Nelson, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
360
-29.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,853/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
254
-26.4% year-over-year change

Nelson population

How many people live in Nelson

Nelson is home to 360 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.7% of Nelson locals are male, and 45.3% are female.

Total population
360
-29.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.7%
197
Female
45.3%
163
Value Percent YoY change
Male 197 54.7% -30.4%
Female 163 45.3% -28.2%
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 59, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.2% are children under 15, then 3.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.1% of the population, while another 34.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
59.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.2%
15 to 24
3.6%
25 to 44
28.1%
45 to 64
34.4%
Over 65
24.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 33 9.2% -40.0%
15 to 24 13 3.6% -74.5%
25 to 44 101 28.1% -36.9%
45 to 64 124 34.4% -15.1%
Over 65 89 24.7% -9.2%
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

At the same time, 5.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.4% of locals are Caucasian, 17.2% are African American and 5.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 340 94.4% -31.4%
Non-citizens 20 5.6% 42.9%
Racial breakdown
White
71.4%
Black or African American
17.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
5.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 257 71.4%
Black or African American 62 17.2%
Asian 20 5.6%
Two or more races 21 5.8%

Households in Nelson

A peek inside Nelson households

Nelson has 208 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.6% are families, while the remaining 51.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
208
-26.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
107
Family households
101
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 107 51.4% -7.8%
Family households 101 48.6% -39.2%
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 254 units, with 74.4% 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 22% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
254
-26.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 189 74.4%
20 to 49 units 9 3.5%
Mobile home 56 22%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nelson

In Nelson, the median construction year is 1972. 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 80 31.5% -23.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 42 16.5% 0.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 31 12.2% 55.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 61 24% -26.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 24 9.4% -61.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7 2.8% -74.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 9 3.5% 80.0%
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 208 occupied housing units in Nelson, 64.4% are owner-occupied, while 35.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
208
-26.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
74
Owner occupied
134
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 74 35.6% -16.9%
Owner occupied 134 64.4% -30.6%
Unoccupied housing units
18.1%
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 $664 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $676.

Median housing costs per month
$664/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
$676/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 38.5% of the population in Nelson went to high school, while 27.8% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 20.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8 2.4% 14.3%
High school diploma 126 38.5% -41.7%
College diploma 91 27.8% -29.5%
Associate degree 19 5.8% 0.0%
Bachelor's degree 68 20.8% 28.3%
Graduate degree 15 4.6% -51.6%
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 $64,927 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,853, reflecting a -0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Nelson
$64,927/year
-4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nelson
$54,853/year
-0.1% 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 $72,765. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,950 overall. Overall, 94.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $72,765 -0.6%
45 - 64 $53,950 -2.3%
Over 65 $37,083 -18.8%
Above poverty level
334
Below poverty level
20
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 334 94.4% -29.2%
Below poverty level 20 5.6% -44.4%

Employment in Nelson

Workforce and job types in Nelson

68.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.6% run their own businesses, 77.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
136
Blue collar
62
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 136 68.7% -13.9%
Blue collar 62 31.3% -59.2%
Employer type
Self employees
4.6%
Private companies
77.8%
Governmental workers
13.1%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 9 4.6% -81.6%
Private companies 154 77.8% -33.6%
Governmental workers 26 13.1% 13.0%
Not for profit companies 9 4.6% 50.0%

Transportation in Nelson

How people get around in Nelson

Commuting methods vary: 95.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 173 95.6% -38.0%
Walk 8 4.4% 14.3%
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
24580 360 208 $54,853 $64,927

Explore more communities

FAQs about Nelson demographics 

What is the total population of Nelson?

Nelson has a total population of 360 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 -29.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Nelson?

The gender ratio in Nelson is as follows:
  • 54.7% males (197 residents)
  • 45.3% females (163 residents)

What is the median age in Nelson?

The median age in Nelson is 59.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nelson?

The age distribution in Nelson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.2% (33 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 3.6% (13 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.1% (101 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.4% (124 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.7% (89 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson is as follows:
  • White: 71.4% (257 residents)
  • Black or African American: 17.2% (62 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 5.6% (20 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.8% (21 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.4% of the population in Nelson.

How many housing units are there in Nelson?

There are 254 housing units in Nelson, reflecting a -26.4% 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 208 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nelson?

Nelson has a median household income of $54,853, representing a -0.1% 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: 68.7% (136 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.3% (62 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.6% (9 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.8% (154 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.1% (26 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (9 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