Shelton, Washington

Shelton is a city located in Mason County, Washington. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 8,442.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.3 km² (5.9 mi²). 14.4 km² (5.6 mi²) of it is land and 0.9 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 5.60% water.

As of the census of 2000, there are 8,442 people, 3,191 households, and 2,035 families residing in the city. The population density is 586.2/km² (1,519.4/mi²). There are 3,403 housing units at an average density of 236.3 persons/km² (612.5 persons/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 85.83% White, 0.36% African American, 2.72% Native American, 1.17% Asian, 0.73% Pacific Islander, 5.77% from other races, and 3.41% from two or more races. 10.87% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 3,191 households out of which 32.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% are married couples living together, 13.0% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 36.2% are non-families. 29.5% of all households are made up of individuals and 15.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.52 and the average family size is 3.08.

In the city the population is spread out with 26.7% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $32,500, and the median income for a family is $40,392. Males have a median income of $33,867 versus $23,617 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,303. 18.9% of the population and 15.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 28.1% are under the age of 18 and 6.9% are 65 or older.