Shelby County, Alabama

History Shelby County was established on February 7, 1818.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,097 km² (810 mi²). 2,058 km² (795 mi²) of it is land and 38 km² (15 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.83% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 143,293 people, 54,631 households, and 40,590 families residing in the county. The population density is 70/km² (180/mi²). There are 59,302 housing units at an average density of 29/km² (75/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 89.80% White, 7.40% African American, 0.33% Native American, 1.03% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.71% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. 2.03% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 54,631 households out of which 36.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.60% are married couples living together, 8.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 25.70% are non-families. 21.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 5.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.59 and the average family size is 3.04.

In the county the population is spread out with 26.30% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 33.70% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 8.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $55,440, and the median income for a family is $64,105. Males have a median income of $45,798 versus $31,242 for females. The per capita income for the county is $27,176. 6.30% of the population and 4.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 7.10% are under the age of 18 and 8.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Alabaster
• Birmingham (part - part of Birmingham is in Jefferson County)
• Calera (part - part of Calera is in Chilton County)
• Chelsea
• Childersburg (part - part of Childersburg is in Talladega County)
• Columbiana
• Harpersville
• Helena (part - part of Helena is in Jefferson County)
• Hoover (part - part of Hoover is in Jefferson County)
• Indian Springs Village
• Lake Purdy
• Leeds (part - part of Leeds is in Jefferson County and in St. Clair County)
• Meadowbrook
• Montevallo
• Pelham
• Vestavia Hills (part - part of Vestavia Hills is in Jefferson County)
• Vincent (part - part of Vincent is in St. Clair County and in Talladega County)
• Wilsonville
• Wilton