countyscore
51.8
County Score
Property Tax 82.2Disaster Risk 65.9Weather & Climate 64.7

County Report Card

About Nelson County, Virginia

Beating the National Median

Nelson County earns a composite score of 51.8, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the top half of counties for overall livability nationwide.

Leading Above State Averages

With a score of 51.8, Nelson sits comfortably above the Virginia state average of 50.9. It represents a high standard of living for Central Virginia's rural landscape.

Exceptional Tax Efficiency

A standout tax score of 82.2 is driven by a very low effective tax rate of 0.536%. Low environmental and climate risks further bolster the county's appeal with a risk score of 65.9.

Water Quality and Local Safety

The county faces a challenge with its water score of 11.7, suggesting a need for utility upgrades. Safety also trails other dimensions with a score of 36.4, indicating room for community security improvements.

Perfect for Low-Tax Living

Nelson is a prime destination for retirees and remote workers looking to minimize their tax burden in a low-risk setting. It appeals most to those who value financial flexibility and natural scenery.

2040608010082.236.836.45655.663.165.911.764.7Tax82.2Cost36.8Safety36.4Health56Schools55.6Income63.1Risk65.9Water11.7Weather64.751.8/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Nelson County DNA

Foverall

How Nelson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nelson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (82.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (11.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
82.2+30.200000000000003
Cost
36.8-11.200000000000003
Safety
36.4-18.6
Health
56
Schools
55.6
Income
63.1+12.100000000000001
Risk
65.9+18.900000000000006
Water
11.7-46.3
Weather
64.7+8.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$283,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$950/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$283,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,525/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

54.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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58.4
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Buena Vista city
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Buckingham County
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Rockbridge County
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Augusta County
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Staunton city
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Deep Dives

Nelson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Nelson County

via CrimeByCounty

Nelson County Outpaces National Safety Standards

Nelson County earns an impressive safety score of 97.7, placing it well ahead of many regions across the country. Its total crime rate of 1,475.6 per 100,000 residents is nearly 40% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in the Commonwealth

Nelson's safety score exceeds the Virginia state average of 97.3, marking it as a secure choice within the state. The county's crime rate of 1,475.6 is significantly lower than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 people.

Comparing Nelson to Virginia's Average

While neighboring areas vary, Nelson remains a standout with a total crime rate roughly 15% below the Virginia state average. This low density of incidents contributes to a high quality of life for its residents.

Property Incidents Define the Local Landscape

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports, occurring at a rate of 1,306.4 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is notably rare, with a rate of 169.2 that is less than half the national average of 369.8.

Staying Proactive in a Safe Community

Even in high-safety areas like Nelson, simple home security measures can deter opportunistic property crimes. Installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras helps maintain the peace of mind this county is known for.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Nelson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Learning in the Blue Ridge Foothills

Nelson County maintains a concentrated school landscape with 4 public schools serving 1,480 total students. This single-district system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

High Investment and Strong Academic Scores

The county invests a healthy $8,977 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the state average of $7,941. This commitment results in a school score of 56.2 and a graduation rate of 87.0%.

Nelson County Public Schools Spotlight

The Nelson County Public Schools district oversees the education of all 1,480 students in the region. There are no charter schools, as the county focuses resources on its four central public campuses.

Close-Knit Rural Educational Environment

All four schools are located in rural locales, offering students a consistent and peaceful learning atmosphere. Nelson County High is the largest school with 517 students, while Rockfish River Elementary offers a smaller setting for 268 pupils.

Scenic Living with Quality Public Schools

Families are often drawn to Nelson County for its combination of natural beauty and high educational investment. Exploring real estate near Tye River Elementary or the central high school offers a chance to participate in a well-funded, supportive school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Nelson County

via WaterByCounty

Nelson County Faces Severe Compliance Challenges

Nelson County receives an F grade due to 31 health violations recorded over a five-year period. Its violation rate of 276.2 per 100,000 residents is more than double the Virginia state average. This high rate signals persistent issues in local water treatment or distribution systems.

Watershed Health Outperforms State Averages

Despite compliance issues, only 29.2% of assessed water bodies in Nelson are impaired, which is much better than the 46.1% state average. The 2022 reporting cycle identifies E. coli and benthic bioassessments as the top causes of concern. This suggests that while natural streams are relatively healthy, the built water infrastructure is struggling.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage with 51 Sites

Nelson County benefits from 51 active monitoring sites, producing 8,003 measurements over the last five years. The monitoring program tracks physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristics. This data helps local officials pinpoint where bacteria like E. coli enter the system.

James River Flow Hits One-Third of Average

The James River at Bent Creek currently shows a discharge of 1,420 cfs, representing only 34% of its long-term mean. This significant reduction in flow affects the entire 3,649 square mile drainage area. Low flows can reduce the river's ability to dilute runoff and support aquatic life.

Prioritize Drinking Water Filtration Today

Because Nelson County has a high violation rate of 276.2 per 100,000, residents should prioritize home water testing and filtration. During periods where the James River flow is only 34% of normal, residents should also be mindful of water conservation. Proper maintenance of private wells is essential given the prevalence of E. coli in the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nelson County

via WeatherByCounty

A balanced Mid-Atlantic climate

Nelson County's 56.8°F annual average is slightly warmer than the national median. It receives a robust 46.3 inches of precipitation, making it a lush environment for the local landscape.

Aligning with the Virginia average

The county stays very close to the state average of 55.9°F. It represents the classic Virginia climate transition between the Blue Ridge and the Piedmont.

Warmer than the mountain highlands

Nelson is significantly warmer than Montgomery County's 52.5°F average. However, it remains cooler than the coastal cities like Newport News which hits 59.5°F.

Steamy summers and brisk winters

July temperatures average 76.4°F, contributing to 31 days of extreme heat annually. While snowfall data is currently unavailable, winter averages stay chilly at 38.8°F.

Focus on summer cooling solutions

With a full month of temperatures over 90°F, reliable air conditioning is a must for residents. Outdoor enthusiasts should plan for high humidity during the peak summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nelson County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Piedmont Soils

Nelson County soil averages a pH of 5.01, which is notably lower than the state average of 5.23. This highly acidic profile is typical for the region but requires lime for most garden vegetables to thrive.

Silt and Sand Balance

The soil contains 41.7% silt and 38.0% sand, providing a balanced texture that is workable yet substantial. The 17.5% clay content helps with nutrient retention, making it a solid foundation for both trees and row crops.

Excellent Moisture Reserves

While organic matter is below the state average at 1.85%, the soil excels in moisture storage. Its available water capacity of 0.151 in/in beats the state average of 0.143, providing a critical buffer during hot Virginia summers.

Steady Water Movement

Without specific drainage classes, the high silt levels point to a soil that absorbs and holds water steadily. This is ideal for the county's famous orchards and vineyards, where consistent moisture is vital for fruit development.

Vineyard and Orchard Country

Residing in Hardiness Zone 7b, Nelson County is world-renowned for its peaches and wine grapes. Focus on deep-rooted perennials to take full advantage of the soil's high water-holding capacity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nelson County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Nelson County

Nelson County has a lawn difficulty score of 48.2, making it more difficult than both the state and national averages. Homeowners in this 7b zone must work harder to maintain a lush green space.

Heat Stress Impacts Growth

The county endures 31 extreme heat days a year, surpassing the state average of 28. These high temperatures, combined with 46.3 inches of annual rain, create a humid environment where turf disease can thrive.

Low pH Levels Limit Growth

The local soil pH is 5.01, significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. With 17.5% clay and 38.0% sand, your soil needs organic matter and lime to improve nutrient availability.

Severe Drought Requires Water Conservation

Currently, 82.6% of the county is in severe drought after enduring 29 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Strict water conservation and choosing drought-tolerant species are essential for lawn survival here.

Timing is Critical for Zone 7b

Tall fescue and Zoysiagrass are resilient options for Nelson’s climate. Your growing window sits between the last spring frost on April 15 and the first fall frost on October 25.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nelson County's county score?
Nelson County, Virginia has a composite county score of 51.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Nelson County rank among counties in Virginia?
Nelson County ranks #72 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Nelson County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Nelson County is $1,517, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Nelson County a tax score of 82.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nelson County?
The median household income in Nelson County, Virginia is $68,525 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nelson County earns an income score of 63.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nelson County, Virginia a good place to live?
Nelson County scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Nelson County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Nelson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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