Median Income
$66,750
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$157,800
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
81/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.6%
18% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$875
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Nelsonville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population197
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density191/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans2.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,750
Per Capita$33,096
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$5,836M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,800
Rent$875
Ownership84.8%
Zillow$351,113
Housing Units77
Rent Burden22.3%
Crime
F
Violent81/100K
Property1,340/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking14.0%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,082 ft (330 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.6%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+19.8%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute17 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Nelsonville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nelsonville receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Nelsonville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nelsonville is $66,750, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nelsonville is $157,800, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Nelsonville is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,340 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Nelsonville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Nelsonville has a population of 197 with a density of 191 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Nelsonville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Nelsonville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Nelsonville is $66,750, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,096 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,094, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,939 business establishments, including 217 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Nelsonville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,750 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,096 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,094 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,853 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,939 |
| County GDP | $5,836M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 217 |
| Healthcare | 230 |
| Retail | 206 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Nelsonville is $157,800, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $351,113, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 89.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $875 (25% 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. 84.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 77 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,247 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,800 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $351,113 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $206 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $875 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.2% |
| Housing Units | 77 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.96% |
In Nelsonville, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.1% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202. The dentist ratio is 1:1,360. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nelsonville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.1% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,202 |
| Dentists | 1:1,360 |
| Mental Health | 1:602 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,999/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Nelsonville has a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,340 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nelsonville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nelsonville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 81.2/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,339.8/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nelsonville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°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 33.8 inches. The area receives 49.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,082 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,082 ft (330 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 191/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4902°N, 89.3035°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Portage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
398 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 292 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
68 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
18 km |
6 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
55 km |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
68 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
78 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
68 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
79 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
83 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
81 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
77 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
78 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
56°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Nelsonville has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Nelsonville. 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 | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelsonville
What is the population of Nelsonville?
Nelsonville has a population of 197 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 191 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Nelsonville expensive to live in?
Nelsonville 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 $66,750, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,800 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nelsonville safe?
Nelsonville is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 81 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,340 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Nelsonville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nelsonville?
Nelsonville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 49.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Nelsonville?
The job market in Nelsonville is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,094. There are 1,939 business establishments in the area, including 217 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nelsonville?
The median home value in Nelsonville is $157,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $351,113. For renters, the median monthly rent is $875. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,247.
How are the schools in Nelsonville?
Schools in Nelsonville score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.6% of adults in Nelsonville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 19.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nelsonville?
The obesity rate in Nelsonville is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202.
What is transportation like in Nelsonville?
The average commute in Nelsonville is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nelsonville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelsonville is 97.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.9% of the population are military veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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