Nelson County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 100th-largest in Virginia
The population of Nelson County, Virginia is 14,777 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 100th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $68,525, the median home value is $283,000, and the median age is 51.3.
The population of Nelson County has declined 1.4% since 2010 (14,978 → 14,766), a -0.10% annualized rate.
14,777
Population
-0.10%
Annual growth
31
People / sq mi
$68,525
Median Income
$283,000
Median Home Value
Nelson County covers 471 sq mi of land at 31.4 people per square mile.
About Nelson County, VA
What sets Nelson County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually prominent here, at 22.7% versus 14.0% nationally. Nelson County is a county in Virginia with a population of 14,777.
The typical household here earns about $68,525, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.6%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $283,000, with typical rent around $950.
About 33.7% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. Working from home is common here: 22.7% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The remote-work concentration is telling in Nelson County — it skews toward higher-income, college-educated workers and reshapes both commute patterns and housing demand.
Nelson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Nelson County had a population of 14,978 in 2010 and 14,766 in 2024, a -1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,019 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.10%.
14,766
Population (2024)
14,978
Population (2010)
15,019
Peak (2011)
-0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,978 |
| 2011 | 15,019 |
| 2012 | 14,802 |
| 2013 | 14,799 |
| 2014 | 14,867 |
| 2015 | 14,764 |
| 2016 | 14,802 |
| 2017 | 14,800 |
| 2018 | 14,836 |
| 2019 | 14,867 |
| 2020 | 14,739 |
| 2021 | 14,839 |
| 2022 | 14,692 |
| 2023 | 14,625 |
| 2024 | 14,766 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.6% |
| Black or African American | 10.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
51.3
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
29.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.9% · Seniors (65+): 29.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,525$-22,449 vs state |
| Mean household income | $100,430 |
| Per-capita income | $45,251 |
| Poverty rate | 9.6%+2.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Nelson County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
63.6%
Public transit
22.7%
Work from home
30.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$283,000$-77,700 vs state
Median home value
$950
Median rent
79.2%
Homeownership rate
9,947
Total housing units
65.0%
Occupied
35.0%
Vacant
20.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.3%
With health insurance
90.9%
With broadband internet
31.7%
Foreign-born
9.4%
Veterans (18+)
13.6%
With a disability
93.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.7%
High School+
33.7%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Nelson County, Virginia has a population of 14,777 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 100th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 31 people per square mile.
The population of Nelson County has declined 1.4% since 2010 (14,978 → 14,766), a -0.10% annualized rate.
The median household income in Nelson County, Virginia is $68,525, with mean (average) household income of $100,430 and per-capita income of $45,251. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Nelson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.6%), Black or African American (10.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Nelson County, Virginia is 51.3 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Nelson County is $283,000 and median monthly rent is $950. 79.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,947 total housing units, 35.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Nelson County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Nelson County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.