countyscore
31.3
County Score
Property Tax 86.4Income & Jobs 75.2Water Quality 64.4

County Report Card

About Clark County, Nevada

Urban Challenges Dampen Composite Scores

Clark County's composite score of 31.3 is notably lower than the national median of 50.0. Despite its global profile, the region's livability metrics are weighed down by the intense pressures of rapid urbanization.

Lags Behind Nevada's Rural Counties

Ranking well below the state average of 48.2, Clark County faces steeper challenges than most of Nevada. While it is the economic engine of the state, its overall livability score suffers from high costs and safety concerns.

Low Taxes and Strong Income Growth

The county's greatest strengths are its Tax Score of 86.4 and Water Score of 64.4. A median household income of $73,845 and a low effective tax rate of 0.496% make it an attractive destination for wealth builders.

Safety Concerns and Environmental Risks

A Safety Score of 6.5 and a Risk Score of 0.4 represent critical areas for improvement in the Las Vegas valley. These numbers indicate significant exposure to crime and natural hazards compared to the rest of the nation.

Ideal for Wealth-Builders and Urbanites

Clark County is best for individuals who prioritize income potential and tax advantages in a vibrant urban setting. Those who can navigate higher safety risks will find the economic opportunities here hard to beat.

Score breakdown

Tax86.4Cost7.8Safety6.5Health41.3Schools18.6Income75.2Risk0.4Water64.4Weather27.1
🏛86.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼75.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤27.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱5.4
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Clark County

Whether buying or refinancing in Clark County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Clark County with Carter County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Carter County
Oklahoma
Median income: $58,856
31.3
Orange County
Texas
Median income: $73,372
31.3
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $63,075
31.4
San Patricio County
Texas
Median income: $67,512
31.4
DeSoto County
Florida
Median income: $50,868
31.5
Genesee County
Michigan
Median income: $60,673
31.5
Buchanan County
Missouri
Median income: $59,423
31.1
Cleveland County
Oklahoma
Median income: $74,446
31.5

Nearby counties

Mohave County
Arizona
32.9
San Bernardino County
California
33.7
Washington County
Utah
46.8
Lincoln County
Nevada
74.7
Coconino County
Arizona
35.2
Iron County
Utah
46.9
La Paz County
Arizona
37.2
Yavapai County
Arizona
40.7

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

Clark County taxes significantly below U.S. median

Clark County's 0.496% effective tax rate places it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties, and the median property tax of $1,990 remains 26% lower than the national median of $2,690. Home values here are 42% above the national average, yet residents enjoy below-average tax burdens.

Among Nevada's lowest-rate counties

Clark County's 0.496% effective rate falls below Nevada's state average of 0.525%, ranking it among the state's most tax-competitive counties. For Nevada's largest county by population, this represents an attractive tax advantage.

Moderate taxes in the Las Vegas region

Clark County residents pay $1,990 in median annual property tax—about $111 more than Churchill County but substantially less than neighboring Douglas County's $2,649. Carson City offers even lower rates at $1,781.

Expected tax on a Clark County home

The median Clark County home valued at $400,800 carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,990. Homeowners with mortgages pay approximately $2,040, while those without mortgages pay $1,888.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Nevada assessments don't always reflect current market conditions, and overassessed homeowners can file appeals to reduce their tax liability. Even a small reduction compounds into significant savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark County's housing crisis is real

At 24.7%, Clark County's rent-to-income ratio is a striking 6.6 percentage points above Nevada's state average and well above national norms. The typical renter pays $1,518 monthly on a $73,845 annual income—spending nearly one-quarter of gross earnings on housing alone.

Most expensive county in Nevada

Clark County is Nevada's least affordable county, with a 24.7% rent-to-income ratio that far exceeds the state median of 18.1%. Its median rent of $1,518 is $391 above the state average, driven by Las Vegas's robust population growth and limited housing supply.

Las Vegas dominates regional prices

Clark County's $1,518 rent is $373 more than Churchill County and $520 more than rural Eureka, reflecting Las Vegas's economic pull. Home values at $400,800 are higher than most rural counties but lower than Douglas County's mountain resort premium of $587,400.

Housing commands nearly a quarter of income

Renters in Clark County allocate 24.7% of their $73,845 income to a $1,518 monthly rent—among the tightest ratios in the nation. Homeowners fare somewhat better at 23.9% of income ($1,471/month), but the median home value of $400,800 remains out of reach for many local earners.

Clark County demands careful budget planning

If you're moving to Las Vegas, expect to dedicate roughly 25% of your income to housing—significantly more than the national standard. Compare your current housing cost ratio: unless you're relocating for a substantial salary increase, consider nearby counties like Churchill or Humboldt for relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark County Just Below U.S. Income Average

Clark County's median household income of $73,845 trails the national median of $74,755 by just 1.2%, reflecting its large, diverse economy anchored by Las Vegas. The county sits slightly below Nevada's state average of $75,206, despite being the state's population and economic engine.

Nevada's Economic Powerhouse Ranks Mid-High

Clark County ranks among Nevada's stronger-earning counties, driven by Las Vegas's robust tourism, gaming, hospitality, and emerging tech sectors. The county's $73,845 median outpaces rural counties but is exceeded by Douglas County's $88,018, the state's clear income leader.

Clark County Leads Its Regional Cohort

Clark County's $73,845 income slightly edges out Carson City ($71,809) and Churchill County ($73,268), establishing it as the strongest earner in the central-southern Nevada corridor. The county's size and economic diversity provide more job options and wage growth potential than smaller rural counties.

Housing Costs Stretch Budgets Here

Clark County's 24.7% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among comparable counties, reflecting Las Vegas's hot real estate market and rising cost of living. While still below the 30% affordability danger zone, renters should budget carefully, and prospective homebuyers face a median home value of $400,800 requiring substantial savings.

Strategic Investing Offsets Rising Housing Costs

Despite elevated housing costs, Clark County's diverse job market and wage opportunities support wealth-building through disciplined saving and investing. Maximize 401(k) matches, explore side income in the gig economy, and consider lower-cost index funds to build long-term security against rising rents and home prices.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clark County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Challenges in Clark County

Clark County faces higher challenges with a safety score of 95.0. Its total crime rate of 3,180.1 per 100,000 exceeds the national average of 2,385.5, reflecting its status as a major urban hub.

Nevada's Most Active Region

The county sits below the Nevada average safety score of 97.5 and has a higher crime rate than the state average of 1,555.1. It represents the most active law enforcement environment in the state with 13 reporting agencies.

Higher Activity Than Neighbors

Compared to Carson City’s 1,414.6, Clark County’s crime rate is more than double. Its high urban density drives figures significantly higher than its more rural Nevada counterparts.

Property Crime Drives Totals

Property crime is the primary driver here at 2,699.5 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 480.6. These figures mean residents are more likely to experience theft than violent encounters.

Prioritizing Metropolitan Security

In a high-traffic area, robust home security is essential. Integrated alarm systems and secure locks help mitigate the elevated property crime risks found in this metropolitan area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clark County

via HealthByCounty

Clark County exceeds U.S. life expectancy

At 76.6 years, Clark County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 78.8 years—though this statistic actually reveals a gap of about 2.2 years. One in five residents (21.0%) report poor or fair health, slightly elevated compared to national rates. Clark County's population size means these health challenges affect hundreds of thousands of people.

Clark County ranks above Nevada average

Clark County's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds Nevada's state average of 75.2 years by 1.4 years. However, the county's 21.0% poor/fair health rate ranks among Nevada's highest, suggesting longevity gains mask underlying health struggles. This paradox reflects Clark's large, diverse population with pockets of significant health disparity.

Outperforming most Nevada counties

Clark County's 76.6-year life expectancy ranks second in Nevada, trailing only Douglas County's 79.1 years. Yet Clark's 21.0% poor/fair health rate is higher than most peers, including Douglas (14.3%) and Churchill (19.8%). The county's large Las Vegas metropolitan population shows longevity gains alongside persistent self-reported health challenges.

High uninsured rate in Nevada's largest county

Clark County's 13.6% uninsured rate exceeds Nevada's 11.7% average despite the county's size and urban infrastructure. With 55 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access is moderate relative to rural peers. Mental health providers (256 per 100K) offer reasonable capacity, yet hundreds of thousands of uninsured residents still struggle to access preventive and routine care.

Don't delay—get insured today

In Clark County, 13.6% of residents lack health insurance, creating barriers to timely care for over 100,000 people. The Nevada Health Insurance Marketplace offers plans throughout the enrollment period, with many residents qualifying for cost-sharing subsidies. Start at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find an affordable option tailored to your household.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clark County

via SchoolsByCounty

Nevada's Largest Educational Hub

Clark County manages a massive network of 447 public schools serving over 369,000 students. The infrastructure is vast, including 279 elementary schools and 88 high schools spread across the Las Vegas valley. This scale makes it one of the largest and most complex school systems in the nation.

High Efficiency in a Growing System

With a graduation rate of 83.0%, Clark County stays competitive with the state average of 84.9%. The district manages these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,250, roughly half the national average. Its composite school score of 48.2 reflects the challenges and successes of managing a high-volume urban population.

A Powerhouse District with Extensive Charters

The Clark County School District dominates the region with 314,346 students enrolled across 378 schools. Charter schools play a major role here, with 80 institutions serving nearly 60,000 students, representing 17.9% of all schools. This dual-system approach offers families an incredible variety of specialized and local educational paths.

From Urban Megaschools to Rural Outposts

The county features a diverse locale mix with 241 city schools and 165 suburban campuses. Schools here are large, with an average size of 833 students and institutions like Coronado High serving over 3,300. Despite the urban density, the county also maintains 31 rural schools to serve outlying communities.

Live Near Exceptional Educational Options

In the Las Vegas metro area, school zoning is a primary consideration for homebuyers seeking top-tier facilities. From the quiet suburbs of Henderson to the bustling city center, finding a home near a preferred school is key. Use local school ratings as a guide to secure your family's future in Clark County.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County faces exceptional disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 99.55, Clark County ranks among the most hazard-exposed areas in the United States—nearly double the national average of 50. This "Very High" rating reflects extreme, multi-hazard vulnerability across the Las Vegas metropolitan region.

Nevada's highest-risk county by far

Clark County's 99.55 score towers over Nevada's state average of 46.25 and exceeds every other Nevada county by a wide margin. The county's size, urban density, and geographic position create a perfect storm of flood, wildfire, and seismic hazards.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Clark County's 99.55 dwarfs Carson City's 76.14 and Douglas County's 84.38, both significant regional hazards. Even Elko County, Nevada's second-riskiest at 87.91, scores 12 points lower, illustrating Clark County's singular vulnerability in the state.

Four major hazards at extreme levels

Flood risk peaks at 99.62, wildfire risk at 99.14, and earthquake risk at 99.11—all near-maximum scores indicating severe, overlapping exposure. Tornado risk, while lower at 9.22, still exceeds most Nevada counties, creating a rare multi-hazard emergency scenario.

Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable

Clark County residents must secure standard homeowners insurance plus separate earthquake, wildfire, and flood policies—all three are critical here. With scores exceeding 99 for flood, earthquake, and wildfire, layered coverage is your essential defense against Clark County's exceptional disaster risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clark County

via WeatherByCounty

Far warmer than the national average

Clark County averages a warm 66.8°F annually, which is nearly 14 degrees higher than the national median. This subtropical desert climate is defined by its intense solar exposure and low humidity.

Nevada’s heat leader

As the hottest county in the state, Clark’s 66.8°F average towers over the Nevada state average of 52.0°F. It represents the extreme southern end of the state's climate spectrum.

Hotter than the central deserts

Clark is significantly warmer than Esmeralda County to the north, which averages just 53.4°F. While both are dry, Clark's summer intensity is unmatched in the region.

Extreme heat dominates the calendar

The county endures a staggering 131 days per year above 90°F. July is particularly intense with an average temperature of 89.4°F, while winters remain mild and mostly snow-free.

Climate control is a necessity

High-performance HVAC systems are critical for managing over four months of extreme heat. Residents must prioritize hydration and sun protection during the long, 131-day hot season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clark County

via SoilByCounty

Mojave Desert Soils and Alkaline Limits

The Mojave Desert dominates Clark County, though specific taxonomic data are not provided in the current survey. Most southern Nevada soils are significantly more alkaline than the 6.5 national median, often requiring sulfur amendments.

The Challenge of Caliche Layers

While sand and clay percentages are unlisted, the region is known for caliche, a hardened layer of calcium carbonate. This creates a unique challenge for root penetration and urban development compared to softer soils found elsewhere.

Low Organic Matter in the Heat

Data for organic matter is unavailable, but it rarely meets the 2.0% national average without intensive landscaping. Success in this desert requires adding significant nutrients to the naturally lean and sandy earth.

Flash Floods and Impermeable Layers

Specific hydrologic groups are missing, yet the caliche layers often block natural drainage entirely. This can lead to surface pooling during flash floods, a stark contrast to how water behaves in typical sandy soil.

Palm Trees and Heat in Zone 9a

Clark County enjoys zone 9a, allowing for heat-loving Mediterranean plants like palms and pomegranates. Desert-adapted species like agave and mesquite are the most reliable choices for this harsh but beautiful terrain.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clark County

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Lawn Challenges in Vegas

Clark County faces some of the nation's toughest growing conditions with a lawn difficulty score of only 5.4. This Zone 9a environment is nearly ten times more difficult than the national average of 50.0. Maintaining green turf here is a high-maintenance endeavor that requires specialized desert techniques.

Enduring Intense Desert Heat

The climate is defined by 131 days of extreme heat and a staggering 6,661 growing degree days. With only 6.9 inches of annual rain, lawns rely almost entirely on irrigation to survive the long gap between the February 4 start and the December 8 frost. Managing this heat requires consistent morning watering to combat the desert's high evaporation rates.

Overcoming Arid Soil Hurdles

Comprehensive soil data is currently missing, but local desert conditions often involve high alkalinity and compacted layers. Testing your specific yard for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is vital for nutrient absorption in Zone 9a. Incorporating sulfur or organic matter can help balance the soil for more resilient grass growth.

Maintaining Lawns During Drought

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, making water conservation the top priority for every resident. Strictly following local watering schedules and using mulching mowers helps retain every possible drop of moisture. These small adjustments are crucial in an environment where natural precipitation is nearly non-existent.

Selecting Desert-Ready Turf

Only the hardiest warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia can handle the 131 days of triple-digit heat. Plant your lawn in early spring after the February 4 frost to give it maximum time to establish. These varieties go dormant in winter but thrive in the intense sunshine that defines Southern Nevada.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clark County's county score?
Clark County, Nevada has a composite county score of 31.3 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 Clark County rank among counties in Nevada?
Clark County ranks #17 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 Clark County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Clark County is $1,990, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Clark County a tax score of 86.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clark County?
The median household income in Clark County, Nevada is $73,845 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 75.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clark County, Nevada a good place to live?
Clark County scores 31.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Clark 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 Clark 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.