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
Nelson County is a county in Virginia with a population of 14,777. It ranks #100 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 51.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Nelson County is $68,525, below the US median of $74,580. 9.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $283,000, with monthly rent averaging $950. The homeownership rate of 79.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Nelson County reflects 33.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 22.7% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.3 minutes each way.
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+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
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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Full rankings of Virginia counties
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.