CountyScore

Nelson County

Virginia · VA

#43 in Virginia
72.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Nelson County, Virginia

50% above the national livability average

Nelson County scores 74.9 out of 100, substantially outpacing the national median of 50.0 and ranking among America's most livable counties. This strong composite reflects consistent performance across measured dimensions.

Virginia's top-ranked livable county

Nelson leads the eight counties assessed here with a score of 74.9, exceeding Virginia's state average of 70.3. It demonstrates exceptional livability relative to the broader state landscape.

Lowest taxes and very affordable housing

Nelson boasts a tax score of 87.2 (the lowest effective rate at 0.536%) and a cost score of 77.3, with median home values at $283,000 and rents at just $950 per month. This combination makes Nelson exceptionally affordable by state standards.

Modest household incomes

The county's income score of 28.1 reflects a median household income of $68,525, lower than wealthier Virginia peer counties. Complete data on schools, health, safety, and environmental factors remains unavailable.

Perfect for retirees and minimalists

Nelson County excels for individuals and families seeking maximum purchasing power through low taxes and ultra-affordable housing. Those prioritizing rural charm, financial simplicity, and cost minimization will find Nelson especially attractive.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.2Cost77.3SafetyComing SoonHealth69.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.1Risk65.9WaterComing Soon
🏛87.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡65.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Nelson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Yuma County
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Median income: $60,051
Schley County
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Median income: $59,647
Wheeler County
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Median income: $45,262

Deep Dives

Nelson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Nelson County

via TaxByCounty

Nelson offers some of America's lowest rates

Nelson County's effective tax rate of 0.536% ranks in the nation's lowest quartile, and its median tax of $1,517 is 44% below the national median of $2,690. Homeowners here enjoy substantially lighter property tax burdens than most Americans.

Virginia's most tax-friendly county

Nelson County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in Virginia at 0.536%, compared to the state average of 0.671%. Its median tax of $1,517 trails Virginia's average by 23%, making it the state's clearest winner for property tax relief.

Nelson beats all regional competitors

Nelson's 0.536% rate undercuts every nearby county, including Northumberland (0.481%), Middlesex (0.564%), and Montgomery (0.767%). It stands as the clear tax leader across central Virginia's rural and small-town counties.

Nelson's tax bill on a typical home

A median-valued Nelson County home at $283,000 carries an annual property tax of roughly $1,517. That's just $126 per month—among the lowest in the nation for a county-based assessment.

Double-check your Nelson County assessment

Even in low-tax Nelson, some homeowners may be paying more than they owe due to assessment errors or outdated valuations. A free appeal can confirm whether your assessed value reflects your home's true market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nelson County

via CostByCounty

Nelson offers exceptional rental affordability

Nelson County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio beats both the Virginia average (18.6%) and reflects strong affordability by national standards. With median rent at just $950 monthly against a median household income of $68,525, renters here enjoy one of Virginia's friendliest housing cost ratios.

Virginia's most affordable rental market

Nelson ranks among Virginia's top performers for renter affordability, with the lowest median rent ($950) among our sample of rural and mid-size counties. The 16.6% rent-to-income ratio places it in the state's upper quartile for affordability, a rare win in an increasingly expensive state.

The region's rental bargain

Nelson's $950 median rent is substantially cheaper than Montgomery County ($1,206), Middlesex ($1,071), and Northumberland ($1,053), making it the clear value leader. Even compared to the lowest-income peer, Northampton County ($780 rent), Nelson delivers solid affordability paired with better earning potential ($68,525 vs $55,933 income).

Housing costs stay modest and balanced

Renters pay $950 monthly (16.6% of income) while homeowners spend $913, creating a rare scenario where both housing types claim similar shares of household earnings. This balance suggests Nelson works well for both renters and owners with moderate incomes.

Best rent in Virginia's rural heartland

Nelson County delivers Virginia's most compelling rental affordability story: $950 monthly rent on a median income of $68,525 with a median home value of just $283,000. If you're seeking to stretch your paycheck and embrace rural living, Nelson's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio rivals anywhere in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nelson County

via IncomeByCounty

Nelson earns below the nation

Nelson County's median household income of $68,525 lags the national median of $74,755 by $6,230, placing it in the lower-middle segment of American counties. However, the county's per capita income of $45,251 exceeds the national average, suggesting wealth is concentrated among fewer earners.

Nelson ranks lower in Virginia

At $68,525, Nelson's median household income runs $6,432 below Virginia's state average of $74,957, positioning it in the lower third of Virginia's 95 jurisdictions. The county faces economic headwinds relative to its state peers.

Mid-pack among local peers

Nelson's $68,525 income sits below Middlesex ($74,154) and Northumberland ($69,500) but edges out Newport News ($66,718) and Norfolk ($64,017). The county occupies the rural middle ground between wealthier suburban areas and lower-income urban centers.

Housing remains affordable here

Nelson's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is among Virginia's lowest, with housing absorbing less than one-sixth of median earnings. A median home value of $283,000 paired with moderate incomes creates a balanced affordability picture.

Leverage Nelson's affordability advantage

Below-average housing costs give Nelson households breathing room to prioritize wealth building through savings and investment. Start with automatic transfers to a savings account, explore Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and consider real estate investment in this affordable market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Nelson County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy nears national average

Nelson residents live an average of 76.7 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 78.9 years but within striking distance. With 16.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county's health profile is relatively balanced compared to national benchmarks.

Above Virginia's life expectancy average

Nelson County's 76.7-year life expectancy surpasses Virginia's 75.1-year average by 1.6 years, a notable advantage for the region. However, its 12.2% uninsured rate significantly exceeds Virginia's 7.9% state average, leaving many residents vulnerable to medical costs.

Strong primary care, stretched mental health

Nelson leads the region in primary care capacity with 81 providers per 100,000 residents, but mental health support at 136 per 100,000 lags behind some peer counties. The primary care strength suggests good preventive health infrastructure.

Uninsured rate remains a critical challenge

More than 1 in 8 Nelson residents (12.2%) lack health insurance, the highest rate in this county profile. Despite good primary care provider availability, cost barriers and coverage gaps create obstacles for families managing chronic conditions and unexpected health events.

Affordable coverage options are available

Nelson residents without insurance can explore Virginia Medicaid and federal marketplace plans at healthcare.gov—many qualify for subsidies that make coverage affordable. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact a local navigator to find a plan that fits your budget and needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nelson County

via RiskByCounty

Nelson remains below national averages

Nelson County's composite risk score of 34.10 earns a Very Low rating, positioning it safely below the nation's average natural disaster exposure. Your community faces significantly less overall threat than typical American counties.

Slightly elevated within Virginia

At 34.10, Nelson's score marginally exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it just above the middle of the risk spectrum statewide. You occupy a position of mild exposure within your state context.

Moderate risk within piedmont region

Nelson (34.10) sits between Middlesex's safer profile (23.79) and Northumberland's higher exposure (39.98), ranking in the region's middle tier. Your Blue Ridge location carries slightly elevated risks compared to the state's coastal lowlands.

Wildfire and flood present primary hazards

Wildfire risk reaches 46.66—the highest in your profile—reflecting mountain terrain and forest cover, while flood risk stands at 58.24 from rivers and heavy rain. Hurricane (67.58) and earthquake (45.36) threats are notable but secondary to these primary dangers.

Wildfire and flood insurance matter most

Secure flood insurance immediately, as it's excluded from standard homeowners policies and your river valley position makes you vulnerable. Create defensible space around structures, maintain gutters free of debris, and ensure your home meets current wildfire-resistant building standards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.