countyscore
37.8
County Score
Property Tax 92.8Income & Jobs 71Lawn Care 51.6

County Report Card

About Carson City, Nevada

Nevada's Capital Trails the National Median

Carson City carries a composite score of 37.7, trailing significantly behind the national median score of 50.0. This ranking suggests the capital city faces more livability headwinds than many comparable mid-sized regions across the United States.

A Lower Standing in the Silver State

Carson City's score of 37.7 falls roughly 10 points below the Nevada state average of 48.2. Despite its central political role, it struggles to compete with the overall livability benchmarks set by its neighboring rural and suburban counties.

High Incomes and Favorable Tax Policies

The city excels in financial dimensions, posting a robust Tax Score of 92.8 thanks to a low effective tax rate of 0.417%. Residents also benefit from an Income Score of 71.0, supported by a median household income of $71,809.

Educational and Health Infrastructure Needs

The School Score of 10.6 and Health Score of 29.4 present the most significant hurdles for the community. Low scores in these areas indicate that residents may find fewer local resources for quality education and medical care compared to the national average.

Best for Budget-Conscious Career Professionals

Carson City is an ideal fit for working professionals who prioritize high take-home pay and low property taxes. However, families with school-aged children may need to look closer at private options or neighboring districts given the current public school data.

2040608010092.816.338.229.410.67123.943.1Tax92.8Cost16.3Safety38.2Health29.4Schools10.6Income71Risk23.9Water—Weather43.137.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Carson City DNA

Foverall

How Carson City compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Carson City is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (92.8/100) but notably weak in Schools (10.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.8+40.8
Cost
16.3-31.7
Safety
38.2-16.799999999999997
Health
29.4-20.6
Schools
10.6-43.4
Income
71+20
Risk
23.9-23.1
Weather
43.1-12.899999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$426,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,172/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$426,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,809/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Phillips County
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Median income: $38,874
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Richland County
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Mayes County
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Malheur County
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Martin County
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Yuba County
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Ben Hill County
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Nearby counties

Storey County
Nevada
53.9
Douglas County
Nevada
50.2
Lyon County
Nevada
42.4
Alpine County
California
51.2
El Dorado County
California
49.8
Sierra County
California
52.4
Placer County
California
46.5
Nevada County
California
45.2

Deep Dives

Carson City across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Carson City

via TaxByCounty

Carson City's taxes rank low nationally

At 0.417%, Carson City's effective tax rate sits well below the national median, placing the county in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median property tax of $1,781 is 34% lower than the national median of $2,690, despite home values here being 51% higher than the national average.

Second-lowest rate in Nevada

Carson City's 0.417% effective rate is significantly below Nevada's state average of 0.525%, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in the state. Only a handful of Nevada counties tax property at lower rates.

More affordable than nearby Douglas

Carson City homeowners pay roughly $1,781 in median annual property tax, compared to $2,649 in neighboring Douglas County—a difference of $868 per year despite Douglas having higher home values. Clark County, home to Las Vegas, sits in the middle at $1,990 annually.

What you pay on a typical home

The median Carson City home valued at $426,700 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,781. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly less ($1,685), while those without pay slightly more ($1,971).

Many homeowners can appeal their assessment

If you believe your home is overassessed relative to recent sales, Nevada law allows you to file a property tax appeal. A successful challenge could lower your annual tax bill significantly—money worth recovering.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carson City

via CostByCounty

Carson City rents outpace national norms

At 19.6%, Carson City's rent-to-income ratio sits above the national average and exceeds Nevada's state median of 18.1%. The typical renter here spends nearly $1,172 monthly on housing while earning $71,809 annually—slightly below the national median household income of $74,755.

Middle of the pack in Nevada

Carson City ranks as a moderately affordable county within Nevada, with a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio that's neither the tightest nor loosest in the state. For renters, the median gross rent of $1,172 is $45 above Nevada's state average, positioning it as a cautious choice for budget-conscious movers.

Competing with Churchill and Douglas

Carson City's $1,172 rent falls between Churchill County ($1,203) and rural Eureka County ($940), reflecting its position as a mid-sized capital city. Home values at $426,700 are notably higher than Churchill's $298,000 but significantly lower than Douglas County's $587,400.

Housing consumes one-fifth of income

Renters in Carson City allocate about 19.6% of income to rent ($1,172/month), while homeowners pay 21% toward mortgages ($1,256/month). The median home value of $426,700 reflects a balanced market—more affordable than resort areas but pricier than rural Nevada counties.

Consider Carson City if you value stability

Carson City offers moderate housing costs and a stable income level, making it a reasonable choice for those priced out of Clark or Douglas counties. Compare your rent-to-income ratio: if you're currently paying more than 19.6% on housing, Carson City may provide meaningful relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carson City

via IncomeByCounty

Carson City Trails National Income Average

Carson City's median household income of $71,809 falls about 4% below the national median of $74,755, placing it below the midpoint of American counties. The gap narrows when comparing to Nevada's state average of $75,206, where Carson City ranks slightly lower by $3,397.

Middle-Tier Earner in Nevada

Among Nevada's 16 counties, Carson City ranks in the middle tier for household income, with strong performers like Douglas County ($88,018) earning notably more. Still, Carson City outpaces smaller rural counties, reflecting its status as the state capital and regional employment hub.

Competitive with Regional Peers

Carson City's $71,809 median household income closely mirrors Churchill County ($73,268) and slightly trails Clark County ($73,845), the state's largest metro area. These three counties form a stable income band, each offering different cost-of-living trade-offs and lifestyle choices.

Housing Costs Remain Manageable Here

At a 19.6% rent-to-income ratio, Carson City households spend roughly one-fifth of income on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold and matching the state average. With a median home value of $426,700, homeownership is achievable but requires careful planning and down-payment savings.

Build Long-Term Wealth in Carson City

Carson City's stable income and reasonable housing costs create opportunity for wealth-building through homeownership and savings. Start with an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses, then explore first-time homebuyer programs to leverage your income into property equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carson City

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living in Nevada's Capital

Carson City earns a high 97.8 safety score, significantly outpacing the national landscape. Its total crime rate of 1,414.6 per 100,000 residents sits well below the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the State Average

The state capital maintains a total crime rate that is lower than the Nevada average of 1,555.1. This performance places it above the typical Nevada county for safety metrics.

Strong Regional Safety Standing

Compared to neighboring Douglas County's rate of 1,040.9, Carson City shows slightly higher activity at 1,414.6 per 100,000. However, it remains much safer than Clark County's high rate of 3,180.1.

The Property Crime Breakdown

Property crime accounts for the bulk of local incidents at 1,078.1 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 336.5. This means most police activity involves theft or burglary rather than person-to-person offenses.

Maintaining a Secure Capital

Modern security systems help maintain this safe environment by deterring opportunistic theft. Smart cameras and alarms provide peace of mind in this high-performing region.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Carson City

via SchoolsByCounty

A Compact Urban Educational Infrastructure

Carson City supports 13 total public schools serving a student body of 7,722. The system operates seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, all managed within a single unified district. This centralized structure provides a stable framework for the capital city's families.

Graduation Rates Align with State Averages

The county maintains an 84% graduation rate, which sits just below the national average of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure is lower than national benchmarks at $4,661, the district achieves a composite school score of 45.3. These metrics reflect a system working to maintain standards despite lean per-student funding.

Unified Oversight via Carson City School District

The Carson City School District manages all 7,722 students across its 13 campuses. The landscape includes one charter school, which represents about 7.7% of the local educational options. This concentrated district model ensures consistent policy and resources across the city.

City-Centered Learning for a Growing Capital

Every school in the county is classified as a city locale, creating a consistent urban feel for students. Schools like Carson High, with 2,289 students, offer a large-campus experience, while the average school size across the district is 594. Families can choose between large secondary institutions and smaller elementary settings like Fremont Elementary.

Settle Near Carson City's Community Schools

Proximity to the city's established schools is a major driver for local homebuyers. As you explore housing in the capital, consider how these central educational hubs fit your family's needs. Quality local schools remain a cornerstone of long-term property value in this urban market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carson City

via RiskByCounty

Carson City's disaster risk: above average

With a composite risk score of 76.14, Carson City faces notably higher natural disaster risk than the U.S. average of 50. The county's "Relatively Low" rating reflects Nevada's generally elevated hazard exposure, but residents here experience considerably more risk than typical Americans.

The riskiest county in Nevada

Carson City's score of 76.14 ranks it highest among Nevada's 16 counties—more than 60% above the state average of 46.25. This concentration of risk stems primarily from exceptional earthquake and wildfire hazards that define the region.

A hazard hotspot among peers

Compared to neighboring Douglas County (84.38) and Churchill County (47.26), Carson City occupies the middle ground for overall risk. However, Carson City's earthquake risk score of 96.63 matches Douglas County's and far exceeds Churchill's 91.32, making seismic activity the defining shared threat across this region.

Earthquakes and wildfires dominate

Earthquake risk reaches 96.63 here—among the highest in the nation—while wildfire risk scores 93.54, reflecting Carson City's position in Nevada's active seismic zone and proximity to fire-prone terrain. Flooding poses moderate concern at 46.06, but tornado risk remains negligible at 1.88.

Earthquake and wildfire coverage essential

Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake and wildfire damage, making separate policies critical for Carson City residents. With earthquake risk at 96.63 and wildfire risk at 93.54, securing both specialized coverages should be your top priority before disaster strikes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Carson City

via WaterByCounty

Limited Data on Carson City Compliance

Drinking water compliance data is currently unavailable for Carson City's primary systems. However, the regional average violation rate in Nevada stands at 51.8 per 100,000 residents, providing a baseline for comparison.

Watershed Assessments Pending in Carson City

Local water bodies in this county are not yet covered in the federal §303(d) assessment. Consequently, there are no current impairment ratings or causes identified under the Clean Water Act for this jurisdiction.

Consistent Physical and Inorganic Monitoring

A network of 21 monitoring sites has logged 5,797 measurements over the last five years. Most of these readings focus on physical characteristics and inorganic compounds, including metals.

Carson River Flows Above Typical Levels

The Carson River at Deer Run Road currently records a discharge of 710 cfs. This flow represents 163% of its long-term mean, indicating significantly higher-than-average volume for this time of year.

Monitoring High Streamflow Impacts

Since the Carson River is flowing well above its typical mean, residents should be aware of potential increases in sediment or turbidity in surface water sources. Stay informed by checking local water utility reports for any temporary changes in treatment protocols.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carson City

via WeatherByCounty

A mild high-desert capital

Carson City’s annual average temperature of 51.7°F sits just below the national median of approximately 53°F. Its semi-arid climate offers a cooler experience than the southern desert regions while maintaining clear skies.

In line with Nevada's average

The capital city closely mirrors the state average temperature of 52.0°F. It provides a moderate balance compared to Nevada's high mountain peaks and scorching southern basins.

Warmer than the alpine neighbors

Carson City is notably warmer than neighboring Douglas County, which averages just 47.8°F. However, it receives 9.3 inches of precipitation, making it significantly wetter than the dry plains of Churchill County.

Distinct seasons and 40 heat days

Residents experience roughly 40 days per year with temperatures hitting 90°F or higher. Winter brings a steady chill with an average of 14 inches of snowfall and a January mean of 34.8°F.

Prepare for temperature swings

The wide range between the 72.1°F July average and winter lows requires efficient HVAC systems. Local residents should maintain both snow removal tools and summer cooling plans.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carson City

via SoilByCounty

Alpine Foothills and Alkaline Tendencies

Data remains limited for this mountainous capital, though regional samples suggest the alkaline profile common to the Sierra foothills. We lack a specific taxonomic order, but nearby soils often sit above the 6.5 national pH median.

Granitic Textures in a Mountain Setting

Precise sand and clay ratios are not currently mapped for the city's urban and alpine reaches. Without these percentages, gardeners should expect the high drainage and low workability typical of decomposed granite.

The Challenge of Arid Fertility

Organic matter levels are not recorded here, leaving a gap compared to the 2.0% national average. Low available water capacity is common in this arid stretch of the state, requiring consistent mulch and compost.

Rapid Runoff in the Sierra Shadows

While specific hydrologic groups are missing, the rugged topography ensures rapid runoff in the western hills. Builders must account for varied rocky layers rather than consistent silt or clay throughout the capital.

Gardening in the 7b Hardiness Zone

Carson City sits in hardiness zone 7b, offering a longer season than many of its northern neighbors. Hardy fruit trees like apples and pears thrive here once you amend the lean soil with rich organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carson City

via LawnByCounty

A Desert Oasis in Carson City

Carson City earns a lawn difficulty score of 51.6, making it slightly easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0. This score significantly outperforms the Nevada state average of 34.4, providing a favorable environment for Zone 7b gardeners. Residents enjoy a more manageable climate than many of their neighbors in the High Desert.

Stretching Every Drop of Rain

The area receives only 9.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is well below the 30-50 inches that most lawns ideally require. With 40 extreme heat days and 2,618 growing degree days, timing your watering is critical between the last frost on May 4 and the first frost on October 6. Efficient irrigation is the key to keeping turf green during the peak July heat.

Testing Your Mountain Soil

Detailed soil data for the city is currently limited, so conducting a home test for pH and drainage is a vital first step. Aiming for a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0 will help your grass absorb nutrients more effectively in this arid environment. Adding organic compost can help improve moisture retention where natural data is unavailable.

Stable Moisture Conditions

The county has recorded zero weeks in drought over the past year, offering a rare period of stability for local landscapes. Despite this, homeowners should practice deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep root systems before the next dry spell. This proactive approach ensures your lawn remains resilient when Nevada's typical dry cycles return.

Planting for Success in 7b

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the recommended choices for this Zone 7b climate. For the best results, start your seeding or sodding projects in early May after the final frost. This timing allows the grass to establish a strong foundation before the summer heat intensifies in July.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carson City's county score?
Carson City, Nevada has a composite county score of 37.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Carson City rank among counties in Nevada?
Carson City ranks #14 among all counties in Nevada on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Carson City, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Carson City is $1,781, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Carson City a tax score of 92.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carson City?
The median household income in Carson City, Nevada is $71,809 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carson City earns an income score of 71/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carson City, Nevada a good place to live?
Carson City scores 37.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Carson City is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Carson City with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.