What EPA's radon map says about Nelson County

EPA places Nelson County in Zone 2 - Moderate Potential — a predicted county-wide average indoor radon level between 2 and 4 pCi/L, based on the geology, soil and aerial radioactivity data behind EPA's national map. That puts Nelson County in the 43rd percentile nationally for radon potential — higher than 43% of the counties EPA has rated.

How Nelson County compares

About 14,766 people live in Nelson County, Virginia, spread over 470.745 square miles. That works out to roughly 31 people per square mile. Among counties sharing Nelson County's EPA zone, it outranks 30% of them by population. Nelson County falls in EPA Radon Region 3, one of 245 counties nationally EPA assigns to that same geologic province.

Zone vs. an actual test

Nelson County's Zone 2 prediction clears the 1.3 pCi/L national indoor average without reaching EPA's own 4 pCi/L point for recommending a fix. Nothing about a Zone 2 label lowers the case for testing in Nelson County — EPA recommends it in every zone, moderate included.

Testing and mitigation in Nelson County

Mitigation cost doesn't depend on Nelson County's zone — it depends on the house's foundation. A typical system runs $800–$2,500 (about $1,200 typical), and testing first is what tells you whether that's needed at all.

Find Virginia's state radon program

Nelson County's test kit answers today; a Airthings radon monitor keeps answering for Nelson County over time. Affiliate link, RadonZoneCheck earns a commission there, at no extra cost to you. RADONZONE-10OFF at checkout knocks 10% off.

More on how this number was built

The methodology guide shows exactly which EPA and Census sources feed Nelson County's numbers. The guide to what a radon zone actually means covers why testing matters in every zone, not just Zone 1.