Nelson city, Nebraska Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Nelson city, Nebraska has a total population of 478, the 216th largest city in Nebraska, with a median household income of $54,408, which is 27% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%.
Nelson city Quick Facts
How Nelson city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 40 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Nelson city Rankings in Nebraska
Explore Nebraska Rankings
Cities Similar to Nelson city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids village | 484 | $50,125 | $77,800 | 14.4% | 14.9% |
| Palmer village | 446 | $54,861 | $102,900 | 17.2% | 6.5% |
| Allen village | 447 | $53,125 | $111,600 | 16.8% | 16.9% |
| Big Springs village | 479 | $63,750 | $94,900 | 18.5% | 12.5% |
| Indianola city | 460 | $49,615 | $85,500 | 13.0% | 3.7% |
Population Overview
Nelson city is a small community located in Nebraska. The total population is 478. It ranks as the 216th most populous out of 584 cities and towns in Nebraska.
Age Demographics
The median age in Nelson city is 58.4 years. This is 57% higher than the state median of 37.1 years. Only 11.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 14.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Nelson city is $54,408. This is 27% lower than the state median of $74,985. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 31% lower. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%. This is 24% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.3%. The unemployment rate is 0.0%. This is 100% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $72,900. Housing costs are 67% lower than the state median of $223,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x, Nelson city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 89.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 34% higher than the state average of 66.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Nelson city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 11.7%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.
Education
18.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% lower than the state rate of 34.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Nelson city, Nebraska is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Nebraska state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 584 Census-designated places in Nebraska. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Nelson city, Nebraska?
Nelson city, Nebraska has a population of 478 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Nelson city, NE?
The median household income in Nelson city is $54,408, which is 31% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Nelson city, NE?
The poverty rate in Nelson city is 7.8%. This means approximately 37 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Nelson city, Nebraska?
Nelson city's population is 83.3% White, 0.4% Black, 11.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Nelson city, NE?
The median home value in Nelson city is $72,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x.
How educated is Nelson city, Nebraska?
18.8% of adults (25+) in Nelson city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.