countyscore
42.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.3Water Quality 86Property Tax 85

County Report Card

About Elko County, Nevada

Solid Mid-Range National Standing

Elko County earns a composite score of 42.7, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive choice for those seeking a rugged, resource-rich lifestyle without the scores of major metros.

Consistent with State Livability Averages

Elko's score of 42.7 is just under the Nevada state average of 48.2. It represents the quintessential Nevada interior, offering a distinct balance of high wages and rural infrastructure.

Superior Water Quality and High Earnings

Elko excels with a Water Score of 86.0 and an Income Score of 87.3. Residents benefit from a high median household income of $83,427 and extremely reliable local water resources.

Environmental Risks and Community Safety

The county faces challenges with a Risk Score of 12.1 and a Safety Score of 29.0. These figures suggest that while the economy is strong, residents must prepare for environmental hazards and invest in community safety.

Best for High-Wage Outdoor Enthusiasts

Elko County is perfect for those in the mining or energy sectors who want high pay and excellent local resources. It suits residents who value financial independence and are comfortable with a more remote, rugged environment.

Score breakdown

Tax85Cost19.3Safety29Health50.4Schools28.6Income87.3Risk12.1Water86Weather35
🏛85
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼87.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24
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

Elko County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Elko County

via TaxByCounty

Elko taxes rank well below national median

Elko County's median property tax of $1,434 runs 47% lower than the national median of $2,690, while home values closely match the national average at $282,400. The 0.508% effective tax rate places Elko in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties for property tax burden.

Slightly below Nevada's average rate

Elko County's 0.508% effective tax rate sits just below Nevada's state average of 0.525%, making it a competitive option within the state. The county offers a balanced tax environment for rural Nevada residents.

Most affordable of northeast Nevada

Elko County residents pay just $1,434 in median annual property tax—the lowest among its neighbors and well below Churchill County's $1,670 to the north. Home values and tax rates both align closely with the statewide profile.

Annual tax on Elko properties

The median Elko County home valued at $282,400 generates approximately $1,434 in annual property tax. With mortgages, taxpayers pay roughly $1,674; without mortgages, payments drop to about $1,120.

Appeal if your home is overassessed

Rural Nevada counties like Elko sometimes struggle with accurate property valuations, leaving homeowners overassessed relative to market conditions. Filing an appeal is free and can yield meaningful reductions in your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Elko County

via CostByCounty

Elko offers genuine affordability relief

Elko County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Nevada's state average of 18.1% and the national baseline, making it one of Nevada's most affordable counties. With a median household income of $83,427 and median rent of just $1,126, renters here spend less than one-sixth of income on housing.

Elko leads Nevada in affordability

Elko County is Nevada's most affordable county by rent-to-income ratio at 16.2%, significantly better than the state average of 18.1%. Its strong median household income of $83,427—boosted by mining and energy industries—provides residents with genuine spending power beyond housing.

Rural strength with solid wages

Elko's $1,126 rent matches Nevada's state median exactly and is $77 below Carson City, yet Elko's $83,427 median income exceeds most rural neighbors. Its $282,400 median home value is affordable compared to Douglas ($587,400) or Carson City ($426,700), reflecting strong affordability across both rental and owner-occupied markets.

Housing costs stay well below threshold

Renters allocate just 16.2% of their $83,427 income to a $1,126 monthly rent, leaving substantial funds for savings and discretionary spending. Homeowners pay 16.9% toward $1,170 monthly costs, and the median home value of $282,400 is accessible to middle-income households in this mining-dependent region.

Elko County: Nevada's affordability winner

Elko County offers the best housing affordability-to-income ratio in Nevada, ideal for remote workers or those relocating for mining and energy jobs. If you're currently paying more than 16.2% of income for housing, Elko delivers measurable relief with a strong local job market and solid wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Elko County

via IncomeByCounty

Elko County Exceeds U.S. Income Average

Elko County's median household income of $83,427 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by over $8,600, placing it well above the U.S. midpoint. The county outpaces Nevada's state average of $75,206 by $8,221, reflecting strong mining, energy, and agricultural sector wages.

Nevada's Second-Highest Income County

Elko County ranks second only to Douglas County ($88,018) in Nevada's income hierarchy, driven by mining operations, energy production, and ranching employment. The county's $83,427 median household income is significantly higher than mid-tier counties like Clark ($73,845) and Churchill ($73,268).

Economic Strength in Nevada's Northeast

Elko County's $83,427 income substantially exceeds Eureka County ($73,095) and Humboldt County ($79,946), establishing it as the economic leader of northeastern Nevada. The county's extractive industries generate higher wage floors than counties dependent on tourism or government employment.

Lowest Rent Burden in the State

Elko County boasts Nevada's lowest rent-to-income ratio at just 16.2%, meaning households spend only about one-sixth of income on rent, far below the 30% affordability threshold. Combined with the state's lowest median home value of $282,400, Elko offers exceptional housing affordability relative to median income.

Maximize Housing Advantage for Savings

Elko County's combination of high income and low housing costs creates an ideal environment for rapid wealth accumulation and financial independence. Channel savings from below-average housing costs into retirement accounts, education funds, and investment portfolios to compound your earning advantage over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Elko County

via CrimeByCounty

Stable Safety in Elko

Elko County holds a 97.3 safety score, which aligns closely with national standards. Its total crime rate of 1,701.5 per 100,000 remains well below the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Meeting State Benchmarks

The county sits just below the Nevada state average safety score of 97.5. However, its total crime rate of 1,701.5 is slightly higher than the statewide average of 1,555.1.

Mid-Range Regional Safety

Elko experiences more crime than Churchill County’s 1,133.5 but remains significantly safer than Humboldt County’s 2,536.8. It occupies a middle-ground position within the northern Nevada corridor.

Protecting Personal Property

Property crime is the most frequent issue at 1,389.9 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime, at 311.6, is lower than the national average of 369.8, indicating a generally secure person-to-person environment.

Securing Your Elko Home

Residents can help keep Elko safe by securing garages and outbuildings. Visible security measures are effective deterrents against the property crimes that make up most local reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Elko County

via HealthByCounty

Elko County's life expectancy slightly trails nationally

At 75.3 years, Elko County residents live about 3.5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years. Just over one in six residents (18.2%) report poor or fair health, below national averages. This rural mining and ranching county shows reasonable health outcomes for a sparsely populated region.

Slightly above Nevada's health average

Elko County's 75.3-year life expectancy marginally exceeds Nevada's state average of 75.2 years, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. The 18.2% poor/fair health rate ranks among Nevada's better outcomes, suggesting Elko residents perceive their health positively. The county's outcomes reflect a stable, working-age population in a resource-driven economy.

Middle-ground health profile in rural Nevada

Elko County's 75.3-year life expectancy sits between high-performing Douglas County (79.1 years) and struggling rural peers like Eureka (69.7 years). Its 18.2% poor/fair health rate is better than Humboldt County (23.0%) but trails Douglas (14.3%). Elko represents typical rural Nevada health outcomes.

Limited primary care in rural Elko

Elko County's 10.3% uninsured rate matches state averages, suggesting reasonable insurance uptake for a rural county. However, the county has only 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—Nevada's lowest—reflecting classic rural access challenges. Mental health providers (109 per 100K) are also scarce, limiting behavioral health options for residents.

Secure coverage in Elko County

One in ten Elko County residents (10.3%) lack health insurance despite statewide availability of affordable plans. The Nevada Health Insurance Marketplace operates year-round with special enrollment periods for qualifying life events. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to explore subsidized coverage options designed for rural Nevada families.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Elko County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Schooling Across the High Desert

Elko County supports 37 public schools serving a total of 10,391 students. The network includes 18 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 8 high schools, covering a vast geographic area. This robust infrastructure is designed to provide accessible education to widely dispersed communities.

Competitive Spending and Academic Scores

Elko County invests $7,303 per pupil, maintaining a composite school score of 48.9. While the graduation rate of 80.0% is currently below the national average, it remains a focal point for the district's improvement efforts. These metrics show a county committed to providing comprehensive services in a rural context.

Dominant District with Specialized Support

The Elko County School District manages 35 schools and 10,171 students, making it the primary educational driver. The county also includes a correctional school district and one charter school, representing 2.7% of the total school count. This structure ensures that both general and specialized student needs are met across the region.

Rural Roots and Community Campus Life

With 22 of its 37 schools in rural locales, Elko County emphasizes local, community-based learning. Elko High School serves as a major hub with 1,424 students, yet the average school size across the county is a modest 281. This ensures that even in larger schools like Spring Creek High, students maintain a connection to their community.

Root Your Family in Elko's Diverse Schools

From the town center of Elko to the growing communities in Spring Creek, school quality is a major draw for residents. The county's blend of large secondary schools and small rural elementaries offers something for every family. Look for your next home near the district's top-rated campuses to ensure a great start for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Elko County

via RiskByCounty

Elko County faces elevated national risk

With a composite risk score of 87.91, Elko County exceeds the U.S. average of 50 by 76%, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating. The county's northeastern Nevada position creates intense wildfire exposure that drives this above-average vulnerability.

Second-riskiest county in Nevada

Elko County's 87.91 score ranks second statewide, exceeded only by Clark County's 99.55 and ahead of all others. At nearly double Nevada's state average of 46.25, Elko faces disproportionate hazard concentration driven primarily by wildfire risk.

Clear hazard leader in rural Nevada

Elko County's 87.91 stands well above neighboring Eureka County (5.18) and Humboldt County (40.84), making it the clear regional hazard outlier. This dramatic difference illustrates how wildfire exposure—scoring 99.87 here—varies sharply across northeastern Nevada's landscape.

Wildfire risk dominates the county

Wildfire risk reaches 99.87—the highest score among all Nevada counties—reflecting Elko's position in the Great Basin's fire-prone rangelands. Earthquake risk scores 84.16 and flood risk 54.55, both significant but secondary to the overwhelming wildfire threat.

Wildfire insurance is your priority

Elko County residents must secure wildfire coverage immediately—standard homeowners policies exclude this hazard, and with risk at 99.87, gaps are dangerous. Earthquake coverage at 84.16 and flood awareness at 54.55 are also important, but wildfire protection is non-negotiable here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Elko County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the nation's cooler regions

With an annual average of 45.1°F, Elko County is significantly colder than the national median. This high-altitude climate brings long winters and relatively short, mild summers.

Nevada’s cold-weather anchor

Elko is nearly 7 degrees cooler than the Nevada state average of 52.0°F. It is also one of the state's snowiest regions, receiving 47.2 inches of snow annually compared to the state's dry average.

Snowier than the western basins

Elko's 47.2 inches of snow dwarfs the 19 inches seen in neighboring Humboldt County. It also maintains a January average of 25.1°F, which is much colder than the 30.6°F seen in Humboldt.

Harsh winters and brief heat

Winter is the dominant season, with temperatures averaging just 26.4°F from December through February. Extreme heat is rare, with only 27 days per year reaching above 90°F.

Serious winter gear required

Heavy-duty heating systems and snow tires are essentials for Elko's 47-inch snowfall. Outdoor planning should focus on the short summer window when temperatures are most temperate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Elko County

via SoilByCounty

Cold High-Desert Soil Profiles

High-altitude Elko County lacks specific taxonomic records, but its soils are shaped by cold winters and arid summers. Like much of the state, the pH likely trends higher than the 6.5 national average, favoring alkaline-tolerant brush.

From Rugged Peaks to Basin Silts

We lack exact sand and clay percentages for these high-desert expanses. The terrain varies from rugged mountain rock to fine basin silts, affecting how moisture moves through the vast ranching landscape.

Low Capacity in Rangeland Soils

Organic matter data is currently unavailable, though the 2.0% national benchmark is difficult to sustain in this harsh climate. Low available water capacity characterizes the rangelands that define the county's economy.

Steep Runoff and Slow Basins

Hydrologic groups aren't listed, but the steep topography of the Ruby Mountains dictates fast drainage. In the low basins, drainage can be much slower, complicating ranching operations and road construction.

Short Growing Seasons in Zone 5b

With a zone 5b rating, Elko has one of Nevada's shortest and most intense growing seasons. Focus on cold-hardy perennials and quick-maturing greens that can handle the brisk mountain air and lean soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Elko County

via LawnByCounty

Cold-Weather Challenges in Elko

Elko County presents a difficult environment for lawns with a score of 24.0, less than half the national average of 50.0. Maintaining turf in Zone 5b requires specialized knowledge to handle the long, cold winters and short growing season. Residents face a tougher road than the state average of 34.4, mostly due to temperature extremes.

A Short But Intense Window

The growing season is brief, starting after the June 7 frost and ending abruptly on September 18. While 12.0 inches of rain is better than many Nevada counties, the 1,819 growing degree days mean your lawn has very little time to mature. The 27 days of extreme heat are moderate, but the primary challenge is the cold climate.

Focusing on Root Protection

Detailed soil data is currently restricted, so local testing is essential to understand your lawn's specific needs. In this cold Zone 5b environment, improving soil structure with organic matter helps protect roots from the deep winter freeze. Ensuring your pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 will maximize the nutrient uptake during the short summer window.

Combatting Constant Drought

The entire county is currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions, having spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought. With 6.2% of the area in severe drought, efficient water use is mandatory for any landscape. Prioritizing deep-root watering can help your grass survive these prolonged dry periods.

Selecting Cold-Hardy Varieties

Crested Wheatgrass and specific Kentucky bluegrass blends are the best choices for Elko's harsh winters. You must plant quickly in early June to ensure the lawn establishes itself before the first frost arrives in mid-September. These cold-hardy species are designed to survive the sub-zero temperatures typical of Zone 5b.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elko County's county score?
Elko County, Nevada has a composite county score of 42.7 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 Elko County rank among counties in Nevada?
Elko County ranks #9 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 Elko County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Elko County is $1,434, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Elko County a tax score of 85/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Elko County?
The median household income in Elko County, Nevada is $83,427 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Elko County earns an income score of 87.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Elko County, Nevada a good place to live?
Elko County scores 42.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Elko 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 Elko County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.