countyscore
48.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.8Property Tax 69.7Cost of Living 67.7

County Report Card

About Eureka County, Nevada

Approaching the National Livability Median

Eureka County holds a composite score of 44.9, placing it just shy of the national 50.0 median. It offers a very competitive livability profile for a remote, rural western county.

Mirroring the Silver State Average

Eureka's score of 44.9 is very close to the Nevada state average of 48.2. It holds its own against more populated counties by offering a specific blend of affordability and environmental stability.

Low Environmental Risk and Affordable Living

The county boasts an exceptional Risk Score of 94.8 and a strong Cost Score of 67.5. With median gross rent at just $940, it is one of the most affordable and disaster-resilient places in the state.

Public Safety and Water Quality

Eureka faces difficulties with a low Safety Score of 8.3 and a Water Score of 23.3. These indicators suggest that infrastructure improvements and crime prevention are the primary areas needing community attention.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Rural Living

Eureka County is a strong fit for individuals seeking low-cost housing and a community with very low natural disaster risks. It rewards those who are self-sufficient and comfortable in a remote setting.

2040608010069.767.78.340.851.66394.823.330.8Tax69.7Cost67.7Safety8.3Health40.8Schools51.6Income63Risk94.8Water23.3Weather30.848.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Eureka County DNA

Foverall

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

Eureka County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (94.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (8.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.7+17.700000000000003
Cost
67.7+19.700000000000003
Safety
8.3-46.7
Health
40.8-9.200000000000003
Schools
51.6
Income
63+12
Risk
94.8+47.8
Water
23.3-34.7
Weather
30.8-25.2
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Whether buying or refinancing in Eureka County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$82,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$969/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$82,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,473/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Nearby counties

Lander County
Nevada
41.4
White Pine County
Nevada
58.9
Elko County
Nevada
43
Churchill County
Nevada
42.5
Pershing County
Nevada
72.7
Humboldt County
Nevada
43
Mineral County
Nevada
49.5
Nye County
Nevada
35.1

Deep Dives

Eureka County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Eureka County

via TaxByCounty

Eureka County data limited but available

Eureka County's median property tax of $541 is among Nevada's lowest in absolute terms, though the county's home value data remains unavailable, making direct national comparisons challenging. What we know: residents of this ultra-sparse county pay considerably less than the national median of $2,690.

Sparse data reflects sparse population

Eureka County's median property tax of $541 ranks among Nevada's lowest, though the county's effective tax rate cannot be reliably calculated due to limited home value data. This reflects Eureka's status as one of Nevada's smallest and most remote counties.

Lowest-tax county in central Nevada

Eureka County's $541 median property tax is significantly lower than neighboring Esmeralda County's $604, and far below Elko County's $1,434 to the north. The difference underscores Eureka's extremely limited property base.

Property tax in Nevada's emptiest county

Eureka County residents report median property taxes around $541 annually, though individual assessments vary widely. Those without mortgages average $400; those with mortgages report $2,233, reflecting considerable variation in the county's sparse property market.

Appeal even in small, remote counties

Eureka County's minimal tax records and sparse comparable sales can lead to questionable assessments, making appeals particularly valuable for local homeowners. Nevada law protects your right to challenge valuations, regardless of county size.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Eureka County

via IncomeByCounty

Eureka County Slightly Below National Income Median

Eureka County's median household income of $73,095 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $1,660, placing it near the middle of American counties. The county falls slightly below Nevada's state average of $75,206, reflecting its small rural economy and limited diversification.

Stable Mid-Range Earner in Nevada

Eureka County ranks in Nevada's middle tier with a median household income of $73,095, holding steady between smaller rural counties and higher-earning areas like Douglas and Elko. The county's economy relies on mining, agriculture, and government employment, supporting stable if modest household incomes.

Comparable to Carson City and Churchill County

Eureka County's $73,095 median closely aligns with Churchill County ($73,268) and Carson City ($71,809), forming a stable income band across Nevada's more rural and less developed counties. All three rank below the state average but above the poorest rural counties.

Excellent Housing Affordability in Eureka

Eureka County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio is among Nevada's lowest, meaning residents spend just over one-seventh of household income on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home value data is unavailable, but the low rent burden suggests exceptional housing affordability for the region.

Low Housing Costs Enable Meaningful Savings

Eureka County's low rent burden creates an excellent foundation for building savings and investments relative to median income. Focus on establishing an emergency fund, contributing to retirement accounts, and exploring local investment or business opportunities to convert housing cost advantages into long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Eureka County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Than National Average

Eureka County reports a safety score of 95.3, which is lower than many Nevada peers. Its total crime rate of 2,959.3 per 100,000 exceeds the national average of 2,385.5.

A Busy Law Enforcement Year

The county falls below the Nevada average safety score of 97.5 and has a higher crime rate than the state average of 1,555.1. Residents experience a more active crime landscape than the typical Nevadan.

More Activity than Elko

Eureka’s rate of 2,959.3 is higher than Elko County’s 1,701.5. It stands out as having more reported activity than its more populous neighbor to the east.

Property Concerns Dominate

The rate is driven heavily by property crime at 2,589.4 per 100,000, while violent crime matches the national average at 369.9. These numbers suggest that protecting assets like vehicles and equipment is a primary concern.

Strengthening Local Security

High property crime rates make home security a top priority. Investing in reinforced locks and motion-activated cameras can help protect your household against local trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Eureka County

via WeatherByCounty

High altitude and cool air

Eureka County’s annual average temperature of 46.6°F is well below the national median of 53°F. The high elevation creates a temperate but cool climate with significant seasonal shifts.

Cooler than the state mean

Eureka stays roughly 5 degrees cooler than the Nevada state average of 52.0°F. It is also slightly wetter than the state average, recording 9.5 inches of precipitation annually.

A middle ground for snowfall

With 36.5 inches of snow, Eureka is snowier than Humboldt (19 inches) but less buried than Elko (47.2 inches). It shares the cold winter profile of its northeastern neighbors.

Cold winters and moderate summers

Winters are chilly with a January average of 27.0°F and steady snowfall. Extreme heat is limited to just 39 days a year, as July averages remain a comfortable 69.6°F.

Focus on insulation and winter prep

Quality home insulation is vital to handle winter averages of 28.2°F. Residents should keep snow shovels ready for the 36-inch annual average while enjoying the mild summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Eureka County

via SoilByCounty

Basin and Range Soil Complexity

Central Nevada's Eureka County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in the current survey. Its basin-and-range geography typically harbors alkaline soils that sit well above the 6.5 national median.

Diamond Valley Silts and Sands

Sand and clay percentages are not available for this high-desert county. The mix varies between the deep Diamond Valley floor and the rocky mountain slopes, impacting drainage and agricultural workability.

Unlocking Potential with Irrigation

No data exists for organic matter or water capacity, though both are likely lower than national averages. Intensive irrigation and soil building are required to unlock the agricultural potential of these dry lands.

Slow Drainage in Agricultural Valleys

While specific hydrologic data is missing, the county's large valleys are designed for slow-moving groundwater. Managing drainage is crucial for the hay and alfalfa farms that thrive in the flatter parts of the county.

Frost-Tolerant Crops for Zone 5b

Eureka sits in zone 5b, necessitating a focus on frost-tolerant crops and a short summer window. High-altitude gardening here rewards those who plant garlic and hardy berries in well-amended, protected beds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Eureka County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf in Eureka

Eureka County is a difficult place for a lawn, with a score of just 22.1 on the difficulty scale. This is much lower than the Nevada state average of 34.4 and far below the national median of 50.0. The combination of high altitude and low moisture makes maintaining a traditional lawn a serious commitment.

Navigating a Narrow Growing Season

The window for growth is very tight, starting after the June 7 frost and ending by September 21. With 39 extreme heat days and only 9.5 inches of rain, you must provide constant care to keep grass healthy. The 2,036 growing degree days reflect a climate where plants must grow quickly before the cold returns.

Local Testing is Essential

Specific soil data for Eureka is currently unavailable, meaning a home test kit is your best tool for success. Focus on identifying your soil's drainage class and pH level to ensure the 9.5 inches of rain is used efficiently. Adding organic matter can help bridge the gap between Nevada's dry soil and the needs of a healthy lawn.

Managing 100% Drought Conditions

Every acre of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 53 straight weeks of drought conditions. Water conservation techniques, like using rain sensors and drip lines for surrounding plants, are essential to preserve your main turf. Deep watering once a week is better than light daily misting in these parched conditions.

Planting for the High Plateau

Native grass mixes or cold-hardy Kentucky bluegrass are the best bets for the 5b hardiness zone. You must act fast during the brief window after June 7 to ensure the roots take hold before the September frost. These varieties are resilient enough to handle the 39 heat days while surviving the long Eureka winters.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eureka County's county score?
Eureka County, Nevada has a composite county score of 48.1 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 Eureka County rank among counties in Nevada?
Eureka County ranks #8 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 Eureka County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Eureka County is $511, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Eureka County a tax score of 69.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Eureka County?
The median household income in Eureka County, Nevada is $70,473 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Eureka County earns an income score of 63/100 on CountyScore.
Is Eureka County, Nevada a good place to live?
Eureka County scores 48.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Eureka 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 Eureka 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.