18.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Nelson Township is served by four separate school districts.

The majority of the township is served by Cedar Springs Public Schools.

Portions of the western side of the township are served by Kent City Community Schools.

A very small portion of the northeast corner of the township is served by Tri County Area Schools, and another very small portion of the northwest portion of the township is served by Grant Public School District to the north in Newaygo County.