countyscore
42.6
County Score
Property Tax 84.8Income & Jobs 83.8Schools 62.6

County Report Card

About Humboldt County, Nevada

Solid Performance in Rural America

Humboldt County's composite score of 42.6 puts it within reach of the national median of 50.0. It remains a viable option for those looking to escape high-density urban pressures.

A Strong Contender in Northern Nevada

With a 42.6 score, Humboldt County sits slightly below the state average of 48.2 but remains a pillar of northern Nevada. It maintains its ranking through a balance of high wages and local educational quality.

Excellent Wages and Strong Schools

The county excels with an Income Score of 83.8 and a School Score of 62.6. A median household income of $79,946 supports a lifestyle that prioritizes both economic advancement and family needs.

Safety and Health Resource Gaps

Humboldt faces significant challenges with a Safety Score of 12.9 and a Health Score of 30.5. These numbers highlight the need for more local medical resources and enhanced community policing efforts.

Perfect for Blue-Collar Career Families

This county is a great match for families in the industrial or agricultural sectors who value strong local schools and high earnings. It offers a clear path to middle-class prosperity for those comfortable with rural safety profiles.

2040608010084.823.612.930.562.683.859.238.630.6Tax84.8Cost23.6Safety12.9Health30.5Schools62.6Income83.8Risk59.2Water38.6Weather30.642.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Humboldt County DNA

Foverall

How Humboldt County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Humboldt County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (84.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (12.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.8+32.8
Cost
23.6-24.4
Safety
12.9-42.1
Health
30.5-19.5
Schools
62.6+8.600000000000001
Income
83.8+32.8
Risk
59.2+12.200000000000003
Water
38.6-19.4
Weather
30.6-25.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Humboldt County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$256,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$998/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$256,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,946/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.8

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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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Humboldt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Humboldt County

via TaxByCounty

Humboldt taxes rank in nation's bottom quarter

Humboldt County's median property tax of $1,309 runs 51% below the national median of $2,690, while home values sit just 9% below the national average at $256,800. The 0.510% effective tax rate positions Humboldt firmly in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties for property tax burden.

Slightly above Nevada's average rate

At 0.510%, Humboldt County's effective tax rate edges above Nevada's state average of 0.525% by a negligible margin, making it nearly representative of the state's typical tax environment. The county sits comfortably in Nevada's competitive middle tier.

More affordable than Elko County

Humboldt County residents pay $1,309 in median annual property tax—about $125 less than neighboring Elko County's $1,434, despite similar home values. This small difference reflects Humboldt's slightly lower effective rate.

Expected annual tax on a typical home

The median Humboldt County home valued at $256,800 carries an estimated annual property tax of $1,309. Homeowners with mortgages pay roughly $1,363, while those without mortgages pay $1,219.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Nevada homeowners in rural counties like Humboldt sometimes discover their properties are valued above current market rates, opening the door to successful appeals. Filing a tax appeal is straightforward and could reduce your annual bill meaningfully.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Humboldt County

via CostByCounty

Humboldt County: Nevada's affordability sweet spot

Humboldt County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in Nevada and far below the state average of 18.1%, while its $79,946 median household income exceeds most rural peers. Renters here spend just $998 monthly—the second-lowest rent statewide—on above-average local wages.

Most affordable county in Nevada

Humboldt County tops Nevada's affordability rankings with a 15.0% rent-to-income ratio, beating even Elko and Eureka counties. Its combination of reasonable rents ($998/month), solid incomes ($79,946), and moderate home values ($256,800) creates the state's best overall housing balance.

Best balance of income and rent

Humboldt's $998 rent is lower than Churchill ($1,203) and Carson City ($1,172), yet its $79,946 median income exceeds all rural neighbors except Elko. The $256,800 median home value sits comfortably between rural affordability (Eureka's $102,500) and more urbanized counties.

Housing costs drop below 15 percent

Renters allocate just 15.0% of their $79,946 income to a $998 monthly rent, well below the national norm and Nevada state average. Homeowners pay 17.9% toward their $1,191 monthly costs, making both rental and owner-occupied housing genuinely affordable for middle-income families.

Humboldt: Nevada's best-kept secret

Humboldt County combines Nevada's lowest rent-to-income ratio with competitive wages and moderate home values, making it ideal for families prioritizing affordability. If you're relocating and value financial breathing room alongside small-town living, Humboldt's 15.0% housing cost ratio outperforms every other Nevada county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Humboldt County

via IncomeByCounty

Humboldt County Exceeds National Income Average

Humboldt County's median household income of $79,946 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by over $5,000, placing it solidly above the U.S. midpoint. The county also exceeds Nevada's state average of $75,206, reflecting a relatively strong economy for its rural character.

Third-Highest Income County in Nevada

Humboldt County ranks third among Nevada's 16 counties, trailing only Douglas ($88,018) and Elko ($83,427) in median household income. The county's $79,946 income reflects prosperity from mining, agriculture, energy, and government employment.

Clear Economic Leader in Northwestern Nevada

Humboldt County's $79,946 income substantially outpaces nearby Elko County ($83,427) and stands well ahead of smaller rural counties like Eureka ($73,095). The county's stronger economy makes it a regional employment and opportunity center in northwestern Nevada.

Lowest Rent Burden Among Earning Counties

Humboldt County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio is Nevada's lowest among counties with complete data, meaning residents spend only about one-seventh of household income on rent. Combined with a median home value of $256,800, Humboldt offers exceptional housing affordability that enables aggressive savings.

Exceptional Savings Opportunity in Humboldt County

Humboldt County's combination of above-average income and below-average housing costs creates an outstanding environment for wealth accumulation and financial independence. Maximize this advantage by directing housing savings into retirement accounts, real estate investments, and diversified portfolios to build substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Humboldt County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Above National Average

Humboldt County carries a safety score of 96.0, reflecting a busier crime environment. The total crime rate of 2,536.8 per 100,000 is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5.

Nevada Safety Rankings

The county ranks below the Nevada state average safety score of 97.5. Its total crime rate of 2,536.8 is also notably higher than the statewide average of 1,555.1.

Active Regional Environment

At 2,536.8 per 100,000, Humboldt sees more crime than neighbor Elko County's 1,701.5. It is one of the more active counties for law enforcement in northern Nevada.

Breakdown of Local Crime

Property crime dominates the statistics at 2,166.1 per 100,000. Violent crime is on par with the national average at 370.7, meaning the main risk to residents involves theft or burglary.

Deterring Theft at Home

With property crime rates exceeding the national average, home security systems are a vital tool. Monitoring your property with cameras can help deter potential intruders and safeguard your belongings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Humboldt County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in North-Central Nevada

Humboldt County features 14 public schools serving a student population of 3,329. The system is well-distributed, with eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. This infrastructure ensures that families across the county have local access to every stage of their child's education.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Strong Scores

Humboldt County stands out with a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly beating the national 87% benchmark. The county also maintains a strong composite school score of 56.7, which is well above the state average. These results are achieved with a per-pupil investment of $8,211, demonstrating high efficiency and academic success.

Unified District Driving Local Results

The Humboldt County School District serves all 3,329 students and manages every school in the county. There are no charter schools, as the district's strong performance record maintains high community confidence. This unified approach provides a consistent educational experience from Winnemucca to the most rural outposts.

A Balance of Town and Rural Campuses

The county's schools are split evenly between town and rural locales, reflecting the regional geography. Albert M. Lowry High School is the largest campus with 947 students, while the average school size across the county is 238. This allows for a mix of robust secondary school programs and intimate, community-focused elementary schools.

Join a Community with Top-Tier Schools

Families seeking high graduation rates and proven academic performance should look closely at Humboldt County. With school scores that lead the region, neighborhoods in Winnemucca and surrounding areas are ideal for education-focused buyers. Explore local real estate to find a home near these high-achieving institutions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Humboldt County

via RiskByCounty

Humboldt County: below-average disaster risk

Humboldt County's composite risk score of 40.84 sits slightly below the U.S. average of 50, placing it in the "Very Low" category. The county's northwestern Nevada location avoids the extreme hazard concentrations seen in Clark and Elko counties.

Third-safest county in Nevada

At 40.84, Humboldt County ranks among Nevada's lowest-risk areas, third-safest after Esmeralda (2.13) and Eureka (5.18). The score sits 12% below Nevada's state average of 46.25, reflecting its remote rural character and dispersed population.

Safe zone between extreme hazards

Humboldt County's 40.84 sits well below neighboring Elko County's extreme 87.91, but slightly above Eureka County's 5.18. This positioning reflects Humboldt's balanced exposure—meaningful wildfire risk without the additional earthquake or flood pressures affecting nearby regions.

Wildfire is the primary concern

Wildfire risk dominates at 97.14, reflecting Humboldt's position in Nevada's fire-prone rangelands. Earthquake risk (78.56) and flood risk (16.98) are secondary considerations, while tornado risk remains negligible at 2.07.

Wildfire coverage is most critical

Humboldt County residents should prioritize wildfire insurance—at 97.14, this risk exceeds all others and standard homeowners policies exclude it. Earthquake coverage at 78.56 is also prudent, creating a two-part insurance strategy for the county's primary hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Humboldt County

via WaterByCounty

Grade F with Lower-Than-Average Rate

Humboldt County receives a Grade F for four health violations over the last five years. However, its violation rate of 35.7 per 100,000 people is notably lower than the Nevada average of 51.8.

Watershed Assessment Data Not Available

Water bodies in Humboldt County have not yet been assessed under the federal §303(d) standards. This means there is no current data on the share of impaired water bodies in the region.

Broad Monitoring Footprint in Humboldt

A robust network of 74 monitoring sites has recorded 3,732 results over five years. Most measurements focus on inorganic compounds, metals, and physical characteristics of the water.

Critical Low Flow at Rose Creek

The Humboldt River near Rose Creek is flowing at just 20 cfs, representing a mere 9% of its typical long-term mean. This indicates extreme drought conditions or significant water diversion at this time.

Watch for Drought-Related Quality Issues

Extreme low streamflow can degrade water quality by concentrating naturally occurring contaminants. Residents should check their annual water reports for the specific health violations that led to the county's Grade F.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Humboldt County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the national median

Humboldt County’s average annual temperature of 49.7°F sits a few degrees below the national median. It experiences a classic Great Basin climate with cold winters and hot, dry summers.

Near the Nevada average

At 49.7°F, Humboldt is slightly cooler than the Nevada state average of 52.0°F. Its precipitation of 8.8 inches almost exactly matches the state's average of 8.6 inches.

Warmer than Elko and Eureka

Humboldt is significantly warmer and less snowy than Elko County. It sees 57 days of extreme heat, which is notably more than the 39 days recorded in neighboring Eureka.

Hot summers and steady snow

Summer brings 57 days over 90°F, while July averages 72.9°F. Winter remains active with 19.0 inches of annual snowfall and a winter average temperature of 31.8°F.

Be ready for two extremes

HVAC systems must be robust enough to handle both the 57 extreme heat days and the freezing winter lows. Winter tires are recommended to navigate the 19 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Humboldt County

via SoilByCounty

Sagebrush Plains and Alkaline Chemistry

Northwest Nevada's Humboldt County currently lacks detailed taxonomic and pH records. Like its neighbors, it likely features the alkaline soil chemistry common to the Great Basin's vast, arid landscapes.

Light Soils and Wind Erosion

Precise sand and silt ratios are not listed, but the region is characterized by expansive sagebrush plains. These soils are often light and easily moved by the wind without proper plant cover or windbreaks.

Managing Water in the North

Data for organic matter and water capacity is unavailable, though levels likely trail the 2.0% national average. Success for local growers depends on carefully managing the limited available water and building soil structure.

Humboldt River Basin Hydrology

We lack specific drainage classes, but the Humboldt River basin dictates local hydrology. Natural drainage varies significantly between the riverbanks and the surrounding mountains, affecting both farming and ranching.

Hardy Grains and Roots in Zone 6a

Humboldt County resides in zone 6a, a climate well-suited for alfalfa and hardy grains. Home gardeners find success with root vegetables and berries that can withstand the fluctuating desert temperatures and dry air.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Humboldt County

via LawnByCounty

Humboldt's High Desert Challenge

Humboldt County earns a lawn difficulty score of 44.0, making it easier than the state average of 34.4. However, it remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0 due to its dry, high-desert environment. Living in Zone 6a requires a balanced approach to managing both summer heat and winter cold.

Timing for the Great Basin

Lawns must endure 57 days of extreme heat with just 8.8 inches of annual rain to cool them down. The growing season lasts from late May to late September, providing 2,502 growing degree days for your turf to develop. Careful irrigation is necessary to supplement the low rainfall and survive the nearly two months of 90°F+ temperatures.

Optimizing Your Yard's Soil

Detailed soil metrics are not currently listed for the county, so checking your own plot for clay and pH is a priority. Most Great Basin soils benefit from the addition of gypsum or compost to improve texture and drainage. Keeping your pH near the 6.0-7.0 ideal will help your grass stay green despite the 57 extreme heat days.

Protecting Lawns in Dry Years

The county is currently 96.2% abnormally dry, despite only seeing 6 weeks of official drought over the past year. Homeowners should utilize mulch and smart watering schedules to keep moisture in the soil during the hottest months. Building a deep root system now will protect your lawn if a multi-year drought begins.

Starting Strong in Zone 6a

Tall fescue is a top-performing choice for this region because of its deep root system and heat tolerance. Schedule your planting for late May once the final frost risk on May 30 has subsided. This gives the grass a full summer of 2,502 growing degree days to establish itself before the first fall freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Humboldt County's county score?
Humboldt County, Nevada has a composite county score of 42.6 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 Humboldt County rank among counties in Nevada?
Humboldt County ranks #10 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 Humboldt County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Humboldt County is $1,309, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Humboldt County a tax score of 84.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Humboldt County?
The median household income in Humboldt County, Nevada is $79,946 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Humboldt County earns an income score of 83.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Humboldt County, Nevada a good place to live?
Humboldt County scores 42.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Humboldt 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 Humboldt 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.