Cost of living in Shelby County, IN
Part of the Indianapolis Metro Area
Population 45,104 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Shelby County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Shelby County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Shelby County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Shelby County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Shelby County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Shelby County
State and local tax rates for Indiana.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Shelby County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Shelby County
What it costs to live in Shelby County each month.
- Rent $1,097
- Energy $199
- Water $50
- Groceries $318
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $518
- State tax $106
- Rent $1,283
- Energy $239
- Water $60
- Groceries $527
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $837
- State tax $181
- Rent $1,669
- Energy $298
- Water $70
- Groceries $800
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $837
- State tax $181
Frequently asked questions about Shelby County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Shelby County?
In Shelby County, IN, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,097 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,283 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,669 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Shelby County?
In Shelby County, IN, the average household income is $71,301 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $41,733 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Shelby County?
The estimated cost of living in Shelby County, IN is approximately $3,088 per month for a single person, $4,411 for a couple, $6,925 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Shelby County?
The combined sales tax rate in Shelby County, IN is 7.00%, which includes the Indiana state rate of 7.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Shelby County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Shelby County, IN would need approximately $3,088 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $71,301 per year ($5,942 per month). Shelby County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Shelby County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Shelby County, IN is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Shelby County?
The average home value in Shelby County, IN is $188,300, with average annual property taxes of $1,327, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Shelby County compare to other areas?
You can compare Shelby County, IN with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Shelby County is in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area.
Other counties in Indiana
Browse the full list of counties in Indiana, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP