Shelby is a vibrant small city located in Cleveland County in western North Carolina. Known for its rich history and friendly community, Shelby serves as the county seat and offers a mix of traditional charm and steady growth.
The city’s historic downtown is a hub for local shops, restaurants, and cultural events, featuring preserved architecture and a welcoming atmosphere. Shelby’s economy includes manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors, providing diverse job opportunities.
Residents enjoy a variety of parks, recreational facilities, and nearby natural attractions such as the South Mountains State Park, which is just a short drive away. Shelby’s affordable housing market and small-town feel make it attractive for families, retirees, and first-time homebuyers.
With a strong sense of community, convenient access to larger cities like Charlotte and Asheville, and growing amenities, Shelby is a great place to live, work, and explore.
Key facts:
Population: ~20,000
County Seat of Cleveland County
ZIP Codes: 28150, 28152
Known for: Historic downtown, South Mountains nearby, manufacturing base
51,530 people live in Shelby, where the median age is 43.6 and the average individual income is $24,956.305. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Shelby, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Uptown Olive Oil & More, Thelma Lou’s Barbeque & Grill, and Carolina Kitchen.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining · $$ | 2.61 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.8 miles | 15 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining | 2.71 miles | 7 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Dining · $ | 2.92 miles | 8 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Dining · $ | 3.03 miles | 26 reviews | 4.7/5 stars | |
| Dining · $ | 3.71 miles | 35 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.58 miles | 4 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.15 miles | 4 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.54 miles | 5 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.58 miles | 10 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 2.42 miles | 16 reviews | 4.8/5 stars | |
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Shelby has 20,356 households, with an average household size of 5. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Shelby do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 51,530 people call Shelby home. The population density is 278.067 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
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