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City Report · CT

Shelton

Pop. 41,889·13th most expensive in Connecticut·Shelton rents are up 9.8% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,557/mo
Year-over-Year
+9.8%
Month-over-Month
-0.3%
vs US Median
+$592
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Shelton · $2,557
More expensive than 81% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
39/100
Overpriced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 6% above what Shelton's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,557/mo
Expected by trend
$2,420/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Shelton's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,450
1 BR
$1,690
2 BR
$2,110
3 BR
$2,620
4 BR+
$3,040
Research median
$2,110/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$30,684/yr
At $2,557/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 9.8% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+9.8% YoY, -0.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Shelton, CT is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 41.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
41,889
Median income
$108,185
Median age
44.5
Renters
23.5%
Age distribution
18.9%
17.9%
26.3%
15.5%
21.4%
Under 1818.9%
18–3417.9%
35–5426.3%
55–6415.5%
65+21.4%
Gender
48%
52%
Male48%
Female52%
Race & ethnicity
68.3%
12.6%
White68.3%
Black7.1%
Hispanic12.6%
Asian8.8%
Other3.1%
Education (25+)
26%
25.2%
41.7%
No HS diploma7.1%
HS diploma26%
Some college25.2%
Bachelor's+41.7%
Housing tenure
76.5%
23.5%
Owner76.5%
Renter23.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Shelton, CT has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,991 → $2,557
up 28.4%
Income
$103,647 → $108,185
up 4.4%
Population
40,944 → 41,889
up 2.3%
Renter share
20.6% → 23.5%
+2.9 pts
Bachelor's+
41.4% → 41.7%
+0.3 pts
Median age
47.9 → 44.5
-3.4 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Shelton, CT paid around $1,991 a month. That figure now sits near $2,557, up 28.4% from the 2023 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Shelton, CT now reports about $108,185, up from $103,647 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Shelton, CT adding about 945 residents over the five-year window, up 2.3% on net. The renter share has risen from 20.6% to 23.5%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Shelton, CT reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Shelton rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Shelton on your salary?

At $2,557/mo, how Shelton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Shelton rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Shelton. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Shelton

About renting in Shelton, CT

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Shelton is $2,557/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,450/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,110/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,690/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,620/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($108,185/yr), Shelton ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 9.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Shelton an affordable city for renters?

Shelton is considered affordable for renters. At $2,557/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($108,185/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Shelton falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Shelton?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $102,000/year (~$49/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,557/mo in Shelton. The local median household income is $108,185/yr, meaning the typical Shelton household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Shelton?

Rent in Shelton has increased 9.8% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Shelton rent compare to other cities in Connecticut?

Shelton is one of the pricier cities in Connecticut for rent, ranking #13 out of 56 tracked cities at $2,557/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Shelton?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Shelton ($2,557/mo): Seymour ($1,799/mo), Ansonia ($1,859/mo), Derby ($2,031/mo).

What percentage of Shelton residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 23.5% of Shelton households are renters, while 76.5% are owner-occupied. Shelton leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Shelton rent compare to the national average?

Shelton's median rent of $2,557/mo is $592 (30%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Connecticut, it ranks #13 out of 56 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $2,557/mo, rent takes ~28% of Shelton's median household income ($108,185/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Shelton 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3–6.99%
Run the Shelton affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Shelton
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Shelton, CT

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