Home Value
$28,600
90% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
44.8%
261% higher than US avg
How Nelson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population89
Median Age52.2 yrs
Density270/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans61.0%
Economy
Per Capita$20,169
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty44.8%
Commute46 min
Housing
Home Value$28,600
Ownership89.7%
Zillow$301,038
Housing Units86
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property780/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking16.4%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.0 in/yr
Sunny Days265/yr
Elevation673 ft (205 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+69.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute46 min
Broadband39.0%
EV Stations1
Is Nelson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nelson receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, long commute times. Nelson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 44.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 46 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nelson is $28,600, 90% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Nelson is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 780 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Nelson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 265 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Nelson has a population of 89 with a density of 270 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 52.2 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.4%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 61.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.2yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Per capita income is $20,169 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 44.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 46 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 44.8% |
| 261% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 46.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Nelson is $28,600, 90% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,038, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 86 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $28,600 |
| 90% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $301,038 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $25 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.3% |
| Housing Units | 86 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
In Nelson, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 19.0% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Nelson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
Food & Exercise
Nelson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 780 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. Overall, Nelson receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Nelson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 780.2/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 52 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Nelson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 265 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 39.0 inches. The area receives 5.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 673 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 265 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 673 ft (205 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 270/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9947°N, 93.0325°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.0"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
101 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
41 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
145 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
94 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
74 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
409 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 275 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
60 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,763 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,840 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
WOOLDRIDGE FIRE |
1,323 |
46 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,294 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,273 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
940 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
938 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
864 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
840 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
790 |
91 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
644 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
KNOBBY |
607 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
578 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Nelson has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 27°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (1.4").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson
What is the population of Nelson?
Nelson has a population of 89 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 270 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Nelson expensive to live in?
Nelson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $28,600 (90% below the U.S. median).
Is Nelson safe?
Nelson is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 780 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Nelson receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nelson?
Nelson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 265 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.0 inches, with 5.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
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 commute time is 46 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nelson?
The median home value in Nelson is $28,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $301,038. The homeownership rate is 89.7%.
How are the schools in Nelson?
Schools in Nelson score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.1% of adults in Nelson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nelson?
The obesity rate in Nelson is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Nelson?
The average commute in Nelson is 46 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 94.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 61.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.3% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
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