Nelson, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
519
64.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
158
41.1% year-over-year change

Nelson population

How many people live in Nelson

Nelson is home to 519 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 67.6% of Nelson locals are male, and 32.4% are female.

Total population
519
64.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
67.6%
351
Female
32.4%
168
Value Percent YoY change
Male 351 67.6% 51.3%
Female 168 32.4% 100.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Nelson is 19, with the population distributed as follows: about 48.9% are children under 15, then 7.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31% of the population, while another 4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 8.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
19.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
48.9%
15 to 24
7.3%
25 to 44
31%
45 to 64
4%
Over 65
8.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 254 48.9% 67.1%
15 to 24 38 7.3% N/A
25 to 44 161 31% 51.9%
45 to 64 21 4% 10.5%
Over 65 45 8.7% 15.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 519 100% 64.2%
Racial breakdown
White
17.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
0%
Other
82.7%
Value Percent
White 90 17.3%
Other 429 82.7%

Households in Nelson

A peek inside Nelson households

Nelson has 117 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 82% are families, while the remaining 18% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
117
42.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
21
Family households
96
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 21 18% 40.0%
Family households 96 82% 43.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Nelson

The housing landscape of Nelson

Nelson's housing consists of 158 units, with 26% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 74% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
158
41.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 41 26%
Mobile home 117 74%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nelson

In Nelson, the median construction year is 2002. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1970 and 1979 28 17.7% N/A
Built between 1980 and 1989 13 8.2% 30.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 19 12% 18.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 98 62% 13.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Nelson occupancy rates

Meanwhile, 25.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
117
42.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
0
Owner occupied
117
Value Percent YoY
change
Owner occupied 117 100% 42.7%
Unoccupied housing units
25.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Nelson housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$1,021/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.

Education in Nelson

Nelson education at a glance

About 43% of the population in Nelson went to high school, while 32.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 2.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 114 43% 52.0%
College diploma 87 32.8% 45.0%
Associate degree 22 8.3% 22.2%
Bachelor's degree 6 2.3% 0.0%
Graduate degree 36 13.6% 620.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Nelson

How much people earn in Nelson

The average annual household income in Nelson was $100,655 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +19.8% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Nelson
$100,655/year
19.8% year-over-year change

Nelson income by age

Overall, 89% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Over 65 $54,063 -1.1%
Above poverty level
462
Below poverty level
57
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 462 89% 77.7%
Below poverty level 57 11% 1.8%

Employment in Nelson

Workforce and job types in Nelson

The job market in Nelson is powered by 149 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 96% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
149
161.4% year-over-year change
White collar
6
Blue collar
143
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6 4% 0.0%
Blue collar 143 96% 180.4%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
63.1%
Governmental workers
18.8%
Not for profit companies
18.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 94 63.1% 64.9%
Governmental workers 28 18.8% N/A
Not for profit companies 27 18.1% N/A
Unemployment rate
3.9%
-14.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Nelson stands at 3.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Nelson

How people get around in Nelson

In Nelson, the average commute time is 40 minutes.

Commute time
40 min
-8.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 149 100% 161.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Nelson demographics 

What is the total population of Nelson?

Nelson has a total population of 519 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +64.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Nelson?

The gender ratio in Nelson is as follows:
  • 67.6% males (351 residents)
  • 32.4% females (168 residents)

What is the median age in Nelson?

The median age in Nelson is 19.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nelson?

The age distribution in Nelson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 48.9% (254 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.3% (38 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31% (161 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 4% (21 residents)
  • Over 65: 8.7% (45 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson is as follows:
  • White: 17.3% (90 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% (0 residents)
  • Other: 82.7% (429 residents)

What percentage of the population in Nelson are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Nelson.

How many housing units are there in Nelson?

There are 158 housing units in Nelson, reflecting a +41.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Nelson and what is the average household size?

Nelson has a total of 117 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Nelson?

The employment rate is 96.1% in Nelson, with a workforce of 149 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 4% (6 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 96% (143 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.1% (94 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.8% (28 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 18.1% (27 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025