Nelson, NE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
487
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,000/yr
-8.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
337
8.0% year-over-year change

Nelson population

How many people live in Nelson

Nelson is home to 487 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.2% of Nelson locals are male, and 53.8% are female.

Total population
487
1.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.2%
225
Female
53.8%
262
Value Percent YoY change
Male 225 46.2% -3.0%
Female 262 53.8% 6.5%
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 62, with the population distributed as follows: about 6% are children under 15, then 6.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17% of the population, while another 35.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
62
Age breakdown
Under 15
6%
15 to 24
6.6%
25 to 44
17%
45 to 64
35.5%
Over 65
34.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 29 6% -40.8%
15 to 24 32 6.6% -42.9%
25 to 44 83 17% 7.8%
45 to 64 173 35.5% 3.0%
Over 65 170 34.9% 32.8%
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, 96.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 470 96.5% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 12 2.5% 20.0%
Non-citizens 5 1% 25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.1%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 434 89.1%
Black or African American 1 0.2%
Two or more races 39 8%
Other 13 2.7%

Households in Nelson

A peek inside Nelson households

Nelson has 304 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.3% are families, while the remaining 46.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
304
24.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
142
Family households
162
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 142 46.7% 35.2%
Family households 162 53.3% 15.7%
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 337 units, with 95.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
337
8.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 323 95.8%
3 or 4 units 8 2.4%
10 to 19 units 6 1.8%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nelson

In Nelson, the median construction year is 1940. About 49.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 167 49.6% 12.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 34 10.1% 3.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6 1.8% 20.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 61 18.1% 32.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 33 9.8% -21.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 28 8.3% -3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8 2.4% -11.1%
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 304 occupied housing units in Nelson, 85.2% are owner-occupied, while 14.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
304
24.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
45
Owner occupied
259
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 45 14.8% 66.7%
Owner occupied 259 85.2% 18.8%
Unoccupied housing units
9.8%
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 $544 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $666.

Median housing costs per month
$544/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
$666/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 41.4% of the population in Nelson went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.7% earned an associate degree and 16.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 10 2.2% -23.1%
High school diploma 186 41.4% 6.9%
College diploma 106 23.6% -2.8%
Associate degree 48 10.7% -14.3%
Bachelor's degree 74 16.5% 37.0%
Graduate degree 25 5.6% 56.2%
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 $71,325 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,000, reflecting a -8.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Nelson
$71,325/year
-3.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nelson
$50,000/year
-8.1% 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 $39,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,469 overall. Overall, 91.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $39,250 N/A
45 - 64 $90,469 13.8%
Over 65 $42,750 22.1%
Above poverty level
443
Below poverty level
41
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 443 91.5% 1.1%
Below poverty level 41 8.5% 10.8%

Average renter income in Nelson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Nelson, their median household income was $32,679 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,679
Rent-to-income ratio
24.5%
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 257 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.4% run their own businesses, 54.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
257
5.3% year-over-year change
White collar
202
Blue collar
55
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 202 78.6% 7.5%
Blue collar 55 21.4% -1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
14.4%
Private companies
54.9%
Governmental workers
16.3%
Not for profit companies
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 37 14.4% 19.4%
Private companies 141 54.9% -6.0%
Governmental workers 42 16.3% 27.3%
Not for profit companies 37 14.4% 23.3%

Transportation in Nelson

How people get around in Nelson

In Nelson, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 74.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 190 74.8% 2.1%
Walk 17 6.7% -22.7%
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
68961 633 391 $55,673 $80,169

Explore more communities

FAQs about Nelson demographics 

What is the total population of Nelson?

Nelson has a total population of 487 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 +1.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Nelson?

The gender ratio in Nelson is as follows:
  • 46.2% males (225 residents)
  • 53.8% females (262 residents)

What is the median age in Nelson?

The median age in Nelson is 62.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nelson?

The age distribution in Nelson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6% (29 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.6% (32 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17% (83 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 35.5% (173 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.9% (170 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson is as follows:
  • White: 89.1% (434 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (1 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: 8% (39 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (13 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.5% of the population in Nelson.

How many housing units are there in Nelson?

There are 337 housing units in Nelson, reflecting a +8.0% 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 304 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nelson?

Nelson has a median household income of $50,000, representing a -8.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Nelson?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.6% (202 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.4% (55 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.4% (37 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.9% (141 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.3% (42 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.4% (37 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