Nelson County, Virginia

Income Data

-9% vs. Virginia average
$68,525
Median Household Income
$45,251
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$68,525
-9% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$45,251
+15% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
24.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#60 / 133
by median household income

How Nelson County Compares

Nelson County$68,525
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$68,525
Median Household Income
$45,251
Per Capita Income
$283,000
Median Home Value
24.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Nelson County, Virginia

Nelson earns below the nation

Nelson County's median household income of $68,525 lags the national median of $74,755 by $6,230, placing it in the lower-middle segment of American counties. However, the county's per capita income of $45,251 exceeds the national average, suggesting wealth is concentrated among fewer earners.

Nelson ranks lower in Virginia

At $68,525, Nelson's median household income runs $6,432 below Virginia's state average of $74,957, positioning it in the lower third of Virginia's 95 jurisdictions. The county faces economic headwinds relative to its state peers.

Mid-pack among local peers

Nelson's $68,525 income sits below Middlesex ($74,154) and Northumberland ($69,500) but edges out Newport News ($66,718) and Norfolk ($64,017). The county occupies the rural middle ground between wealthier suburban areas and lower-income urban centers.

Housing remains affordable here

Nelson's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is among Virginia's lowest, with housing absorbing less than one-sixth of median earnings. A median home value of $283,000 paired with moderate incomes creates a balanced affordability picture.

Leverage Nelson's affordability advantage

Below-average housing costs give Nelson households breathing room to prioritize wealth building through savings and investment. Start with automatic transfers to a savings account, explore Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and consider real estate investment in this affordable market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Nelson County, Virginia?
The median household income in Nelson County, Virginia is $68,525, 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 $45,251, 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 $68,525.
How does Nelson County compare to the Virginia average?
Nelson County's median household income of $68,525 is lower than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $45,251, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Nelson County, Virginia?
The per capita income in Nelson County, Virginia is $45,251, 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.
Is Nelson County a low-income area in Virginia?
Nelson County's median household income of $68,525 is below the Virginia average of $74,957. The per capita income of $45,251 is also comparable to the state average of $39,155. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Nelson County rank for income in Virginia?
Nelson County ranks #60 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $68,525 and per capita income of $45,251, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $68,525 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. Virginia Average9% below
vs. National Median8% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($5,710) vs. median rent ($950/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.