countyscore
39.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.1Disaster Risk 83Property Tax 70.4

County Report Card

About Lander County, Nevada

Lander Trailing National Medians

Lander County earns a composite score of 39.6, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a rural profile that struggles to match broader national standards in infrastructure and public safety.

Below the Nevada Average

The county's overall score sits nearly 9 points below the Nevada state average of 48.2. While it offers high earning potential, it lags behind the state's more developed regions in collective livability metrics.

Strong Incomes and Low Environmental Risk

The county excels in financial metrics with an income score of 88.1, bolstered by a median household income of $84,474. It also demonstrates high resilience with a risk score of 83.0, suggesting it is well-positioned against natural disasters.

Safety and Cost Concerns

A low safety score of 13.6 presents a major challenge for the local community. Additionally, the cost score of 24.8 indicates that housing affordability is a persistent issue despite the high local wages.

Built for High-Earning Professionals

This county best suits industrial or mining professionals who prioritize high salaries over local amenities or public safety. It offers great financial upside but requires trade-offs in lifestyle and housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax70.4Cost24.8Safety13.6Health42.7Schools34.3Income88.1Risk83Water29.6Weather39.8
🏛70.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠24.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡13.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.8
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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Compare Lander County with Lyon County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Eureka County
Nevada
44.9
Churchill County
Nevada
42.1
Pershing County
Nevada
72.3
Mineral County
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47.9
Humboldt County
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Lyon County
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White Pine County
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Storey County
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53.9

Deep Dives

Lander County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lander County

via TaxByCounty

Lander County taxes well below U.S. average

At 0.635% effective tax rate, Lander County homeowners pay roughly a quarter of what the national median household pays in property taxes. The county's median tax of $1,336 trails the national median of $2,690 by more than half, placing it in the lower tier nationwide.

Higher rate than most Nevada counties

Lander County's 0.635% rate exceeds Nevada's state average of 0.525%, ranking it above the middle among the state's 16 counties. The median tax of $1,336 sits below the state median of $1,443, reflecting relatively modest home values in the county.

Pricier than rural neighbor Lincoln County

Lander County's effective rate of 0.635% outpaces Lincoln County's 0.543%, though both counties hover near the state average. Lander homes are valued slightly higher at $210,500 versus Lincoln's $208,900, creating a $201 annual tax difference between them.

Median Lander home costs $1,336 yearly

On the county's median home value of $210,500, property owners pay an estimated $1,336 in annual taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage can expect roughly $1,416 annually, while those without pay closer to $1,009.

Lander homeowners may be overassessed

Many Nevada property owners discover their assessments exceed fair market value, making them eligible for tax appeals. If you believe your Lander County home is overvalued, a formal assessment challenge could reduce your annual tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lander County

via CostByCounty

Lander rents eat 15% of income

Lander County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits well below the national norm, making it one of the more affordable rental markets in the country. Residents here spend significantly less on housing costs relative to earnings compared to most U.S. counties, with median rent at just $1,066 monthly against a median household income of $84,474.

Best affordability in Nevada

Lander County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Nevada at 15.1%, beating the state average of 18.1% by a clear margin. This makes Lander one of the most affordable places to rent in Nevada, where median incomes are typically lower than the national average.

Cheaper than Lincoln, pricier than Pershing

Lander's median rent of $1,066 falls between nearby Lincoln County ($754) and Pershing County ($667) on the low end, but sits above what renters pay in rural Nevada's most affordable markets. While Lander rents are slightly below the state median of $1,127, neighboring Storey County commands $1,007 monthly—nearly identical affordability despite different income levels.

Rent and ownership costs nearly equal

Lander residents pay roughly the same whether renting ($1,066) or owning ($1,062 monthly), with both consuming about 15% of the median household income of $84,474. This balance reflects a median home value of $210,500—moderate for Nevada and accessible to households earning above the state median.

Small-town affordability meets decent wages

If you're relocating to Nevada, Lander offers a rare combination: below-average rent-to-income ratio and above-state-average household income. Compare this county's $84,474 median income to neighbors like Nye ($55,975) and Mineral ($50,584) to see why Lander attracts remote workers and early retirees seeking affordable Nevada living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lander County

via IncomeByCounty

Lander outearns the nation

Lander County's median household income of $84,474 runs 13% ahead of the national median of $74,755. This positions Lander among stronger-performing counties nationally, reflecting a stable local economy driven by mining and agriculture.

Second strongest in Nevada

At $84,474, Lander ranks second in Nevada for household income, trailing only Storey County. The county exceeds Nevada's state average of $75,206 by $9,268, placing it firmly in the state's upper tier.

Lander leads rural Nevada peers

Lander's $84,474 significantly outpaces neighbors Lincoln County ($69,496) and Pershing County ($72,007). The county's income advantage reflects stronger employment opportunities and wage levels across its resource-based industries.

Housing remains affordable here

Lander's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume only a modest share of household earnings. With a median home value of $210,500 and strong household income, residents enjoy solid housing security.

Build on Lander's income strength

With median income above the national average and affordable housing, Lander residents have a foundation to invest beyond basic shelter. Consider directing savings toward retirement accounts, property equity growth, or diversified investments to multiply your household's long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lander County

via CrimeByCounty

Lander County Surpasses National Crime Averages

Lander County's total crime rate of 2,479.0 per 100K slightly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a strong safety score of 96.1 out of 100.

Safety Ranking Below Nevada Average

With a safety score of 96.1, Lander falls below the Nevada state average of 97.5. Its total crime rate is significantly higher than the state average of 1,555.1 per 100K.

Crime Rates Higher Than Regional Peers

Lander reports more crime than neighbor Pershing County, which sees only 242.9 incidents per 100K. While Storey County reports 1,831.5 per 100K, Lander's figures remain the highest among its immediate rural neighbors.

Violent Crime Rates Above National Norms

Violent crime sits at 663.4 per 100K, which is nearly double the national rate of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,815.6 per 100K, representing the majority of local law enforcement activity.

Proactive Security for Lander Residents

Staying alert and securing property remains essential even in tight-knit rural communities. Consider installing motion-activated lighting to deter property crimes, which make up the bulk of local incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lander County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy matches state average

Lander County residents live to 75.2 years on average, matching Nevada's state average but trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years. About 1 in 5 residents (19.9%) report poor or fair health, slightly below the national poor/fair health rate of 21%.

Middle of the pack in Nevada

Lander ranks around the middle among Nevada's 17 counties for life expectancy and health outcomes. The county's uninsured rate of 11.3% is slightly better than Nevada's 11.7% state average.

Healthier than Lyon, less than Lincoln

Lander's 75.2-year life expectancy outpaces Lyon County (74.2 years) but lags behind neighboring Lincoln County (77.0 years). The county has similar poor/fair health rates to Lyon and Lincoln, clustering around 19-20%.

Primary care access needs attention

Lander has just 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half the national average of 90 per 100K. Mental health providers are similarly scarce at 17 per 100K, limiting access to behavioral health care.

Keep your insurance strong

With 11.3% of residents uninsured, coverage gaps remain a barrier to preventive care in Lander County. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Marketplace plans and see if you qualify for subsidies or Medicaid.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lander County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concise Network in the Nevada Heart

Lander County maintains a focused education system consisting of five public schools serving 1,059 students. The infrastructure is managed by a single district and includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Steady Growth Amid Moderate Academic Spending

The county's graduation rate of 82.0% trails the national average of 87.0% but remains competitive within the region. With a school score of 50.6 and per-pupil spending of $7,581, the district focuses on essential services while spending less than the state average of $8,153.

Spotlight on Lander County School District

The Lander County School District oversees all five schools in the area, with no charter options currently available. This centralized management provides a unified educational experience for the county's entire student population.

Diverse Sizes in Town and Rural Settings

Schools here range from the 440-student Battle Mountain Elementary to the tiny Austin Combined Schools, which serves just 11 students. Most facilities are located in town or rural locales, leading to an intimate average school size of 265 students.

Building a Future in Lander County

Families looking for a close-knit school community will find Lander County's small-town campus atmosphere highly appealing. Explore local real estate where short commutes to schools like Eleanor Lemaire Junior High are the standard.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lander County

via RiskByCounty

Lander County faces very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 16.98, Lander County sits well below the national average and ranks in the very low category for natural disaster exposure. This means residents face significantly fewer threats from the major hazards that affect most American communities.

Among Nevada's safer counties

Lander County's composite risk score of 16.98 places it among the lowest-risk counties in Nevada, where the state average is 46.25. Only a handful of Nevada counties have comparable protection from natural disasters.

Safer than most neighboring areas

Lander County's risk profile is substantially lower than nearby Lyon County (71.41) and Lincoln County (25.92), making it one of the safer options in central Nevada. However, all three counties share elevated wildfire risk, a regional concern across the state.

Wildfire and earthquakes are your top threats

Wildfire risk dominates Lander County's hazard profile at 94.02, reflecting Nevada's arid conditions and vegetation patterns, while earthquake risk at 69.18 reflects the region's seismic activity. Flood and tornado risks remain minimal, scoring 15.71 and 1.84 respectively.

Prepare for wildfire and seismic risks

Homeowners should prioritize wildfire insurance and ensure their properties meet defensible-space standards given the 94.02 wildfire risk score. Consider earthquake insurance as well, since the 69.18 earthquake risk score is significant for the region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lander County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Desert Continental Climate

Lander County's annual average temperature of 52.2°F sits right near the national median. Its semi-arid climate is defined by 10.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly higher than the Nevada average.

Matching the State Average

The county's 52.2°F average temperature almost perfectly mirrors the Nevada state average of 52.0°F. While much of the state is exceptionally dry, Lander receives about 2.2 inches more precipitation than the state typical.

Wetter and Snowier Than Neighbors

Compared to neighboring Lyon County, Lander is significantly wetter, receiving double the annual precipitation. It also sees far more snow than many of its regional peers, averaging over 42 inches annually.

Significant Snow and Summer Heat

The county experiences 51 extreme heat days above 90°F, concentrated in a July that averages 75.3°F. Winters are rigorous, featuring 42.2 inches of snowfall and a January average of 34.2°F.

Prepare for Winter Weather

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment and winterized vehicles are essential for the 42.2-inch annual snow dump. Homeowners should also ensure insulation is rated for winter averages that hover around 34.9°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lander County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Soil Profile in Lander

Lander County currently lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in national records. While the national median pH is 6.5, high-desert soils like these often trend more alkaline. Local testing remains the most reliable way to identify your specific soil identity.

Mysterious Soil Texture Ratios

Detailed percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not yet documented for this region. Without these figures, residents must manually test their soil to determine drainage and workability. A simple ribbon test helps identify if your land leans toward sandy or clay-heavy profiles.

Building Fertility in Arid Ground

Organic matter data is limited, though most desert soils fall below the national average of 2.0%. This gap suggests that local soils require significant amendments to reach their full growing potential. Adding compost helps improve available water capacity where data is currently unavailable.

Planning for Local Water Movement

Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not presently recorded for Lander County. This lack of data means builders and farmers must prioritize individual site surveys. Understanding how your specific plot handles runoff is vital for sustainable land use.

High-Desert Harvests in Zone 6b

Lander County resides in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a moderate but distinct growing season. Hardy root vegetables and brassicas thrive here when provided with consistent irrigation. Start your garden today by focusing on frost-tolerant varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lander County

via LawnByCounty

High-Desert Hurdles in Lander County

Lander County earns a lawn difficulty score of 33.8, falling significantly below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining turf in this USDA Hardiness Zone 6b environment requires more effort than the state average of 34.4. Residents face a challenging climate where natural conditions rarely favor traditional green grass.

Managing Dry Air and Summer Heat

The county receives just 10.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than a third of the 30-50 inches ideal for lawns. With 51 extreme heat days and nearly 3,000 growing degree days, your watering schedule must combat rapid evaporation. High summer temperatures of 75.3°F in July demand consistent moisture to prevent turf dormancy.

Navigating Unknown Soil Conditions

Specific soil texture and pH data are unavailable for this region, making a local soil test your most important tool. Most Nevada soils trend alkaline, so you likely need sulfur amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Proper drainage assessment is critical before laying down any new sod or seed.

Defending Lawns Against Chronic Drought

Lander County spent 34 weeks in drought over the last year, with 99.0% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. To preserve your lawn, install smart irrigation controllers and prioritize deep, infrequent watering cycles. These habits build deeper root systems that survive the dry spells common to central Nevada.

Timing Your High-Desert Growth

Cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass thrive best in Zone 6b if established correctly. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on May 18 or well before the first fall frost on October 7. Starting early in the spring gives your lawn the best chance to survive the 51 days of intense summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lander County's county score?
Lander County, Nevada has a composite county score of 39.6 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 Lander County rank among counties in Nevada?
Lander County ranks #13 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 Lander County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Lander County is $1,336, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Lander County a tax score of 70.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lander County?
The median household income in Lander County, Nevada is $84,474 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lander County earns an income score of 88.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lander County, Nevada a good place to live?
Lander County scores 39.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Lander 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 Lander County with other counties side by side.

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