Nelson ZIP Codes — Mecklenburg County, VA

There is one unique ZIP code in Nelson, Virginia and it is 24580. Area code: 434.

ZIP codes

21.05

sq mi land

0.03

sq mi water

434

area code

Nelson, VA ZIP code map

About Nelson, VA

Nelson, Virginia, is a quaint and charming city located in Mecklenburg County. Known for its serene landscapes, the city offers a peaceful retreat for its residents and visitors alike. With its picturesque setting and friendly community, Nelson provides a glimpse into the quiet rural life of Virginia.

Location & geography

Nelson is situated in the southern part of Virginia, approximately 30 miles from the larger city of South Boston and about 25 miles from the historical town of Clarksville. The terrain around Nelson features a mix of rolling hills and wooded areas, contributing to its natural beauty. The city covers a land area of 21.05 square miles, with a small water area of 0.03 square miles.

Community & economy

The character of Nelson is marked by a tight-knit community that values tradition and local culture. The primary industries in the area include agriculture and small retail businesses, which cater to the needs of the local population. Daily life in Nelson often revolves around community events, family gatherings, and the enjoyment of outdoor recreational activities.

Transportation

Nelson can be accessed via several highways, with U.S. Route 58 being the most prominent, connecting it to surrounding areas. The nearest major airport is Danville Regional Airport, which is approximately 35 miles to the northwest. Public transportation options are limited, making personal vehicles the most common means of travel in and around Nelson.

History

Nelson was founded in the early 19th century, with agriculture serving as a cornerstone of its economy since its establishment. Over the years, the city has maintained its rural charm while embracing modest growth, reflecting the rich history of Mecklenburg County. Notable events in the city's history include its development as a regional agricultural hub.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Nelson is its proximity to both Lake Gaston and the Virginia-North Carolina border, making it a favored location for weekenders seeking outdoor activities. Additionally, the city retains several historic sites that reflect its agricultural roots and community spirit.

ZIP codes for Nelson, VA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
24580	Nelson	Mecklenburg	View map

Demographics & statistics

560

Population

53.3

Median age

$53,598

Median household income

$36,833

Per capita income

$116,100

Median home value

$645

Median monthly rent

77.2%

Home ownership

6.4%

Poverty rate

0.0%

Unemployment

253

Housing units

12.0%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	66	11.8%
18 and over	494	88.2%
65 and over	128	22.9%
Median age	53.3 years

Race & ethnicity

White 72.1%

Black or African American 22.5%

Two or more races 3.4%

Asian 2%

Group	Count	%
White	404	72.1%
Black or African American	126	22.5%
Two or more races	19	3.4%
Asian	11	2%

Household income

$10k–$15k 9.5%

$25k–$35k 14.0%

$35k–$50k 10.2%

$50k–$75k 29.5%

$75k–$100k 18.2%

$100k–$150k 10.9%

$150k–$200k 4.2%

$200k+ 3.5%

Range	% of households
$10k–$15k	9.5%
$25k–$35k	14.0%
$35k–$50k	10.2%
$50k–$75k	29.5%
$75k–$100k	18.2%
$100k–$150k	10.9%
$150k–$200k	4.2%
$200k+	3.5%
Median income	$53,598

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 17.3%

$50k–$100k 16.4%

$100k–$150k 49.1%

$150k–$200k 4.5%

$200k–$300k 9.1%

$300k–$500k 3.6%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$116,100
Median rent / month	$645
Owner occupied	77.2%
Renter occupied	22.8%
Vacant	10.4%
Single-family detached	81.4%
Large apartment buildings	2.2%
Mobile homes	16.4%
Median rooms	6.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.00

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	2.2%
2000–2009	13.8%
1990–1999	15.1%
1980–1989	17.3%
1970–1979	16.7%
1960–1969	13.5%
1950–1959	0.0%
1940–1949	0.0%
1939 or earlier	21.4%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.0%
1 bedroom	0.0%
2 bedrooms	38.7%
3 bedrooms	50.6%
4 bedrooms	2.8%
5+ bedrooms	7.9%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	6.7%
1 vehicle	15.1%
2 vehicles	46.0%
3 or more	32.3%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Electricity	73.7%
Propane / LP gas	2.8%
Fuel oil	2.8%
Wood	20.7%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	186	65.3%
Cohabiting couple	13	4.6%
Male householder, no spouse	50	17.5%
Female householder, no spouse	36	12.6%
Households with children under 18	26	9.1%
Households with seniors (65+)	81	28.4%
Average household size	1.96

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	5.0%	8.1%
Married	84.6%	79.9%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	3.8%	12.0%
Divorced	6.5%	0.0%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.8%

Some HS, no diploma 7.6%

HS graduate 36.3%

Some college, no degree 27.8%

Associate's degree 14.5%

Bachelor's degree 6.7%

Graduate / professional 5.3%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	90.6%
Bachelor's or higher	12.0%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	9	32.1%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	9	32.1%
High school	10	35.7%
College / grad school	0	0.0%

Employment

Industry of employment

Wholesale trade 21.0%

Construction 15.2%

Education & healthcare 15.2%

Agriculture & mining 12.8%

Manufacturing 12.1%

Public administration 5.2%

Retail trade 4.5%

Transportation & utilities 4.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 3.8%

Other services 3.1%

Finance & real estate 2.4%

Professional & management 0.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	19.3%
Service	5.9%
Sales & office	34.1%
Natural resources & construction	24.8%
Production & transportation	15.9%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	75.2%
Government	14.8%
Self-employed	10.0%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	87.2%
Carpool	1.4%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	2.8%
Other means	8.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	32.7

Poverty

All people 6.4%

Under 18 years 13.6%

18 and over 5.5%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 100.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	37.5%
Retirement income	20.0%
Supplemental Security	6.7%
Cash public assistance	0.0%
Food stamps / SNAP	2.8%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	40.5%
High cholesterol	36.3%
Heart disease	8.5%
Stroke	4.5%
Asthma	11.1%
Arthritis	32.8%
Kidney disease	3.9%
Pulmonary disease	10.3%
Cancer	7.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.6%
No physical activity	28.8%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	37.0%
Fair or poor health	21.8%
Poor mental health	15.3%
Poor physical health	13.7%
No health insurance	13.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	79.1%
Visited dentist	59.2%
Cholesterol screening	90.5%
Teeth loss	18.0%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	37	7.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	15.7%
Under 18	28.8%
18–64 years	7.9%
65 and over	31.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	69.6%
Public insurance	37.5%
Uninsured under 19	15.2%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	523	93.4%
Spanish	0	0.0%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	549	98.0%
Born in same state	549	98.0%
Born in different state	387	69.1%
Foreign born	0	0.0%
Naturalized citizen	11	2.0%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	120	21.4%
Italian	76	13.6%

Ancestry	Count	%
French	29	5.2%
German	6	1.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	50.9%
Internet access	90.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Nelson, VA have?

Nelson, VA has one ZIP code: 24580. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.