Counties › Virginia

Cost of Living in Nelson County, VA

Population 14,732 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$946
Median home value$321,700
Median household income$72,589

The median rent in Nelson County, VA is $946/month, 40% lower than the Virginia median and 33% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $321,700, 3% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $72,589 a year, 22% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 15.6%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $37,840/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 4.4×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,627/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Nelson County vs. Virginia vs. U.S.

Nelson CountyVirginiaU.S.
Median rent$946$1,579$1,413
Median home value$321,700$383,700$332,700
Median household income$72,589$93,170$80,734
Homeownership rate79.7%67.3%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher36.3%42.2%35.7%
Poverty rate12.5%9.9%12.5%
Unemployment rate3.3%4.3%5.2%
Work from home19.1%18.3%15.1%
Median age51.339.038.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Nelson County, VA?

The median gross rent in Nelson County, VA is $946 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Nelson County, VA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $37,840 a year in gross income.

Is Nelson County, VA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 33% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.4 times the median household income.

Other counties in Virginia

Fairfax County, VARent $2,276 · Income $153,637Prince William County, VARent $2,067 · Income $131,402Virginia Beach city, VARent $1,714 · Income $92,968Loudoun County, VARent $2,386 · Income $181,765Chesterfield County, VARent $1,629 · Income $101,931Henrico County, VARent $1,541 · Income $88,783

Counties with a similar cost of living

Wyoming County, PARent $943 · Income $72,460Codington County, SDRent $938 · Income $72,727Franklin County, TXRent $936 · Income $72,360Marshall County, INRent $938 · Income $71,808Lawrence County, SDRent $938 · Income $73,384Sheboygan County, WIRent $934 · Income $73,094

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Wix Alternatives for Small Businesses & Freelancers (2026)Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.