Nelson, Cherokee County, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,166
14.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,375/yr
13.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
458
5.5% year-over-year change

Nelson population

How many people live in Nelson

Nelson is home to 1,166 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.1% of Nelson locals are male, and 46.9% are female.

Total population
1,166
14.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.1%
619
Female
46.9%
547
Value Percent YoY change
Male 619 53.1% 11.9%
Female 547 46.9% 18.4%
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 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.5% are children under 15, then 14.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 25.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.5%
15 to 24
14.2%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
25.1%
Over 65
21.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 181 15.5% -16.2%
15 to 24 165 14.2% 38.7%
25 to 44 279 23.9% 9.0%
45 to 64 293 25.1% 38.2%
Over 65 248 21.3% 17.0%
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

In Nelson, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.1%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,084 93% 15.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 59 5.1% 0.0%
Non-citizens 23 2% 64.3%
Racial breakdown
White
87%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
5.2%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.3%
Other
1.8%
Value Percent
White 1,015 87%
Black or African American 20 1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 60 5.2%
Asian 12 1%
Two or more races 38 3.3%
Other 21 1.8%

Households in Nelson

A peek inside Nelson households

Nelson has 438 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 58.2% are families, while the remaining 41.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
438
5.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
183
Family households
255
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 183 41.8% -1.6%
Family households 255 58.2% 11.8%
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 458 units, with 90.8% 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 9.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
458
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 416 90.8%
Mobile home 42 9.2%
Homes built since 2020
21
425.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nelson

In Nelson, the median construction year is 1993. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 127 27.7% 19.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 8 1.8% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 14 3.1% 40.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 13 2.8% 160.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 24 5.2% -42.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 143 31.2% 23.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 101 22% -25.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7 1.5% -12.5%
Built in 2020 or later 21 4.6% 425.0%
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

Out of the 438 occupied housing units in Nelson, 77.4% are owner-occupied, while 22.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
438
5.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
99
Owner occupied
339
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 99 22.6% 4.2%
Owner occupied 339 77.4% 6.3%
Unoccupied housing units
4.4%
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

Housing costs in Nelson come to a median of $1,142 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $998.

Median housing costs per month
$1,142/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.
Median gross rent in Nelson
$998/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Nelson

Nelson education at a glance

About 44.8% of the population in Nelson went to high school, while 25.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 10.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 25 2.7% -16.7%
High school diploma 412 44.8% 5.1%
College diploma 234 25.5% 80.0%
Associate degree 72 7.8% 200.0%
Bachelor's degree 95 10.3% 5.6%
Graduate degree 81 8.8% 22.7%
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 $115,878 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +24.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,375, reflecting a +13.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Nelson
$115,878/year
24.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nelson
$89,375/year
13.8% year-over-year change

Nelson income by age

In Nelson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $104,464. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,281 overall. Overall, 92.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $104,464 5.3%
45 - 64 $93,281 6.2%
Above poverty level
1,074
Below poverty level
92
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,074 92.1% 12.5%
Below poverty level 92 7.9% 64.3%

Average renter income in Nelson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Nelson, their median household income was $43,289 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$43,289
Rent-to-income ratio
27.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Nelson

Workforce and job types in Nelson

The job market in Nelson is powered by 593 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.6% run their own businesses, 72.2% are employed by private companies, and 18.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
593
18.4% year-over-year change
White collar
415
Blue collar
178
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 415 70% 13.1%
Blue collar 178 30% 32.8%
Employer type
Self employees
5.6%
Private companies
72.2%
Governmental workers
18.4%
Not for profit companies
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 33 5.6% -43.1%
Private companies 428 72.2% 10.9%
Governmental workers 109 18.4% 98.2%
Not for profit companies 23 3.9% 1,050.0%
Unemployment rate
6.9%
-4.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Nelson stands at 6.9%, 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

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 522 88.8% 14.5%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Nelson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
30107 19,134 6,773 $110,811 $136,416

Explore more communities

FAQs about Nelson demographics 

What is the total population of Nelson?

Nelson has a total population of 1,166 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 +14.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Nelson?

The gender ratio in Nelson is as follows:
  • 53.1% males (619 residents)
  • 46.9% females (547 residents)

What is the median age in Nelson?

The median age in Nelson is 43.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nelson?

The age distribution in Nelson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.5% (181 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.2% (165 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (279 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.1% (293 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.3% (248 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson is as follows:
  • White: 87% (1,015 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (20 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 5.2% (60 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (12 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.3% (38 residents)
  • Other: 1.8% (21 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Nelson.

How many housing units are there in Nelson?

There are 458 housing units in Nelson, reflecting a +5.5% 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 438 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nelson?

Nelson has a median household income of $89,375, representing a +13.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.1% in Nelson, with a workforce of 593 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70% (415 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30% (178 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.6% (33 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.2% (428 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.4% (109 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.9% (23 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