Nelson County, Kentucky

Income Data

+21% vs. Kentucky average
$67,888
Median Household Income
$33,257
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$67,888
+21% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,257
-16% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
30.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Kentucky
#15 / 120
by median household income

How Nelson County Compares

Nelson County$67,888
Kentucky Average$55,909
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$67,888
Median Household Income
$33,257
Per Capita Income
$224,100
Median Home Value
30.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Nelson County, Kentucky

Nelson punches above Kentucky average

Nelson County's median household income of $67,888 exceeds Kentucky's state average by $11,979 but still trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,867. This 9% gap below national figures suggests a county outperforming its region but facing national economic headwinds. Nelson ranks solidly above the bottom half nationally.

Top earners among Kentucky counties

Nelson's $67,888 median household income ranks in the upper quartile statewide, beating 75% of Kentucky counties. The county's per capita income of $33,257 also exceeds the state average of $29,616 by 12%, signaling broader prosperity. Nelson stands as a relative economic leader within the commonwealth.

Economic leader in its region

Nelson ($67,888) significantly outearns most nearby counties, including Muhlenberg ($52,672) by $15,216 and Ohio County ($54,369) by $13,519. Only Pendleton ($66,601) comes close, suggesting Nelson benefits from diversified employment and regional economic strength. This income advantage positions Nelson as a regional employment hub.

Strong housing affordability story

Nelson's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% indicates households spend just over one-sixth of earnings on rent, well below the 18% comfort threshold. The median home value of $224,100 reflects Nelson's desirability and economic vitality without straining household budgets. Housing remains genuinely affordable for Nelson's earning level.

Ready for wealth-building investments

Nelson County households earning $67,888 have sufficient income cushion to pursue retirement accounts, home equity strategies, and diversified investments. The combination of strong earnings and affordable housing creates opportunity for wealth accumulation beyond emergency savings. Financial advisors can help Nelson residents capitalize on their above-average earning position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Nelson County, Kentucky?
The median household income in Nelson County, Kentucky is $67,888, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Nelson County?
The per capita income in Nelson County is $33,257, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $67,888.
How does Nelson County compare to the Kentucky average?
Nelson County's median household income of $67,888 is higher than the Kentucky state average of $55,909. The per capita income is $33,257, compared to the state average of $29,616.
What is the per capita income in Nelson County, Kentucky?
The per capita income in Nelson County, Kentucky is $33,257, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Nelson County income higher than the Kentucky average?
Nelson County's median household income of $67,888 is higher than the Kentucky average of $55,909. This difference of $11,979 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Nelson County rank for income in Kentucky?
Nelson County ranks #15 out of 120 counties in Kentucky by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $67,888 and per capita income of $33,257, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Nelson County

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Your income is above the Nelson County median

County median: $67,888 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+21%

vs. National Median

-9%

vs. Nelson County MedianAbout equal
vs. Kentucky Average21% above
vs. National Median9% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.1x

Your monthly income ($5,657) vs. median rent ($932/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.