countyscore
42.1
County Score
Property Tax 79.3Income & Jobs 74.5Disaster Risk 52.8

County Report Card

About Churchill County, Nevada

Solid Standing Near the National Median

Churchill County earns a composite score of 42.1, placing it within reach of the national median of 50.0. While it sits slightly below the midpoint, it offers a balanced profile compared to many high-cost coastal counties.

Competitive Within the Nevada Interior

With a 42.1 composite score, Churchill County is just below the Nevada state average of 48.2. It maintains a strong position among the state's rural counties by balancing economic stability with moderate cost of living.

Economic Stability and Moderate Environmental Risk

The county shines with an Income Score of 74.5 and a Tax Score of 79.3, driven by a median household income of $73,268. A Risk Score of 52.8 also shows it is better prepared for natural disasters than many of its Nevada neighbors.

Addressing Education and Infrastructure Costs

School quality is a primary challenge, reflected in a low School Score of 14.8. Additionally, the Cost Score of 21.8 suggests that while home values are moderate at $298,000, housing costs relative to local wages remain a pressure point.

A Haven for Rural Middle-Class Families

This county is well-suited for middle-income families seeking a stable community with lower taxes and manageable environmental risks. It offers a classic Nevada lifestyle for those who value economic predictability over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax79.3Cost21.8Safety49.6Health39.3Schools14.8Income74.5Risk52.8Water30.6Weather36
🏛79.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼74.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡49.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓14.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧30.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Churchill County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Churchill County

via TaxByCounty

Churchill taxes well below national average

Churchill County's 0.560% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 25% nationally, and the median property tax of $1,670 is 38% lower than the U.S. median of $2,690. Despite homes here being valued 6% above the national median, residents pay substantially less in annual taxes.

Slightly above Nevada average rate

At 0.560%, Churchill County's effective tax rate exceeds Nevada's state average of 0.525% by just 0.035 percentage points. The county remains competitive within the state's middle tier of tax rates.

Higher rate than Carson City

Churchill County homeowners pay $1,670 in median annual property tax, compared to $1,781 in nearby Carson City—just $111 less despite Carson City's stronger tax advantage. Elko County to the east offers comparable rates at $1,434.

Annual tax on a typical home

A median Churchill County home valued at $298,000 generates approximately $1,670 in annual property tax. Those with mortgages pay about $1,729, while outright owners pay $1,605.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Many Nevada homeowners discover their assessments exceed fair market value and qualify for tax reductions through formal appeals. Filing an appeal costs nothing and can result in meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Churchill County

via CostByCounty

Churchill rents align with state, exceed nation

Churchill County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio is slightly above Nevada's state average of 18.1% and above the national baseline. With a median household income of $73,268 and median rent of $1,203 per month, renters here spend roughly one-fifth of their income on housing alone.

Modest affordability within Nevada

Churchill County ranks as a moderately priced county statewide, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% that signals tighter affordability than the state average. Its $1,203 median rent exceeds Nevada's state median of $1,127, reflecting limited rental supply in this rural region.

Pricier rents, cheaper homes than neighbors

Churchill County's $1,203 rent is the highest among nearby rural counties, yet its median home value of $298,000 is more affordable than Carson City ($426,700) or Douglas County ($587,400). This split reflects strong owner-occupancy but constrained rental inventory.

Renters squeeze, owners find deals

Renters allocate 19.7% of their $73,268 income to the $1,203 monthly rent, while homeowners pay just 17% toward their $1,039 monthly cost. The lower owner cost reflects Churchill's moderate median home value of $298,000, making ownership more accessible than renting here.

Churchill suits buyers over renters

If you're considering the rural Nevada market, Churchill County offers exceptional value for home buyers with monthly costs nearly half the rent burden. Renters should compare: Churchill's 19.7% rent ratio suggests better deals exist in Humboldt or Elko counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Churchill County

via IncomeByCounty

Churchill County Edges Below National Median

Churchill County's median household income of $73,268 sits about 2% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it solidly in the middle range nationally. Compared to Nevada's state average of $75,206, the county lags by roughly $2,000, reflecting its smaller, more rural character.

Solid Middle Ground Among Nevada Counties

Churchill County ranks in the mid-range of Nevada's 16 counties, holding steady between rural economies and stronger metros like Douglas and Clark counties. The county's $73,268 income reflects a stable mix of agriculture, government, and energy sector employment.

Income Alignment with Carson City and Clark

Churchill County's $73,268 median closely tracks Carson City ($71,809) and Clark County ($73,845), forming a cohesive regional income band across central and southern Nevada. All three counties offer comparable earning potential with distinct regional advantages in cost and quality of life.

Rent Remains Affordable in Churchill County

With a 19.7% rent-to-income ratio, Churchill County residents spend just under one-fifth of household income on rent, matching the state average and staying well below the 30% affordability benchmark. The county's low median home value of $298,000 makes property ownership accessible for wage-earners at the state median.

Leverage Affordability for Financial Goals

Churchill County's lower housing costs compared to Nevada's pricier metros create a genuine opportunity to save and invest beyond rent and mortgage payments. Consider channeling housing savings into retirement accounts, education funds, or diversified investments to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Churchill County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceeding National Safety Standards

Churchill County boasts an impressive 98.2 safety score, far exceeding national expectations. The total crime rate of 1,133.5 per 100,000 is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety in Nevada

The county outperforms the Nevada state average safety score of 97.5. Residents benefit from a total crime rate that is significantly lower than the statewide figure of 1,555.1.

Safer Than Regional Neighbors

At 1,133.5 per 100,000, Churchill is safer than Elko County's 1,701.5 but slightly behind Douglas County. It maintains a strong position in the regional safety rankings.

Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is notably low at 161.4 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average. Property crime at 972.1 makes up the majority of local reports, suggesting a focus on asset protection is key.

Securing Your Rural Property

Local safety relies on community vigilance and secure homes. Installing motion-sensor lighting can further deter the property crimes that constitute the bulk of local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Churchill County

via HealthByCounty

Churchill County's life expectancy trails nationally

At 73.4 years, Churchill County residents live about 5.4 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years. Nearly one in five residents (19.8%) report poor or fair health, roughly in line with national trends. These metrics point to health vulnerabilities in this rural Nevada community.

Ranking below Nevada's health average

Churchill County's 73.4-year life expectancy falls 1.8 years short of Nevada's 75.2-year state average. The county's 19.8% poor/fair health rate is closer to state norms than some peers, but still signals room for improvement. Churchill County's outcomes reflect broader rural health disparities across Nevada.

Similar health profile to Carson City

Churchill County matches Carson City's 73.4-year life expectancy almost exactly, positioning both as Nevada's lower-performing counties on this metric. However, Churchill's uninsured rate (10.3%) is notably better than Carson City's (14.2%). These counties face parallel health challenges but with different access barriers.

Modest insurance coverage with limited providers

Churchill County's 10.3% uninsured rate sits below Nevada's state average of 11.7%, suggesting stronger insurance uptake. Yet the county has only 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below Carson City's 64—reflecting rural provider scarcity. Mental health capacity (236 per 100K) also lags, creating access challenges for residents seeking behavioral health care.

Ensure your family has coverage

While Churchill County's uninsured rate is better than state averages, 10.3% of residents still lack insurance. The Nevada Health Insurance Marketplace opens annually in the fall, and many residents qualify for federal subsidies. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to check your eligibility and enroll in an affordable plan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Churchill County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Education in Churchill County

Churchill County operates eight public schools serving a total enrollment of 4,129 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Most educational services are centralized in a single district, providing a streamlined experience for local families.

Investing in Growth and Performance

The county spends $6,353 per pupil, which is significantly higher than some neighbors but below the national $13,000 average. The current graduation rate stands at 77.0%, while the composite school score matches the regional average of 45.3. These figures suggest a district focused on improving outcomes through steady investment.

Diverse Options through Charters and Districts

The Churchill County School District is the primary provider, serving 3,394 students across seven schools. However, Oasis Academy, a state-sponsored charter school, serves 735 students and accounts for 12.5% of the county's schools. This mix offers families a choice between traditional public schooling and charter alternatives.

The Classic Town-Based School Experience

All eight schools in the county are located in town settings, providing a consistent community-focused atmosphere. Churchill County High School is the largest campus with 1,054 students, while primary schools like Lahontan Elementary maintain a more intimate feel with 474 students. The average school size is 516, ensuring students aren't lost in the crowd.

Find Your Home in Churchill's Close-Knit Districts

Choosing a home in Churchill County means joining a community where schools are the central hub of town life. Many families prioritize residential areas near the high-performing Oasis Academy or the established Churchill County High. Explore local listings to find a neighborhood that supports your student's success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Churchill County

via RiskByCounty

Churchill County: near-average disaster risk

Churchill County's composite risk score of 47.26 sits just slightly above the U.S. average of 50, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category. The county avoids the extreme hazard concentrations seen elsewhere in Nevada, offering more moderate exposure overall.

Below Nevada's risk baseline

At 47.26, Churchill County ranks second-lowest among Nevada's 16 counties and sits just 2% above the state average of 46.25. This makes it one of the safer communities statewide, though still subject to the seismic and wildfire pressures that define the region.

The moderate zone of northern Nevada

Churchill County's score of 47.26 places it between Humboldt County (40.84) to the north and Carson City (76.14) to the south. Neighboring Elko County scores significantly higher at 87.91, making Churchill a relative haven in this geographically diverse region.

Earthquakes and wildfire the main concerns

Earthquake risk scores 91.32 and wildfire risk 64.47—both notable but not extreme compared to Nevada peers. Flooding risk is moderate at 53.21, while tornado and hurricane risks remain minimal, giving Churchill County a more balanced hazard profile.

Prioritize earthquake and wildfire coverage

While Churchill County faces lower overall risk, its earthquake score of 91.32 and wildfire score of 64.47 demand specialized insurance policies. Standard homeowners coverage excludes both hazards, so securing separate earthquake and wildfire policies protects your investment effectively.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Churchill County

via WeatherByCounty

Average temperatures in a dry climate

Churchill County’s 52.8°F annual average temperature aligns almost perfectly with the national median. Despite this typical temperature, its 5.1 inches of annual precipitation is far below the national average.

A warmer pocket of Northern Nevada

At 52.8°F, Churchill stays slightly warmer than the state average of 52.0°F. It serves as a drier, warmer transition zone between the mountains and the eastern basins.

Drier than the capital region

Churchill is significantly drier than Carson City, receiving about 4 inches less rain annually. It also sees far less snow than Humboldt County to the north, which averages 19 inches compared to Churchill's 4.1.

Long summers and light snow

Summer heat is a major factor here, with 71 days per year reaching 90°F or more. Winters are dry and relatively mild for the region, averaging only 4.1 inches of total snowfall.

Prioritize cooling and water storage

Extensive summer heat makes reliable air conditioning essential for the 71 extreme heat days. Xeriscaping is a practical choice for homeowners due to the extremely low 5.1-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Churchill County

via SoilByCounty

Ancient Lake Beds and High pH

The 'Oasis of Nevada' lacks specific taxonomic data in current records, but the valley is famous for its agricultural history. While we lack a specific pH, local growers manage the alkaline traits typical of the Lahontan Valley.

Fine Sediments from the Lahontan Basin

Sand and silt percentages aren't available for Churchill, but the area's history as a terminal lake basin suggests fine sediments. This mix traditionally supports the region's productive alfalfa and melon crops despite the lack of data.

Sustaining Life in a Desert Basin

Organic matter data is missing, though the 2.0% national average is likely a high bar for this desert environment. Water capacity remains the primary challenge for growers outside the heavily managed irrigation districts.

Managing Water in a Closed Basin

Local drainage classes aren't specified, but the valley floor requires careful water management to prevent salt buildup. High evaporation rates dictate how farmers handle hydrology in this arid, low-lying basin.

Famous Melons in Zone 7a

Churchill falls into zone 7a, famously supporting the iconic Hearts of Gold cantaloupe. With consistent irrigation and organic amendments, this soil produces world-class melons, garlic, and high-quality hay.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Churchill County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in Churchill County

Churchill County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 33.3, falling below the national median of 50.0. This score aligns closely with the Nevada state average of 34.4, placing it firmly in the difficult category for Zone 7a. Homeowners must work harder here to overcome the arid conditions of the Lahontan Valley.

Managing Extreme Summer Heat

Lawns must endure 71 days of extreme heat over 90°F with only 5.1 inches of annual precipitation to help. The 3,126 growing degree days indicate a fast-paced growing season that requires vigilant mowing and watering once the May 12 frost passes. Without supplemental irrigation, traditional turf struggles to survive the intense evaporation rates.

Amending for Better Retention

With specific soil metrics currently unavailable for the county, localized testing for sand and clay content is highly recommended. Most valley soils benefit from heavy organic amendments to help hold water against the high heat and low humidity. Aim for a balanced pH to ensure your grass can access the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Watering Through Dry Spells

The county spent 32 weeks in drought over the past year, and nearly a quarter of the area remains abnormally dry. Using smart irrigation controllers can help you navigate these water-scarce periods while maintaining turf health. Prioritizing water conservation is essential in this climate where natural rainfall is extremely rare.

Tough Grass for Tough Climates

Heat-tolerant varieties like hybrid Bermuda or Buffalograss are excellent choices for Churchill's 71 days of intense sun. The best window for planting begins after the last spring frost on May 12. Establishing your lawn early in the season helps the roots deepen before the peak July temperatures arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Churchill County's county score?
Churchill County, Nevada has a composite county score of 42.1 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 Churchill County rank among counties in Nevada?
Churchill County ranks #12 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 Churchill County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Churchill County is $1,670, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Churchill County a tax score of 79.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Churchill County?
The median household income in Churchill County, Nevada is $73,268 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Churchill County earns an income score of 74.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Churchill County, Nevada a good place to live?
Churchill County scores 42.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Churchill County 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 Churchill County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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