countyscore
31.3
County Score
Property Tax 86.4Income & Jobs 76.1Water 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.

2040608010086.47.46.541.318.676.10.464.427.1Tax86.4Cost7.4Safety6.5Health41.3Schools18.6Income76.1Risk0.4Water64.4Weather27.131.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Clark County DNA

Foverall

How Clark County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Clark County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (86.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (6.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
86.4+34.400000000000006
Cost
7.4-40.6
Safety
6.5-48.5
Health
41.3-8.700000000000003
Schools
18.6-35.4
Income
76.1+25.099999999999994
Risk
0.4-46.6
Water
64.4
Weather
27.1-28.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$431,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,626/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$431,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$65,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $76,472/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.5

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

Decatur County
Georgia
Median income: $53,317
31.3
Spalding County
Georgia
Median income: $62,071
31.3
Navarro County
Texas
Median income: $63,111
31.3
Curry County
New Mexico
Median income: $57,309
31.4
Valencia County
New Mexico
Median income: $58,933
31.4
Jackson County
Oregon
Median income: $73,999
31.4
San Patricio County
Texas
Median income: $69,704
31.4
Gray County
Texas
Median income: $59,614
31.2

Nearby counties

Mohave County
Arizona
33.2
San Bernardino County
California
33.4
Washington County
Utah
47
Lincoln County
Nevada
71.2
Coconino County
Arizona
35.5
Iron County
Utah
46.7
La Paz County
Arizona
36.4
Yavapai County
Arizona
40.9

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 $2,057, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. 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 $76,472 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 76.1/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.