Shirley had its start in the year 1890 when the Cincinnati, Wabash and Michigan Railway was extended to that point.

[6] Jane Ross Reeves Octagon House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

According to the 2010 census, Shirley has a total area of 0.34 square miles (0.88 km2), all land.

There were 365 housing units at an average density of 1,073.5 per square mile (414.5/km2).

27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.