Nelson, VA County is a beautiful rural area located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 14,795 residents, the county has an overall population density of 31 people per square mile. Nelson is home to many unique businesses that provide for its residents and visitors alike. A good place to start your exploration of Nelson is by visiting one of its breweries, such as Bold Rock Hard Cider or Blue Toad Hard Cider. Nelson also has a wide variety of local restaurants and shops with diverse offerings from antiques to outdoor apparel to locally made crafts and goods.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Nelson offers plenty of year-round recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the nearby James River or take advantage of one of several hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail which runs through Nelson County. In addition, there are biking trails, kayaking spots and camping areas all within easy access from town. On warm days visitors can cool off at Crabtree Falls located just outside Nellysford village or take a drive through the nearby Shenandoah National Park where wildlife viewing and scenic views are abundant.
Nelson County also plays host to a number of organizations and events throughout the year that celebrate its culture and history. The Rockfish Valley Community Center hosts community events such as music festivals, farmer's markets, art shows and more while other organizations like Friends of Wintergreen sponsor events such as wine tastings and golf tournaments for both locals and visitors alike. During football season die hard fans can watch their favorite teams at Lovingston High School’s home games on Friday nights complete with pep rallies and halftime show performances by the school marching band. Whether you're looking for some outdoor fun or just wanting to explore what the area has to offer, Nelson County is sure to have something for everyone!
The population in Nelson County is 14,795. There are 31 people per square mile aka population density. The median age in Nelson County is 51.8, the US median age is 38.4. The number of people per household in Nelson County is 2.3, the US average of people per household is 2.6.
Family in Nelson County
- 57.4% are married
- 16.0% are divorced
- 26.7% are married with children
- 14.6% have children, but are single
Race in Nelson County
- 81.6% are White
- 12.6% are Black
- 0.4% are Asian
- 0.2% are Native American
- 0.0% claim Other
- 3.9% claim Hispanic ethnicity
- 1.2% Two or more races
- 0.0% Hawaiian, Pacific Islander