Median Income
$54,115
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,400
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.1%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
10.9%
203% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Nelson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population316
Median Age34.1 yrs
Density672/mi²
Male / Female73% / 27%
Largest GroupWhite 27%
Veterans12.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$54,115
Per Capita$22,258
Unemployment10.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$16,272M
Commute43 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,400
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$432,818
Housing Units143
Rent Burden28.4%
Health
Obesity32.1%
Uninsured25.0%
Smoking12.3%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI77 (Moderate)
Rain11.1 in/yr
Elevation1,977 ft (603 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score4.57
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute43 min
Broadband95.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries19
Is Nelson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nelson receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Nelson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nelson is $54,115, 28% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.9%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nelson is $98,400, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Nelson enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.1 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 77.
Nelson has a population of 316 with a density of 672 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 34.1 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 26.6% female and 73.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (73.1%), with 26.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 33.1% of residents, while 57.3% speak Spanish. 12.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 75.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
316
Total Population
2023 Census
34.1yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
33.1%
58% below US avg
Spanish
57.3%
328% above US avg
The median household income in Nelson is $54,115, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,258 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,118, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,085 business establishments, including 424 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 43 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,115 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,258 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,118 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,681 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.9% |
| 203% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,085 |
| County GDP | $16,272M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 424 |
| Healthcare | 620 |
| Retail | 539 |
| Manufacturing | 136 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,956 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Nelson is $98,400, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $432,818, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 143 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $2,956 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,400 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $432,818 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,053 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 143 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,956 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
In Nelson, 32.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 12.3% are current smokers. 16.5% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 25.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,619. The dentist ratio is 1:2,919. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nelson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.1% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.3% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.0% |
| Uninsured | 25.0% |
| 191% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,619 |
| Dentists | 1:2,919 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,116 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 56.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,285/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 620 |
Nelson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 77 / residents may notice occasional air quality concerns. 21% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,977 feet.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
87°F Jul (31°C)
| Annual Average | 69.8°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (31°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,977 ft (603 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 672/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.4298°N, 111.2649°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Pinal County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marana Regional (AVW)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.1"
71% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.18"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 77.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 21.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 70 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0517 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Jun 25, 2010 |
8 km SW of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Sep 28, 2023 |
21 km E of Tanque Verde, Arizona |
M3.1 |
75 km |
| Sep 9, 2014 |
6 km SE of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.9 |
133 km |
| Aug 30, 2014 |
8 km W of Rock House, Arizona |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
3 km NNW of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Feb 25, 2022 |
1 km S of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Aug 9, 2025 |
14 km ENE of Willow Canyon, Arizona |
M2.6 |
67 km |
| Feb 15, 2022 |
6 km S of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.5 |
132 km |
| Feb 12, 2022 |
2 km ESE of Roosevelt, Arizona |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
53 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 fatalities, 61 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 28, 1994 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1964 |
EF2 |
34 km |
2 |
| Jul 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jan 18, 1993 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1992 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 1991 |
EF1 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1988 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1985 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1984 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1984 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 1981 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1975 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 21, 1972 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1969 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TELEGRAPH (187,248 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
TELEGRAPH |
187,248 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
BIGHORN |
126,131 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
ASPEN |
79,707 |
46 km |
| 2017 |
SAWMILL |
47,357 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
FREEMAN |
32,950 |
48 km |
| 2002 |
BULLOCK |
31,774 |
56 km |
| 2022 |
CONTRERAS |
31,297 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
BURRO |
26,852 |
62 km |
| 1993 |
MARKHAM |
24,636 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
ELK HORN |
22,745 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
FLORIDA |
16,362 |
88 km |
| 2016 |
BROWN |
15,681 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
RINCON |
15,472 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
ENCINOS |
14,145 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
OAK |
13,664 |
93 km |
| 1993 |
SPRINGS |
13,472 |
47 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
10,090 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
PADDYS RIVER RX |
9,917 |
96 km |
| 1989 |
CHIVA |
9,210 |
65 km |
| 1990 |
MONTOSA |
9,077 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (12°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
76°F (24°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| June |
85°F (30°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| July |
87°F (31°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
86°F (30°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
72°F (22°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
61°F (16°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
53°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
Nelson has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 53°F in December to 87°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.2") and May the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Nelson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$252 ($151-$403) |
| Specialist Visit |
$352 ($201-$554) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$201 ($101-$352) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,215 ($806-$5,035) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76-$201) |
| Dental Filling |
$252 ($151-$403) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($50-$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$302 ($151-$504) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$604 ($403-$1,007) |
| Battery Replacement |
$201 ($101-$352) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($60-$151) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($50-$141) |
| HVAC Repair |
$403 ($151-$806) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,049 ($4,028-$12,084) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,007 ($403-$2,014) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,063 ($5,539-$15,105) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,511 ($504-$3,525) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,105 ($5,035-$30,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,035 ($2,014-$10,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,511 ($806-$3,021) |
| Will Preparation |
$504 ($201-$1,007) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,518 ($1,007-$5,035) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$151 ($76-$252) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($50-$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.13 ($3.02-$5.54) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.52 ($2.52-$5.04) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.83 ($2.52-$5.54) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.53 ($3.02-$6.55) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.54 ($4.03-$7.55) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.60-$1.81) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$141 ($81-$252) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$151) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($50-$151) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$201 ($76-$504) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,014 ($1,208-$3,525) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.06-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30-$252) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,208 ($604-$2,518) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,007 ($504-$2,014) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$403 ($201-$705) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,007 ($403-$2,518) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,588 ($5,035-$30,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($50-$201) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$302 ($151-$504) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$201 ($101-$403) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $904 |
| Toddler | $701 |
| Preschool | $701 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $747 |
| Preschool | $747 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson
What is the population of Nelson?
Nelson has a population of 316 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 672 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 26.6% female and 73.4% male.
Is Nelson expensive to live in?
Nelson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100.7 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,115, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,400 (65% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Nelson?
Nelson enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 87°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 11.1 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 77.
How is the job market in Nelson?
The job market in Nelson faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,118. There are 5,085 business establishments in the area, including 424 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 43 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nelson?
The median home value in Nelson is $98,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $432,818. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,956.
How are the schools in Nelson?
Schools in Nelson have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.7% of adults in Nelson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nelson?
The obesity rate in Nelson is 32.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.3% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 25.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,619.
What is transportation like in Nelson?
The average commute in Nelson is 43 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nelson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson is 26.9% White, 73.1% Hispanic or Latino. 33.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 57.3% speak Spanish. 12.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 75.0% have health insurance coverage.