Median Income
$65,625
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$154,200
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.1%
17% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$786
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Nelson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population351
Median Age41.5 yrs
Density260/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,625
Per Capita$29,308
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty7.0%
County GDP$731M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$154,200
Rent$786
Ownership62.3%
Zillow$244,871
Housing Units165
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking15.9%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,208 ft (368 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.1%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute22 min
Broadband83.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Nelson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nelson receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Nelson stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nelson is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nelson is $154,200, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $786 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
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 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
28.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Nelson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 37.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Nelson has a population of 351 with a density of 260 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 41.5 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%), with 3.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.5yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Nelson is $65,625, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,308 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $895, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 401 business establishments, including 46 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,625 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,308 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $895 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,302 |
| Gini Index | 0.393 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 401 |
| County GDP | $731M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 46 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,359 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Nelson is $154,200, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,871, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $786 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 165 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,359 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $154,200 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $244,871 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $786 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.7% |
| Housing Units | 165 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,359 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.83% |
In Nelson, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,434. The dentist ratio is 1:837. 64.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nelson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,434 |
| Dentists | 1:837 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,710 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,033/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Nelson has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
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 | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Nelson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 270 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 37.2 inches. The area receives 37.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,208 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.8°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,208 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 260/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4196°N, 91.9973°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buffalo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
386 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 39 fatalities, 366 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
60 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
70 km |
4 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Nelson has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson
What is the population of Nelson?
Nelson has a population of 351 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 260 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Nelson expensive to live in?
Nelson is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $154,200 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $786 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
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 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Nelson?
Nelson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 37.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
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 $895. There are 401 business establishments in the area, including 46 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nelson?
The median home value in Nelson is $154,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $244,871. For renters, the median monthly rent is $786. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,359.
How are the schools in Nelson?
Schools in Nelson score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.1% of adults in Nelson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nelson?
The obesity rate in Nelson is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 64.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,434.
What is transportation like in Nelson?
The average commute in Nelson is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nelson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson is 93.2% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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