Special Interest
Housing in Nelson County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Nelson County averages $1,008/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Kentucky median of $967 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 31% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Nelson County FMR Area are $823 for a studio, $834 for 1‑bedroom, $1,085 for 2‑bedroom, $1,453 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,820 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $77 increase for a 2-bedroom in Nelson County shows a 8% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Nelson County was 4.7% in 2024, compared to Kentucky at 5.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
