Median Income
$52,708
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,700
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
222/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$917
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower 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
Population113
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density171/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans93.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$52,708
Per Capita$32,851
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,860M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,700
Rent$917
Ownership50.8%
Zillow$319,385
Housing Units55
Rent Burden43.9%
Crime
F
Violent222/100K
Property3,748/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking13.2%
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain24.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,366 ft (416 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score6.93
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute29 min
Broadband65.0%
EV Stations9
Libraries1
Is Nelson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nelson receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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 $52,708, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nelson is $156,700, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Nelson is below the national average at 222 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,748 per 100,000, 91% above the national average.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Nelson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Nelson has a population of 113 with a density of 171 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.4% female and 56.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 2.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 93.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Nelson is $52,708, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,851 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,097, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 1,499 business establishments, including 124 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,708 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,851 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,097 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,113 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,499 |
| County GDP | $2,860M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 124 |
| Healthcare | 155 |
| Retail | 216 |
| Manufacturing | 87 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,084 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Nelson is $156,700, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,385, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $917 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 50.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 55 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $5,084 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 43.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,700 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $319,385 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $917 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 43.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 50.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 50.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 49.2% |
| Housing Units | 55 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,084 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.24% |
In Nelson, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 25.7% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:892. The dentist ratio is 1:1,322. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nelson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.7% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 29.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:892 |
| Dentists | 1:1,322 |
| Mental Health | 1:408 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,113/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 155 |
Nelson has a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,748 per 100,000, 91% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nelson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nelson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 222.0/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,748.0/100K |
| 91% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nelson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 24.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,366 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.5°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,366 ft (416 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 171/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.8865°N, 95.2649°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Cloud Regional (STC)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.1"
37% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
83 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
101 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
24 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
439 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 191 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
73 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
80 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
82 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
83 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
78 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
99 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
880 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
770 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
WEST TANK RANGE |
727 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
52 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
60 km |
| 2002 |
BY PASS |
650 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
UNIT 1 |
618 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
24 km |
| 2024 |
AGASSIZ BEACHLINE RX |
564 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Nelson has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 11°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson
What is the population of Nelson?
Nelson has a population of 113 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 171 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.4% female and 56.6% male.
Is Nelson expensive to live in?
Nelson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,708, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,700 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nelson safe?
Nelson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 222 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,748 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nelson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nelson?
Nelson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Nelson?
The job market in Nelson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,097. There are 1,499 business establishments in the area, including 124 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nelson?
The median home value in Nelson is $156,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,385. For renters, the median monthly rent is $917. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 50.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,084.
How are the schools in Nelson?
Schools in Nelson score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.6% of adults in Nelson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nelson?
The obesity rate in Nelson is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 24.9% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:892.
What is transportation like in Nelson?
The average commute in Nelson is 29 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nelson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson is 95.6% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 93.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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