Nelson, Arizona Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Nelson, Arizona had a total population of 519, the 277th largest community in Arizona. The poverty rate is 11.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Nelson Quick Facts
How Nelson Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 316 | 519 | +64.2% |
| Median home value | $98,400 | $96,000 | -2.4% |
How Nelson Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 62 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Nelson Rankings in Arizona
Explore Arizona Rankings
Other Cities in Pima County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucson | 547,073 | $57,073 | 18.9% | $266,200 |
| Casas Adobes | 72,059 | $83,683 | 6.6% | $343,400 |
| Marana | 56,938 | $112,606 | 4.9% | $413,800 |
| Catalina Foothills | 52,593 | $115,304 | 4.5% | $652,000 |
| Oro Valley | 48,162 | $107,117 | 6.5% | $475,700 |
| Sahuarita | 35,862 | $104,680 | 8.6% | $364,300 |
| Drexel Heights | 27,675 | $73,508 | 14.6% | $250,100 |
| Green Valley | 22,114 | $62,063 | 7.7% | $293,500 |
| Flowing Wells | 16,559 | $39,774 | 24.0% | $41,100 |
| Vail | 16,315 | $130,904 | 4.3% | $414,600 |
Cities Similar to Nelson
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nazlini | 527 | $31,250 | N/A | 5.8% | 59.2% |
| Icehouse Canyon | 528 | $51,250 | $140,700 | 16.0% | 7.6% |
| Donovan Estates | 507 | $38,542 | $152,900 | 6.4% | 8.3% |
| Bitter Springs | 504 | $70,750 | $62,000 | 0.0% | 7.7% |
| San Jose | 496 | $63,269 | $134,400 | 4.8% | 5.2% |
A note before these figures: with a population of 519, Nelson's ACS estimates come from a small number of survey responses and carry wide margins of error. Individual percentages below — particularly rates that round to 0% or 100% — are approximations, not precise measurements. See data.census.gov for the published margins of error.
Population Overview
Nelson is a small community located in Arizona, within Pima County. The total population is 519. It ranks as the 277th most populous out of 441 Census-designated places in Arizona.
Age Demographics
The median age in Nelson is 19.1 years. This is 51% lower than the state median of 39.0 years. With 48.9% of the population under 18, Nelson has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 11.0%. This is 12% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.5%. The unemployment rate is 3.9%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $96,000. Housing costs are 76% lower than the state median of $394,500. 100.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 48% higher than the state average of 67.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Nelson is Hispanic or Latino, making up 69.9% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 17.3%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (17.3%) is well below the state average of 52.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (69.9% vs 31.4%).
Education
18.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% lower than the state rate of 33.3%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. No surveyed resident aged 25 or older reported leaving school before earning a high school diploma, though a rate of exactly 100% reflects the limits of a small sample. Notably, 15.9% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Nelson, Arizona is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Arizona state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 441 Census-designated places in Arizona. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Nelson, Arizona?
Nelson, Arizona has a population of 519 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Nelson, AZ?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Nelson — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Nelson, AZ?
The poverty rate in Nelson is 11.0%. This means approximately 57 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Nelson, Arizona?
Nelson's population is 17.3% White, 0.0% Black, 69.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Nelson, AZ?
The median home value in Nelson is $96,000.
How educated is Nelson, Arizona?
18.5% of adults (25+) in Nelson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.