If youāre considering moving to Shelby Ohio, youāre about to discover a tight-knit community with a rich history and small-town charm. Originally known as Gambleās Mills and platted in 1834, the city of Shelby Ohio is proud of its deep roots. The famous Centennial Light, the worldās oldest functioning lightbulb, was also made here by the Shelby Electric Company back in the 1890s.
Today, living in Shelby OH offers a perfect balance of old-world character and closeness to urban amenities. Situated in North Central Ohio and close to Mansfield, Shelby is one of those cozy cities near Akron where you still know your neighbors. Residents love the sense of community, local events, and small businesses that give the town its unique personality. Individuals, couples, and families alike love living in Shelby OH. Letās discover why Shelby is one of the best places to live in the entire state.
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Is Shelby OH a Good Place to Live?
Shelby OH is a good place to live. When living in Shelby OH, youāll enjoy great schools, friendly people, and close proximity to cities like Akron and Mansfield. Life in Shelby is relaxed, so you can enjoy living life at a slower pace.
Where Is Shelby Ohio?
What county is Shelby Ohio in? Shelby is in Richland County and is a part of the Mansfield Metropolitan Statistical area. When living in Shelby OH, youāll be just 12.2 miles from Mansfield, 72.2 miles from Columbus, and 73.4 miles from Akron. The area is mostly flat land, except for the Black Fork of the Mohican River, which runs through the middle of town.
When living in Shelby OH, youāll need to own a vehicle, as there is no public transit serving the area. However, the City of Shelby partners with Richland County Transit to provide a taxi service for residents within the area.
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Shelby Population & Demographics
The population of Shelby is 9,282, contributing to the small-town feel of the city. Residents living in Shelby OH have a median income of $55,355, which is a bit lower than the Ohio median income of $66,990. There are also many families living in the community, with 63% of households being occupied by married couples and an average household size of 2.4 persons. A few notable people from Shelby include writer Dawn Powell, football player Charles Follis, and basketball player Larry Siegfried.
Additional Shelby Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 56.9% female, 43.1% male
- Median age: 40.8
- Racial & ethnic composition: 94.7% White (93.5% non-Hispanic), 3.0% two or more races, 1.9% Asian, 0.3% Black
- Educational attainment: 91.6% high school degree (or higher), 15.2% bachelorās degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 1.1%
Is living in Shelby OH safe? Hereās an overview of the Shelby crime rate:
- Overall crime rate: 1,473 crimes per 100,000 people (29.0% lower than state average and 36.6% lower than national average)
- Violent crime rate: 140 crimes per 100,000 people (52.3% lower than state average and 62.1% lower than national average)
- Property crime rate: 1,333 crimes per 100,000 people (25.2% lower than state average and 31.8% lower than national average)
As you can see, living in Shelby OH is very safe. The Shelby crime rate is well below the state and national averages. Itās also lower than the Akron crime rate and the Columbus crime rate. When living in Shelby OH, youāll be protected by the Shelby Ohio Police Department.
Shelby Cost of Living
What is the cost of living in Shelby OH? The Shelby OH Cost of Living Index is 75.9, meaning the city is 24.1% more affordable than the national average of 100. Living in Shelby OH is very affordable, and this low cost of living makes the area very attractive.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Shelby OH would need to earn $83,055 per year to live comfortably in the city. This comes out to about $6,921 per month.
Typical Shelby OH Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15.00
- Cappuccino: $4.33
- Gallon of milk: $3.07
- Pound of local cheese: $3.49
- Gallon of gas: $3.23
- Movie ticket: $10.00
- Average Shelby OH utilities per month: $205.56
Source: Numbeo*
*These numbers are for the nearby city of Mansfield, but you can expect similar figures when living in Shelby OH.
Are you thinking about buying a house when moving to Shelby Ohio? Although the Shelby real estate market is very competitive, the prices of Shelby Ohio homes for sale are very fair. According to Redfin, the average home price is $152,000. This is less than the national average of $435,000. Most of the homes in Shelby are large, single-family homes with three to five bedrooms.
Are you interested in apartments for rent in Shelby OH? According to RentCafe, the average rent in Shelby OH is $1,012, and popular complexes in the area include Shelby Villa Apartments and Park Village Apartments.
Neighborhoods in Shelby Ohio | Where to Live in Shelby
When living in Shelby OH, it is important to find the right area or development to settle down in. Because Shelby is only about 6.5 square miles, you wonāt find many distinct neighborhoods to choose from. However, some areas suit certain preferences. If you prefer a walkable area close to shopping and dining, then the center of town at the intersection of Main Street and Gamble Street is a great option. Here, youāll find several great bars and restaurants like Legends and Weberās Bar.
If you are a family living in Shelby OH, then the northwestern section of the city may be a better choice. Here, youāll enjoy large homes along quiet streets and close proximity to attractions like the YMCA of North Shelby and the Whippet Athletic Complex. Itās also within walking distance of top-rated schools such as Shelby PK-8 and Shelby High School.
Shelby Ohio Weather & Climate
After moving to Shelby Ohio, you will experience a humid continental climate. This means that the weather in Shelby Ohio is characterized by four distinct seasons. When living in Shelby, your biggest threat weather-wise is tornadoes. In fact, in 2019, Shelby was struck by a half-mile-wide EF2 tornado. Here are a few other Shelby climate statistics.
- Average Shelby temperature in the winter: 27ĀŗF
- Average Shelby temperature in the summer: 73ĀŗF
- Average annual snowfall in Shelby: 35.9 inches
- Average annual rainfall in Shelby: 42 inches
Things to Do in Shelby
When living in Shelby OH, there are many activities to engage in and things to do. You can visit grocery shops like Save A Lot and Gwirtz Foods, and get your retail shopping done at The Little Shops of Shelby. These are just a few things to do when living in Shelby OH.
Seltzer Park
This small neighborhood park will be one of your favorite spots after moving to Shelby Ohio. Stroll along the water and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
38 Glenwood Dr, Shelby, OH 44875, (419) 347-5131
Richland Carrousel Park
Situated in nearby Mansfield, the Richland Carrousel Park features a beautiful hand-carved carousel and a gift shop.
75 N Main St, Mansfield, OH 44903, (419) 522-4223
Biblewalk
This waxwork museum has over 300 biblical figures as well as rare bibles, art, and wood carvings.
500 Tingley Ave, Mansfield, OH 44905, (419) 524-0139
Additional Shelby Attractions
Here are a few more things to do when living in Shelby OH.
If youāre still unsure of what to do in Shelby, then you can explore the city calendar to discover upcoming events in the area. One of the most popular events is Shelby Bicycle Days, which honors Shelby Cycle Company, a bicycle manufacturer formerly located in the city.
Restaurants in Shelby Ohio
After moving to Shelby Ohio, youāll have several amazing restaurants to choose from. These are just a few of the best restaurants located in Shelby OH.
La Campesina
When living in Shelby OH, you canāt skip out on La Campesina. As one of the best Shelby restaurants, La Campesina serves up delicious Mexican food and chilled drinks.
147 Mansfield Ave, Shelby, OH 44875, (419) 342-2661
The Q
The Q is one of the best restaurants in Shelby and offers up brisket, pulled pork, and delicious sides like green beans and mac n cheese.
19 N Gamble St, Shelby, OH 44875, (567) 292-9302
Weberās Bar
Weberās Bar is a popular choice among locals living in Shelby OH. This long-standing bar and grill offers classic bar food like wings, burgers, and beer.
51 W Main St, Shelby, OH 44875, (419) 342-6106
Jobs in Shelby Ohio
Living in Shelby OH means having access to a wide variety of local job opportunities. Many Shelby jobs are found in manufacturing and healthcare at places like ArcelorMittal Tubular Products and OhioHealth Shelby Hospital.
For those who are moving to Shelby Ohio but looking for even more career options, commuting to nearby Mansfield is a popular choice. Mansfield is home to top employers like AK Steel, Avita Health System, and Gorman-Rupp Company.
According to Payscale, the average salary for residents living in Shelby OH is $62,000. If youāre on the hunt for Shelby Ohio jobs, then take a look at the city job board or check out Indeed.
Schools in Shelby Ohio
When living in Shelby OH, youāll be served by the Shelby City School District. This Shelby school district offers education opportunities for children in grades PreK-12. When it comes to Shelby high schools, the city is served by Shelby High School. This school is home to around 500 students, plus another 130 who attend the Pioneer Career and Technology Center.
If youāre interested in private schooling when living in Shelby OH, then both St. Mary School and Sacred Heart Catholic School are within the cityās boundaries.
To find a good book or just enjoy a quiet place to study, you can explore the Marvin Memorial Library.
Shelby Ohio Statistics & Information
Hereās some practical information youāll need when living in Shelby OH.
- County: Richland County
- Shelby area: 6.45 square miles
- Shelby zip code: 44875
- Shelby area code: 419
- Shelby elevation: 1,083 feet
- Shelby time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Shelby: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), 73 miles away
Shelby Ohio Map
Hereās a map to refer to when living in Shelby OH.
Is Moving to Shelby Ohio in Your Future?
If moving to Shelby Ohio is in your future, then the Shelby movers at Krupp Moving & Storage are here to help! We will help you get settled in no time, so you can make the most of living in Shelby OH! Give us a call today at (614) 892-9046 to get started with a free estimate.



