COUNTY · 2000 CENSUS

Nelson County

Kentucky · 37,477 residents · 418.685 sq mi

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Part of the Louisville/Jefferson County metro government metro area

The short version

Nelson County has roughly average household income, with a median household income of $39,010. Population has grown 26% since 1990. 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national rate of 24%. Median home value has more than doubled since 1990, reaching $86,500.

At a glance

Lower income

below the US median

US median: $42,589

Mid-age

median age 34.9

US median: 35.2

Less educated

13% hold a bachelor's degree

US average: 24%

Less affordable

home values up 44%, inflation adjusted

US median home: $120,530

Section 01

Population & growth

Total population

37,477

+26%since 1990

from 29,710 in 1990

1990 – 2025

Population density

90 / sq mi

+26%since 1990

from 71 / sq mi in 1990

US average: 242

Median age

34.9

+11%since 1990

from 31.6 in 1990

US average: 35.2

Population, 1990 – 2024

202448K

Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income

$39,010

+22%inflation adjusted, since 1990

from $24,220 in 1990

US average: $42,589

1990 – 2024

Per capita income

$18,120

+78%since 1990

from $10,165 in 1990

US average: $21,522

Poverty rate

12.2%

−2.9 ptssince 1990

from 15.1% in 1990

US average: 12.4%

Section 03

Housing

Median home value

$86,500

+44%inflation adjusted, since 1990

from $45,600 in 1990

US average: $120,530

1990 – 2024

Median gross rent

$426

+11%inflation adjusted, since 1990

from $292 in 1990

US average: $602

Owner-occupied

78.0%

+0.1 ptssince 1990

from 78.0% in 1990

22.0% rent

Afford Score

2.2

+18%since 1990

from 1.9 in 1990

1990 – 2024

RELATED:See current rent listings in Nelson County on RentDataNow

Section 04

Race & ethnicity

1990

White, non-Hispanic93.5%(27,779)

Black6.1%(1,825)

Hispanic / Latino0.2%(64)

Asian0.3%(87)

Diversity Score15.7%(4,670)

2000

White, non-Hispanic92.3%(34,579)

Black5.5%(2,054)

Hispanic / Latino1.1%(395)

Asian0.5%(189)

Diversity Score16.7%(6,257)

Diversity Score

+6%since 1990

from 16 in 1990

1990 – 2024

Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

13.4%

+4.0 ptssince 1990

from 9.3% in 1990

US average: 24.4%

High school or higher

79.0%

+11.6 ptssince 1990

from 67.4% in 1990

US average: 80.3%

Graduate degree

6.1%

+1.9 ptssince 1990

from 4.3% in 1990

US average: 8.8%

Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute

20.4 min

−16%since 1990

from 24.4 min in 1990

US average: 17.6

Section 07

Work & employment

No data for the years selected.

Section 08

People & community

No data for the years selected.

Drill deeper

Places similar to Nelson County

Head to head

Compare Nelson County to nearby counties

NELSON COUNTY VS

Washington County

Income$61,616+58%

Home value$179,200+107%

Population12,368−75%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

NELSON COUNTY VS

Bullitt County

Income$80,558+107%

Home value$247,200+186%

Population86,454+76%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

NELSON COUNTY VS

Spencer County

Income$102,618+163%

Home value$330,000+282%

Population20,998−57%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

NELSON COUNTY VS

Marion County

Income$59,627+53%

Home value$168,100+94%

Population20,115−59%

SEE FULL COMPARISON →

Frequently asked

How many people live in Nelson County, Kentucky?

Nelson County, Kentucky has about 37,477 residents according to the 2000 Census.

What is the median household income in Nelson County, Kentucky?

The typical household in Nelson County, Kentucky earns about $39,010 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Nelson County, Kentucky expensive?

In Nelson County, Kentucky, the median home is worth about $86,500, and the typical rent is about $426 a month.

How educated are people in Nelson County, Kentucky?

About 13.4% of adults age 25 and over in Nelson County, Kentucky hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Nelson County, Kentucky?

About 12.2% of people in Nelson County, Kentucky live below the federal poverty line.

Has Nelson County, Kentucky grown since 1990?

Yes, Nelson County, Kentucky has grown since 1990. The population has added about 7,767 residents, a change of about 26 percent over that period.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

How we source and harmonize this data →