Nelson, WI
Population 351 · Wisconsin
About Nelson, WI
Nelson is a small community located in Wisconsin with a population of 351 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,625 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Nelson features a median home value of $154,200, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Nelson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $786, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 161 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (96 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (58 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Nelson shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Nelson have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.1% of Nelson residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.6% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Nelson, WI
Compared to national averages, Nelson has a median household income of $65,625 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $154,200, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $786 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Nelson's income is 10% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 25% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Nelson, WI?
Nelson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $154,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $786/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,625) that falls below the national average. However, Nelson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Nelson has a population of 351 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Nelson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nelson
What is the population of Nelson, WI?
The population of Nelson, WI is 351 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Nelson?
The median household income in Nelson, WI is $65,625 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Nelson?
The median home value in Nelson, WI is $154,200, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Nelson?
The median monthly rent in Nelson, WI is $786, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Nelson?
The unemployment rate in Nelson, WI is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Nelson, WI a good place to live?
Nelson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 351 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Nelson, WI?
28.1% of residents in Nelson aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Nelson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Nelson, WI: median home value is $154,200 (37% below national), median rent is $786/month, and median household income is $65,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Nelson?
The poverty rate in Nelson, WI is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Nelson, WI?
Nelson's population is 2.6% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.