CountyScore

Douglas County

Nevada · NV

#14 in Nevada
65
County Score

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Nevada

Douglas County ranks in top third nationally

Douglas County's score of 65.0 places it at the 65th percentile nationally, outpacing the U.S. median of 50.0 by 15 points. The county delivers well-above-average livability anchored by strong income and health metrics.

Competitive with Nevada's top tier

Douglas County scores 65.0, placing it fifth among the eight profiled Nevada counties but only 4.5 points below the state average. The Tahoe region county punches solidly in Nevada's middle-upper livability range.

Highest incomes and excellent health outcomes

Douglas County leads with an income score of 40.8 and median household income of $88,018, the highest among all profiled counties. Its health score of 75.2 is exceptional, reflecting strong wellness and healthcare access in the Lake Tahoe region.

High housing costs squeeze affordability

The cost score of 57.3 reflects Douglas County's premium positioning, with median homes at $587,400 and rent at $1,545/month. These prices significantly exceed other Nevada counties, challenging families despite above-average incomes.

Perfect for affluent families seeking wellness

Douglas County suits well-earning families prioritizing health, outdoor recreation, and mountain living over maximum affordability. The county's high incomes and superior health outcomes justify premium housing costs for those who can afford them.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89.6Cost57.3SafetyComing SoonHealth75.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.8Risk15.6WaterComing Soon
🏛89.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤75.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Douglas County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Montgomery County
Alabama
65
Median income: $58,153
Mohave County
Arizona
65
Median income: $55,799
Navajo County
Arizona
65
Median income: $52,752
Adams County
Illinois
65
Median income: $64,962
Massac County
Illinois
65
Median income: $62,584

Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas County taxes track near national median

Douglas County's median property tax of $2,649 sits just below the national median of $2,690, despite an effective tax rate of 0.451%—among the lowest in the nation. The county's exceptionally high home values ($587,400 median) combined with a low rate create this near-national-average tax bill.

Lowest effective rate in Nevada

At 0.451%, Douglas County boasts Nevada's most competitive effective tax rate, nearly a full percentage point below the state average of 0.525%. This ranking makes it Nevada's premier tax haven for property owners.

Highest-value homes, lowest tax rate

Douglas County homes average $587,400—far exceeding neighboring Carson City ($426,700) and Clark County ($400,800)—yet property tax rates remain the state's lowest. The result: residents pay $2,649 annually, higher than neighbors, but their effective rate advantage is substantial.

What luxury homeowners pay annually

A median Douglas County home valued at $587,400 generates approximately $2,649 in annual property tax. Homeowners with mortgages pay about $2,549, while outright owners pay $2,839.

Even low-rate counties see assessment errors

High-value properties in Douglas County sometimes carry inflated assessments that don't reflect actual market conditions. Appealing an overvaluation could save thousands annually, regardless of the county's already-favorable tax rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Douglas County

via CostByCounty

Douglas County: affluent and pricey

Douglas County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Nevada's state average of 18.1%, yet its $88,018 median household income is the highest in the state and 18% above the national median. Renters here earn more but also face steeper housing costs, paying $1,545 monthly in rent.

Second-most expensive Nevada county

Douglas County ranks among Nevada's least affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio, at 21.1%, though its higher incomes cushion the burden compared to Clark County's 24.7%. Its median home value of $587,400—the highest statewide—reflects its desirability as a Lake Tahoe resort and bedroom-community destination.

Lake Tahoe premium reshapes the market

Douglas County's $1,545 rent and $587,400 median home value dwarf those of rural neighbors like Churchill ($298,000 homes) and Eureka ($102,500 homes). Even Carson City's homes ($426,700) cost $160,000 less, underscoring Douglas's upscale positioning in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

High income, higher housing costs

Renters allocate 21.1% of their $88,018 income to $1,545 monthly rent, while homeowners pay 20.3% toward $1,487 monthly costs. The median home value of $587,400 requires substantial savings to afford, limiting accessibility despite the county's above-average wages.

Douglas for affluent seekers only

Douglas County suits high-earners drawn to Lake Tahoe's mountain lifestyle and proximity to California, but expect premium housing costs. If your household income exceeds $100,000, Douglas offers more breathing room; below that threshold, rural Nevada counties like Humboldt or Eureka offer better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas County Leads Nevada in Income

Douglas County's median household income of $88,018 significantly exceeds both the national median of $74,755 and Nevada's state average of $75,206, ranking it in the top tier nationally. The county's $13,263 advantage over the national median reflects a prosperous, mountain-resort-adjacent economy.

Nevada's Highest-Earning County by Far

Douglas County dominates Nevada's income rankings with a median household income of $88,018, substantially outpacing the second-tier counties like Elko ($83,427) and Humboldt ($79,946). The county's proximity to Lake Tahoe and the California border drives premium wages in tourism, real estate, and professional services.

Significantly Ahead of All Regional Peers

Douglas County's $88,018 income towers over nearby Carson City ($71,809), Churchill County ($73,268), and Clark County ($73,845), reflecting its exclusive mountain-resort character and affluent population. The gap of $14,000+ per household represents one of Nevada's starkest regional income divides.

High Income Balanced by High Home Costs

Douglas County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio is reasonable, but the median home value of $587,400 is the highest in Nevada, requiring significant down-payment savings and long-term financial commitment. Higher incomes here must contend with proportionally higher living costs, especially for real estate.

Premium Incomes Enable Aggressive Wealth Building

Douglas County's elevated household income creates unique opportunities for aggressive wealth-building through real estate equity, retirement savings, and investment diversification. Take full advantage of tax-advantaged accounts, consider real estate investment opportunities in the region, and consult a financial advisor to optimize your substantial income for long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Douglas County

via HealthByCounty

Douglas County's exceptional health advantage

At 79.1 years, Douglas County residents live 0.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.8 years—among the healthiest in the nation. Only 14.3% of residents report poor or fair health, well below national and state averages. This rural county's outcomes rival affluent American communities.

Nevada's healthiest county by far

Douglas County's 79.1-year life expectancy leads all Nevada counties by 3.9 years, far exceeding the state average of 75.2 years. The county's 14.3% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in the state, suggesting both strong health outcomes and positive health perception. Douglas County stands as a model for Nevada's public health potential.

Dramatically outpacing other Nevada counties

Douglas County's 79.1-year life expectancy surpasses every comparable Nevada county—nearly 6 years ahead of Carson City and Churchill County. Even Elko County (75.3 years) and Humboldt County (74.1 years) trail significantly. Douglas County's success reflects a combination of favorable demographics, healthcare access, and community health factors.

Strong insurance coverage, moderate provider access

Douglas County's 10.0% uninsured rate ranks among Nevada's best, just below the state average. With 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access is competitive for a rural county. However, mental health providers (166 per 100K) are below state averages, suggesting a potential gap in behavioral health services despite overall strong outcomes.

Maintain coverage to stay healthy

Douglas County's strong health outcomes are partly driven by its relatively low 10.0% uninsured rate. If you're among the uninsured, the Nevada Health Insurance Marketplace offers plans during annual enrollment. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find coverage that helps you maintain Douglas County's health advantage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Douglas County

via RiskByCounty

Douglas County: well above national risk

Douglas County's composite risk score of 84.38 significantly exceeds the U.S. average of 50, placing it in the "Relatively Moderate" category. The county's western Sierra Nevada location exposes residents to formidable earthquake and wildfire threats.

Third-riskiest county in Nevada

At 84.38, Douglas County ranks third among Nevada's 16 counties, behind only Clark (99.55) and Elko (87.91). This score nearly doubles Nevada's state average of 46.25, reflecting the county's extreme earthquake (96.31) and wildfire (97.93) exposure.

Peer of Carson City's hazard exposure

Douglas County's 84.38 exceeds Carson City's 76.14 slightly, though both share similar earthquake (96.31 vs. 96.63) and wildfire threats. However, Douglas County experiences notably higher flood risk at 73.76 compared to Carson City's 46.06, driven by proximity to Sierra snowmelt and storm systems.

Wildfire, earthquakes, and flooding align

Wildfire risk dominates at 97.93, followed closely by earthquake risk at 96.31 and flood risk at 73.76. These three hazards create overlapping seasonal and seismic threats that define Douglas County's emergency preparedness landscape.

Three specialized policies are essential

Douglas County residents need earthquake, wildfire, and flood insurance—standard homeowners policies exclude all three. With wildfire at 97.93, earthquakes at 96.31, and flooding at 73.76, comprehensive coverage across these hazards is your critical first step.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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