Market Snapshot
Report generated March 2026
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 48,007 ↓ 0.5% since 2020 |
| Median Household Income | $72,822 2% below national median |
| Median Home Value | $190,300 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% |
| Median Age | 40.1 years |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 6.6% |
| Total Land Sales (Past 12 Months) | 196 transactions |
| Active Listings | 75 properties |
| Avg Days on Market | 343 days |
Rural Land Sales (1+ Acres) (Feb 2026 – Mar 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Price/Acre | $28,919 |
| Recent Sales | 158 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 344 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 15.50 acres |
| Active Listings | 57 properties |
Recent Rural Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | $/Acre | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | 7.57 | $140,000 | $18,494 | Bagdad |
| Mar 2026 | 17.70 | $152,600 | $8,621 | Frankfort |
| Mar 2026 | 5.32 | $82,400 | $15,489 | Frankfort |
| Mar 2026 | 5.46 | $220,000 | $40,293 | Finchville |
| Mar 2026 | 58.67 | $1,400,000 | $23,862 | Finchville |
| Feb 2026 | 2.10 | $70,000 | $33,333 | Shelbyville |
| Feb 2026 | 5.88 | $155,000 | $26,361 | Shelbyville |
| Feb 2026 | 31.10 | $430,900 | $13,855 | Shelbyville |
| Feb 2026 | 5.04 | $125,000 | $24,802 | Bagdad |
| Feb 2026 | 5.09 | $60,595 | $11,905 | Waddy |
Suburban/Urban Land Sales (Under 1 Acre) (Oct 2025 – Feb 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Lot Price | $49,975 |
| Recent Sales | 38 transactions |
| Avg Days on Market | 342 days |
| Avg Parcel Size | 0.30 acres |
| Active Listings | 18 properties |
Recent Suburban/Urban Land Sales
| Date | Acres | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | 0.36 | $83,000 | Simpsonville |
| Feb 2026 | 0.10 | $10,000 | Bagdad |
| Feb 2026 | 0.10 | $10,500 | Bagdad |
| Dec 2025 | 0.31 | $80,000 | Shelbyville |
| Dec 2025 | 0.24 | $80,000 | Shelbyville |
| Nov 2025 | 0.50 | $30,000 | Shelbyville |
| Nov 2025 | 0.52 | $30,000 | Shelbyville |
| Oct 2025 | 0.73 | $265,000 | Shelbyville |
County Profile
| Demographic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population (2023) | 48,599 |
| Population (2020) | 48,065 |
| Population Growth | 1.11% |
| Median Household Income | $82,671 |
| Median Home Value | $277,500 |
| Total Housing Units | 19,216 |
| Vacant Housing Units | 1,366 |
| Housing Vacancy Rate | 7.1% |
| Median Age | 40.9 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 6,646 (13.7%) |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% |
Market Overview
Shelby County, Kentucky has a population of 48,599, which has grown 1.11% since 2020. The median household income is $82,671, above the national median of $74,580 by 10.8%. The housing vacancy rate of 7.1% suggests balanced market conditions. As part of Kentucky, Shelby County benefits from the state's growing interest in vacant land investment. Recent rural land sales show a median price of $28,919 per acre, with properties averaging 15.50 acres. There are currently 75 active land listings in the county.
Related Resources
Nearby County Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Shelby County, Kentucky?
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, Shelby County has a population of 48,599. The county has grown 1.11% since the 2020 Census, indicating a growing community.
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County is $82,671, which is 10.8% above the national median of $74,580.
Is Shelby County growing or shrinking?
Shelby County is growing. The population has increased 1.11% since 2020.
What is the housing market like in Shelby County?
The median home value in Shelby County is $277,500. The housing vacancy rate is 7.1%, which suggests balanced market conditions. The unemployment rate is 4.6%, reflecting the local economic conditions. Recent rural land sales (1+ acres) show a median price of $28,919 per acre. Suburban/urban lots under 1 acre have a median lot price of $49,975.
Does Reelvest buy land in Shelby County, Kentucky?
Yes! Reelvest Properties buys vacant land throughout Kentucky, including Shelby County. We make cash offers within 24-48 hours, close in 14-30 days, and pay all closing costs. Get your free cash offer today.
Data Sources: Market data reflects recent vacant land transactions in the county. Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023), Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Updated monthly.