1st Advantage MortgageAbout 75% of Nelson County homes are owner-occupied, and the median household income is $67,193. Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in North Dakota before sharing details.
On this page
- Getting oriented in Nelson County
- How Nelson County residents earn a living
- Household income in Nelson County
- Housing costs in Nelson County
- Regional comparison for Nelson County
- Places inside Nelson County
- A Nelson County household budget, worked through
- Borrowing situations common in Nelson County
- Nelson County residents: age, schooling, coverage
- A Nelson County borrower's checklist
- Checking a lender's license in North Dakota
- Related local guides
- Frequently asked questions
Getting oriented in Nelson County
With an estimated 3,016 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Nelson County ranks 34th of 53 in North Dakota for population. Land area is 982 square miles (2024 Gazetteer), so density runs near 3 per square mile. Under the July 2023 OMB definitions, Nelson County is not part of any metropolitan area. Lakota is the biggest of its 8 Census places, at roughly 784 people (26% of the county total). With so few households sampled, Nelson County estimates can move a lot between releases.
How Nelson County residents earn a living
Education and health care employs 30% of working residents, the largest share; agriculture, forestry and mining is next with 21%. The sharpest difference from the state is in agriculture, forestry and mining, at 21% locally and 8% for North Dakota. The survey's unemployment rate for Nelson County averages 1.1% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 2.8%). About 72% drive to work alone and 12% have trips of 45 minutes or more. 3.1% of households have no vehicle.
| Top industries | Nelson County share | +/- vs North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 30.0% | +4.3 pts |
| Agriculture, forestry and mining | 21.1% | +13.1 pts |
| Construction | 9.3% | +2.2 pts |
| Retail trade | 7.4% | -4.0 pts |
| Public administration | 5.5% | +0.8 pts |
| Wholesale trade | 5.3% | +2.6 pts |
If your hours swing with the season or with overtime, size a loan payment against your base pay, not your best month.
Household income in Nelson County
Nelson County households have a median income of $67,193 (ACS 2020 to 2024), which ranks 37th of 53 in North Dakota.
| Household income | Nelson County | vs North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 25.6% | +4.1 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 41.2% | -0.1 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 26.0% | -1.5 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 7.2% | -2.5 pts |
The spread is wide: 33% of Nelson County households make $100,000 or more, and 26% make less than $35,000. 7.2% of residents fall below the federal poverty line (statewide: 10.8%). If your income is irregular, as it often is with tips, gig work or seasonal jobs, plan around your leaner months rather than the Nelson County median.
Housing costs in Nelson County
Renters in Nelson County pay a median of $582 a month, 39% below the North Dakota figure of $954. 20% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 15% spend half or more. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $139,700, about 2.1 times the median household income. 75% of Nelson County households own their home and 25% rent. Half the housing stock was built before 1963.
| Home costs | Nelson County | North Dakota | U.S. middle county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $582/mo | $954/mo | $877/mo |
| Median home value | $139,700 | $249,900 | $185,300 |
| Owners | 75% | 63% | 75% |
| Rent-burdened renters | 20% | 39% | 45% |
| Burdened owners | 16% | 21% | n/a |
| Mobile homes | 3.8% | 6.6% | n/a |
| Vacant units | 25% | 12% | n/a |
Owners with equity have a second option. Weigh a secured line against an unsecured loan by risk as well as cost before you choose (how they compare).
Regional comparison for Nelson County
Nearest neighbors first, measured between county centers (32 to 39 miles). Income ranges from $50,850 in Eddy County to $77,500 in Steele County; 3 of these neighbors top Nelson County's median.
| County | Distance | Median income | Median rent | Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson County | - | $67,193 | $582/mo | 75% |
| Griggs County, ND | 32 mi | $61,711 | $573/mo | 77% |
| Ramsey County, ND | 34 mi | $61,006 | $714/mo | 55% |
| Grand Forks County, ND | 35 mi | $68,075 | $992/mo | 52% |
| Eddy County, ND | 35 mi | $50,850 | $590/mo | 72% |
| Walsh County, ND | 39 mi | $71,944 | $748/mo | 76% |
| Steele County, ND | 39 mi | $77,500 | $738/mo | 78% |
Places inside Nelson County
8 Census places fall mainly inside Nelson County; the 8 biggest are below. They account for 1,909 residents, leaving about 37% of the county in unincorporated, unnamed areas. This guide covers each of the 8 places and the rural areas around them.
| Community | Type | Residents | Household income (median) | Rent (median) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakota | city | 784 | $66,090 | $597 | 11 mi |
| McVille | city | 365 | $68,750 | $579 | 11 mi |
| Michigan City | city | 277 | $75,000 | $1,000 | 8 mi |
| Aneta | city | 157 | $41,979 | $471 | 19 mi |
| Tolna | city | 124 | $39,821 | $498 | 13 mi |
| Petersburg | city | 120 | $72,083 | n/a | 12 mi |
| Pekin | city | 62 | $36,750 | $817 | 10 mi |
| Dahlen | CDP | 20 | n/a | n/a | 21 mi |
CDPs are unincorporated communities the Census Bureau defines for counting.
A Nelson County household budget, worked through
Here is the Nelson County median household run through a simple DTI check. Your numbers will differ.
- $5,599 a month: gross income for a household at the Nelson County median
- 10% goes to median rent ($582)
- At 40%, room after rent is $1,658 a month
Subtract what you already pay on other debts. A new payment should fit in what remains, with some to spare.
Borrowing situations common in Nelson County
Where the Nelson County numbers stand out, and why it matters for a loan:
- Older households. A 50.1 median age means fixed-income borrowing is common; a fixed payment and short term limit risk.
- Know your credit. Review all three bureau reports for free (AnnualCreditReport.com).
- Requirements. Lenders weigh credit history, documented income and existing debt (what to gather).
Nelson County residents: age, schooling, coverage
29% of Nelson County adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or more. About 4% go without health insurance.
| Measure | Nelson County | North Dakota statewide | Typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 50.1 | 35.9 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's or higher | 29.4% | 32.7% | 22.2% |
| No high school diploma | 6.9% | 6.0% | n/a |
| No health insurance | 4.0% | 6.5% | 7.8% |
| No vehicle | 3.1% | 5.9% | 5.4% |
| Work from home | 8.1% | 8.1% | 8.7% |
| Poverty rate | 7.2% | 10.8% | 13.2% |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 1.1% | 2.8% | 4.4% |
| Minutes to work | Nelson County workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 55.7% |
| 15 to 29 min | 19.7% |
| 30 to 44 min | 12.2% |
| 45 to 59 min | 3.9% |
| 60+ min | 8.6% |
A Nelson County borrower's checklist
Steps that save money for Nelson County residents:
- Size the loan to the bill, not to the most a lender offers.
- Ask each lender for the APR and all fees in writing.
- Check the license, then the reviews, then the offer.
- Keep a small cushion so one surprise bill does not mean another loan.
Checking a lender's license in North Dakota
Licensing happens at the state level, so a lender working with Nelson County borrowers answers to the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions. Federal complaints: consumerfinance.gov. More on North Dakota: North Dakota personal loans.
Related local guides
For statewide rules and data, see the North Dakota guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median household income in Nelson County?
$67,193 a year in the 2020 to 2024 Census survey, versus $76,657 for North Dakota. It ranks 37th of 53 in the state.
How does Nelson County rent compare with North Dakota?
$582 locally versus $954 for the state, 39% below.
I own my home in Nelson County. Personal loan or HELOC?
A HELOC uses the house as collateral; a personal loan usually does not. With 75% of homes owner-occupied here, many readers can compare both in writing.
Which towns does the Nelson County guide cover?
Every community in the county, unincorporated areas included. The largest of its 8 Census places: Lakota, McVille, Michigan City, Aneta, Tolna.
Does living in Nelson County change what I qualify for?
Not in our fit check, which uses only the amount, credit range, income and payments you enter, the same for a Nelson County resident as anyone. Lenders decide under fair-lending law.