Shelby County

As of the 2020 Census, Shelby County, TN, has a population of approximately 929,744. The racial composition includes 53.2% Black or African American, 36.6% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Asian, and 1.1% identifying as two or more races. The county has around 354,178 households with a median household income of $52,614. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%. Educational attainment shows that 87.2% of individuals over the age of 25 have a high school diploma or higher, with 29.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of 2023, Shelby County, TN, boasts a median home price of approximately $200,000. Renters pay around $1,050 monthly for a two-bedroom apartment. Homeownership rate stands at 57.9%, while rental occupancy is about 42.1%. The median household income is $52,242. Notable areas include Memphis, Bartlett, and Germantown, each with distinct price variations. Housing demand remains strong with steady population growth.

Shelby County, TN hosts various elections, including those for mayor, city council, school boards, and judicial positions. The mayoral election, held every four years, will next occur in 2023. The 2022 Shelby County election saw Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, a Democrat, securing re-election with approximately 60% of the vote.

In the 2022 midterm elections, several county commission seats, judicial positions, and school board members were also contested. Notable candidates included Floyd Bonner Jr. for Sheriff and Steve Mulroy for District Attorney General, both of whom won their respective races.

Voter turnout in Shelby County typically varies; the 2020 presidential election saw a turnout rate of around 67%, while local elections often range between 30-50%. Shelby County continues to play a pivotal role in Tennessee politics due to its significant population and diverse electorate. For up-to-date details, it's advisable to check the Shelby County Election Commission website.

As of recent data, Shelby County, TN, reports that approximately 87% of adults aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma. Around 30% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Comparatively, the national averages are about 88% for high school graduates and 33% for bachelor's degree holders. Tennessee's statewide averages are slightly lower, with approximately 87% high school graduation and 28% bachelor's degree attainment. Thus, Shelby County’s educational attainment is somewhat aligned with state norms and slightly below national averages, particularly in higher education.

As of the most recent data, Shelby County, TN, boasts an employment rate of around 95.5%, compared to the national average of approximately 94.7%. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the leading industries in Shelby County include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and transportation and warehousing. Specifically, healthcare and social assistance employ about 16% of the workforce, aligning with national trends but slightly higher than the Tennessee state average. Retail trade accounts for roughly 12%, while transportation and warehousing—which is notably higher due to Memphis's status as a logistics hub—comprises about 11% of local employment. Consequently, Shelby County's industry composition mirrors national patterns but places greater emphasis on logistics and transportation, reflecting its unique economic strengths as a major freight and distribution center.

As of recent data, the average household income in Shelby County, TN, is approximately $59,300. This figure is lower compared to the national average, which is around $68,700, and the state average for Tennessee, at about $56,900. Here's a quick comparison:

Shelby County shows a modest income level higher than the state average but still lags behind the national benchmark.

As of the most recent data, Shelby County, TN experiences considerable crime rates compared to national averages.

Crime Rate Statistics (per 100,000 residents)

Violent crime, which includes homicides, robbery, and assault, is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting major urban challenges. The property crime rate, encompassing burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, also exceeds the national figure, indicating widespread issues of theft and vandalism.

(Note: Crime rates are based on the latest available FBI UCR data and regional law enforcement reports.)