Humboldt County

Nevada · NV

#9 in Nevada
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Humboldt County, Nevada

Humboldt County matches national strength

Humboldt County's score of 69.3 ranks at the 78th percentile nationally, exceeding the U.S. median of 50.0 by nearly 20 points. The northwestern Nevada county delivers strong, well-rounded livability across multiple dimensions.

Nearly tied with Nevada average

Humboldt County scores 69.3, nearly matching Nevada's state average of 69.5 and ranking sixth among the eight profiled counties. The county represents Nevada's balanced livability profile.

Affordable housing and reasonable incomes lead

Humboldt County delivers a cost score of 72.2 with median rent at $998/month and homes averaging $256,800. A tax score of 87.9 and income score of 35.6 (with median earnings of $79,946) provide solid economic footing.

Health and environmental risk moderate concerns

Health score of 61.3 reflects limited healthcare access typical of rural areas, and risk score of 59.2 signals moderate environmental or economic vulnerabilities. Neither represents a critical weakness but suggests residents should plan healthcare access carefully.

Perfect for working families seeking balance

Humboldt County suits employed families seeking rural Nevada living without extreme sacrifice in income or services. The county offers genuine livability—affordable housing, reasonable wages, and low taxes—for those comfortable with rural life's inherent tradeoffs.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.9Cost72.2SafetyComing SoonHealth61.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.6Risk59.2WaterComing Soon
🏛87.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠72.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼35.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
61.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
59.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Humboldt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

Health in Humboldt County

via HealthByCounty

Humboldt County's health trails the nation

At 74.1 years, Humboldt County residents live about 4.7 years less than the U.S. average of 78.8 years. Nearly one in four residents (23.0%) report poor or fair health—among the highest rates nationally. This rural northwestern Nevada county faces compounding health vulnerabilities.

Among Nevada's worst health outcomes

Humboldt County's 74.1-year life expectancy trails Nevada's state average of 75.2 years, and its 23.0% poor/fair health rate is second-worst in the state, trailing only Esmeralda. The county's 12.3% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average, adding access barriers. Humboldt ranks among Nevada's most health-challenged communities.

Struggling worse than most rural Nevada peers

Humboldt County's 74.1-year life expectancy trails Elko County (75.3 years) and far trails Douglas County (79.1 years). The 23.0% poor/fair health rate is nearly 9 points worse than Elko's (18.2%) and matches Esmeralda's alarming rate. Humboldt's health profile ranks among Nevada's most vulnerable.

Limited providers, higher uninsured rates

Humboldt County's 12.3% uninsured rate exceeds Nevada's 11.7% average, affecting one in eight residents. With 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, access is limited for a rural county. Mental health providers (123 per 100K) are among the state's scarcest, leaving residents with behavioral health needs underserved.

Get insured—Humboldt needs you healthy

Humboldt County's 12.3% uninsured rate means thousands of residents lack healthcare protection despite marketplace availability. The Nevada Health Insurance Marketplace offers subsidized plans for eligible families, especially important given Humboldt's limited local providers. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov to enroll and access care.

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.

ByCounty Network

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