Special Interest
Housing in Shelby County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Shelby County averages $625/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Missouri median of $1,033 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 22% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Shelby County FMR Area are $660 for a studio, $703 for 1‑bedroom, $888 for 2‑bedroom, $1,189 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,429 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $263 increase for a 2-bedroom in Shelby County shows a 42% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Shelby County was 3.3% in 2024, compared to Missouri at 3.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
