countyscore
44.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.8Income & Jobs 74.2Cost of Living 67.5

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.

2040608010067.58.340.851.674.294.823.330.8Tax—Cost67.5Safety8.3Health40.8Schools51.6Income74.2Risk94.8Water23.3Weather30.844.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Eureka County DNA

Foverall

How Eureka County compares to the national average across 9 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

Cost
67.5+19.5
Safety
8.3-46.7
Health
40.8-9.200000000000003
Schools
51.6
Income
74.2+23.200000000000003
Risk
94.8+47.8
Water
23.3-34.7
Weather
30.8-25.2
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Eureka County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

N/A

Median Rent

$940/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

N/A/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,600/yr

30% rent rule

Local median income: $73,095/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
Compare Eureka County with Pope County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pope County
Arkansas
Median income: $54,606
44.9
Johnson County
Missouri
Median income: $67,123
44.9
Sarpy County
Nebraska
Median income: $101,402
44.9
Pender County
North Carolina
Median income: $76,838
44.9
Gilliam County
Oregon
Median income: $64,219
44.9
Darlington County
South Carolina
Median income: $47,419
44.9
Gibson County
Tennessee
Median income: $59,009
44.9
DeWitt County
Texas
Median income: $64,014
44.9

Nearby counties

Lander County
Nevada
39.6
White Pine County
Nevada
59.8
Elko County
Nevada
42.7
Churchill County
Nevada
42.1
Pershing County
Nevada
72.3
Humboldt County
Nevada
42.6
Mineral County
Nevada
47.9
Nye County
Nevada
36.1

Deep Dives

Eureka County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Eureka County

via CostByCounty

Eureka offers rural Nevada's best deal

Eureka County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among Nevada's populated counties and well below the state average of 18.1%. With a median household income of $73,095 and median rent of just $940 monthly, renters here dedicate only about 15 cents of every dollar earned to housing.

Second-most affordable in Nevada

Eureka County ranks as Nevada's second-most affordable county by rent-to-income ratio at 15.4%, trailing only Elko County's 16.2%. Its median rent of $940 is the lowest statewide, reflecting a tiny population and minimal rental competition in this historic mining region.

Smallest rent bills in rural Nevada

Eureka's $940 median rent is $186 below Carson City and $263 below Churchill County, making it Nevada's cheapest rental market. Owner costs of just $365 monthly are extraordinarily low, though the unavailable median home value suggests limited market data for this county of fewer than 1,500 residents.

Minimal housing burden statewide

Renters allocate a mere 15.4% of their $73,095 income to a $940 monthly rent—the most favorable ratio in Nevada's populated counties. Homeowners pay just 6% of income ($365/month) toward housing, reflecting a county where rural affordability reaches its apex.

Eureka for resilient remote workers

Eureka County delivers Nevada's best housing affordability for those capable of thriving in extreme isolation, with rent and mortgage costs far below state norms. If you're a fully remote worker seeking maximum housing savings and don't require urban amenities, Eureka's 15.4% rent ratio offers unparalleled relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Eureka County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Scale, Big Educational Infrastructure

Eureka County maintains three public schools that serve a total of 333 students. The infrastructure is streamlined into two elementary schools and one high school, providing a complete K-12 path within the county. This small-scale system is designed for maximum efficiency and local accessibility.

Leader in School Quality and Spending

Eureka County excels with a school score of 62.7, far outperforming the state average of 52.2. The county backs this performance with a generous $14,901 per-pupil expenditure, which is among the highest in the state. While the 75.0% graduation rate is a current focus for growth, the high score indicates strong foundational quality.

A Focused Single-District Approach

The Eureka County School District manages 100% of the students and all three schools in the region. There are no charter schools, as the community relies on the high-performing traditional district to deliver results. This local control allows the district to pivot resources quickly to meet the needs of its 333 students.

Quiet Rural Learning in Eureka

All schools in the county operate in rural locales, creating a peaceful and focused learning environment. Eureka County High School is the largest campus with 161 students, while Crescent Valley Elementary offers a very intimate setting with just 33 students. The average school size is 111, fostering a close-knit and supportive atmosphere.

Find Your Home Near High-Value Schools

For families moving to the area, Eureka County offers the rare combination of high per-pupil spending and small class sizes. Living here means your children attend some of the highest-scoring schools in the state of Nevada. Browse local listings to find a home that grants your family access to this premium rural education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Eureka County

via RiskByCounty

Eureka County: exceptionally low risk

Eureka County's composite risk score of 5.18 ranks it among the safest counties nationwide, roughly 10% of the U.S. average of 50. This "Very Low" rating reflects its sparse population and remote location in central Nevada's high desert.

Nevada's second-safest county

At 5.18, Eureka County ranks second-lowest statewide, exceeding only Esmeralda County's 2.13. The score sits roughly 90% below Nevada's state average of 46.25, making this one of the few truly low-risk areas in the state.

Safe haven amid moderate-to-high risk

Eureka County's 5.18 stands far below neighbors Elko County (87.91) and Humboldt County (40.84), offering dramatically lower exposure. This rural oasis exemplifies how Nevada's hazard distribution clusters in populated and fire-prone regions while sparing isolated areas.

Wildfire concern despite overall safety

Even in Eureka County's low-risk profile, wildfire scores 90.94—likely reflecting seasonal exposure across the region's sagebrush landscape. Earthquake (41.73), flood (7.73), and tornado (1.05) risks remain minimal, making wildfire the only meaningful hazard consideration.

Basic coverage adequate, wildfire recommended

Standard homeowners insurance generally provides adequate protection in Eureka County's low-risk environment. However, adding wildfire coverage at 90.94 offers reasonable precaution given seasonal fire season exposure across the Great Basin, even in this otherwise exceptionally safe county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Eureka County

via WaterByCounty

Grade F for Drinking Water Compliance

Eureka County has a Grade F, with its violation rate of 101.3 per 100,000 residents nearly doubling the state average. Although only one health violation was recorded, its impact is high relative to the population.

Assessed Watersheds Show No Impairment

The 2022 reporting cycle indicates that 0.0% of the assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. The monitored segments currently meet Clean Water Act standards for their designated uses.

Focused Nutrient and Metal Monitoring

Despite having only six monitoring sites, the county has generated 1,540 results over five years. The primary focus of these readings includes metal concentrations and nutrient levels.

Low Flows on the Humboldt River

The Humboldt River at Dunphy is flowing at 104 cfs, which is only 28% of its typical long-term mean. This suggests a significant deficit in surface water volume compared to historical averages.

Caution During Low Flow Periods

With drinking water compliance failing and streamflow at critical lows, residents should be alert for changes in water taste or appearance. Low river volumes can increase the concentration of pollutants, making source water more difficult to treat.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 44.9 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 $541.
What is the median household income in Eureka County?
The median household income in Eureka County, Nevada is $73,095 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Eureka County earns an income score of 74.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Eureka County, Nevada a good place to live?
Eureka County scores 44.9/100 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.