5% F: 2.1% | M: 4.1% F: 2.7% | M: -0.6pp F: -0.6pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Tennessee.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Shelby County, Tennessee Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Shelby County, Tennessee, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 43,134
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
12,836 veterans (29.8%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee veteran demographics with Tennessee to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Shelby County, Tennessee
43,134
Total Veterans in Tennessee
406,307
- Shelby County, Tennessee: Vietnam Era Only (29.8%)
- Tennessee: Vietnam Era Only (31.7%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 29.8% (12,836) | 31.7% (128,777) | -1.9pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 19.9% (8,568) | 16.1% (65,602) | +3.8pp |
| Gulf War Only | 16.5% (7,127) | 14.6% (59,241) | +1.9pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 15.9% (6,842) | 16.8% (68,283) | -0.9pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 7.9% (3,402) | 8.0% (32,448) | -0.1pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 4.3% (1,854) | 5.8% (23,539) | -1.5pp |
| Korean War Only | 2.9% (1,237) | 3.3% (13,451) | -0.4pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 1.1% (466) | 1.8% (7,427) | -0.7pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.6% (240) | 0.5% (1,940) | +0.1pp |
| WWII Only | 0.5% (232) | 0.7% (2,797) | -0.2pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.4% (177) | 0.4% (1,522) | 0.0pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.2% (103) | 0.2% (978) | 0.0pp |
| Vietnam + Korean + WWII | 0.1% (31) | 0.0% (142) | +0.1pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.0% (19) | 0.0% (150) | 0.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Shelby County, Tennessee Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following data categorizes families in Shelby County, Tennessee by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 13.4% (29,148 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 32.7% (71,285 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 54.0% (117,789 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee poverty levels with Tennessee to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Shelby County, Tennessee
13.4%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Tennessee
9.3%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 13.4% (29,148) | 9.3% (173,678) | +4.1pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 32.7% (71,285) | 31.4% (588,456) | +1.3pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 54.0% (117,789) | 59.3% (1,112,034) | -5.3pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 6.5% | 4.3% | +2.2pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 3.3% | 2.2% | +1.1pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 3.6% | 2.8% | +0.8pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 4.2% | 3.2% | +1.0pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 4.5% | 3.6% | +0.9pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 4.4% | 3.9% | +0.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Tennessee.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Shelby County, Tennessee SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Shelby County, Tennessee
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Shelby County, Tennessee, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 57,744 (16.01% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 30,297 (52.47% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 360,590
SNAP Participation Comparison with Tennessee
Compare Shelby County, Tennessee SNAP participation with Tennessee to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Shelby County, Tennessee
16.01%
57,744 householdsSNAP Participation in Tennessee
9.39%
275,155 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Shelby County, Tennessee | Tennessee | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 12.00% (6,931) | 5.36% (3,096) | 14.40% (39,620) | 7.48% (20,587) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 4.76% (2,751) | 2.72% (1,569) | 4.78% (13,143) | 3.36% (9,241) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 35.25% (20,357) | 10.51% (6,069) | 29.50% (81,170) | 7.39% (20,340) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.45% (258) | 28.94% (16,713) | 1.06% (2,923) | 32.03% (88,131) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 57,744 (16.01% of households) | 275,155 (9.39% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.