Cost of Living in Shelbyville, KY
Population 17,436 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Shelbyville is a smaller Kentucky community of around 17000 residents, where median household incomes of $73,733 and housing costs ($239,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 25 miles east of Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Shelbyville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 8% higher than Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance)'s $222,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shelbyville
The median home value in Shelbyville is $238,600 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $979/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,733/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Shelbyville has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shelbyville, KY?
Shelbyville has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.
What is average rent in Shelbyville, KY?
The median gross rent in Shelbyville is $979 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shelbyville?
The median home value in Shelbyville is $238,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Shelbyville?
The median household income in Shelbyville is $73,733 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shelbyville, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shelbyville is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Shelbyville, KY affordable?
Yes, Shelbyville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.
Shelbyville at a Glance
- Population
- 17,436
- Median Income
- $73,733
- Home Value
- $238,600
- Median Rent
- $979/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kentucky Rankings
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