Lincoln County's composite score of 75.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in approximately the top 50th percentile nationally. This rural Nevada county demonstrates well-balanced livability across most measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Nevada's second-strongest performer
Lincoln ranks above the state average of 69.5 and stands among Nevada's top counties by composite score. Its strength comes from an unusual combination of low costs and very low tax burden.
3 / 5
Affordability and low taxes are exceptional
Lincoln leads this group with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.543% (tax score: 87.0) and the lowest median rent at $754/month, giving it the highest cost score of 83.8. This combination makes it exceptionally attractive for budget-conscious residents seeking maximum purchasing power.
4 / 5
Lower incomes offset the affordability gains
Lincoln's income score of 28.8 is the lowest among these eight counties, with a median household income of just $69,496. Health outcomes (67.3) are moderate, and incomplete data on schools and safety limit the full assessment.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and minimalist lifestyles
Lincoln County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or anyone seeking ultra-low cost of living in a quiet rural setting with minimal tax burden. Those dependent on local employment or seeking higher income potential should look elsewhere, as job availability may be limited.
Lincoln County's composite score of 75.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in approximately the top 50th percentile nationally. This rural Nevada county demonstrates well-balanced livability across most measured dimensions.
Nevada's second-strongest performer
Lincoln ranks above the state average of 69.5 and stands among Nevada's top counties by composite score. Its strength comes from an unusual combination of low costs and very low tax burden.
Affordability and low taxes are exceptional
Lincoln leads this group with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.543% (tax score: 87.0) and the lowest median rent at $754/month, giving it the highest cost score of 83.8. This combination makes it exceptionally attractive for budget-conscious residents seeking maximum purchasing power.
Lower incomes offset the affordability gains
Lincoln's income score of 28.8 is the lowest among these eight counties, with a median household income of just $69,496. Health outcomes (67.3) are moderate, and incomplete data on schools and safety limit the full assessment.
Perfect for retirees and minimalist lifestyles
Lincoln County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or anyone seeking ultra-low cost of living in a quiet rural setting with minimal tax burden. Those dependent on local employment or seeking higher income potential should look elsewhere, as job availability may be limited.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛87
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.543% effective rate, Lincoln County homeowners pay less than one-fifth of the national median property tax. The county's median tax of $1,135 is 58% lower than the national median of $2,690, placing it well below typical U.S. burdens.
Just below Nevada's statewide average rate
Lincoln County's 0.543% effective rate sits slightly beneath Nevada's state average of 0.525%, positioning it near the middle of the state's 16 counties. The median tax of $1,135 runs about $300 below the state median, reflecting the county's modest home values.
Lowest rate among nearby rural counties
Lincoln County's 0.543% rate undercuts neighboring Lander County's 0.635% and significantly trails Mineral County's 0.703%. With a median home value of $208,900, Lincoln keeps overall tax bills among the region's most affordable.
Median Lincoln home costs $1,135 yearly
On the county's median home value of $208,900, property owners pay an estimated $1,135 in annual taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage can expect roughly $1,353 annually, while those without pay closer to $984.
Lincoln residents should verify assessments
Overassessed properties represent a common opportunity for Nevada homeowners to reduce tax liability through formal appeals. If your Lincoln County home valuation seems inflated compared to recent sales, filing an appeal could lower your annual bill.
Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.0% is exceptionally low, placing it well below the national average and among the most affordable rental markets in America. At $754 monthly, median rent is remarkably cheap even as a percentage of the $69,496 median household income—leaving families money for other essentials.
Second-most affordable county in Nevada
Lincoln County ranks as Nevada's second-most affordable rental market with a 13.0% rent-to-income ratio, trailing only Lander County's 15.1% but far below the state average of 18.1%. This rural county's low housing costs reflect both modest rents and limited demand in a sparse population.
Rural Nevada's cheapest rent
Lincoln County's $754 median rent is the lowest among all eight counties analyzed, undercutting even Pershing County's $667 rents on a percentage-of-income basis thanks to its comparable $69,496 household income. Renters here pay significantly less than nearby Lyon County ($1,259) and are far below Washoe County ($1,507).
Ownership slightly pricier than renting
Lincoln County renters spend $754 monthly while homeowners pay $734—a rare inversion where rent slightly exceeds ownership costs—leaving both groups with substantial income for other expenses. With a median home value of $208,900 and $69,496 household income, homeownership remains within reach for most households.
Ultra-affordable for remote-work pioneers
Lincoln County is ideal if you're relocating with remote income or retirement funds—housing consumes just 13% of earnings, the lowest proportion among Nevada counties. This sparsely populated area offers genuine affordability without the crowds of larger Nevada counties, though job opportunities remain limited beyond mining heritage and tourism.
Lincoln County's median household income of $69,496 falls 7% short of the national median of $74,755. Though below the U.S. average, Lincoln's income level remains respectable for a rural county, supported by tourism and government employment.
Middle-ranked in Nevada counties
Lincoln's $69,496 places it in the middle range of Nevada counties, roughly $5,700 below the state average of $75,206. The county ranks fifth among Nevada's eight rural counties tracked here.
Lincoln trails Lander, matches Nye
Lincoln's $69,496 lags Lander County ($84,474) by $14,978 but exceeds Nye County ($55,975) and Mineral County ($50,584). The income gap with neighboring Lander reflects differences in mining activity and economic opportunity.
Housing costs stay manageable
At 13.0%, Lincoln's rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties, indicating housing affordability is not a stress point. Residents spend less than half the national affordability threshold on rent, freeing income for savings and other needs.
Leverage Lincoln's affordability
While household income is modest, Lincoln's exceptionally low housing burden creates opportunity to save and invest. Prioritize building an emergency fund and explore employer retirement benefits or community credit union programs to grow your financial resilience.
At 77.0 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy beats the U.S. average of 76.4 years and outpaces Nevada's state average of 75.2 years. Just 19.4% of residents report poor or fair health—among the lowest rates in the state.
Best-performing rural county in Nevada
Lincoln ranks in the top tier of Nevada counties for longevity and overall health outcomes. The county's uninsured rate of 11.8% is nearly identical to the state average of 11.7%.
Significantly healthier than peers
Lincoln's 77.0-year life expectancy substantially exceeds Lander (75.2 years) and Lyon (74.2 years). The county also has the lowest poor/fair health rate among its rural neighbors.
Strong mental health infrastructure
Lincoln has 44 primary care providers per 100K—competitive for a rural county but still below national averages. Mental health support is notably robust at 112 providers per 100K, well above the national average of 44 per 100K.
Maintain coverage year-round
Even with strong health outcomes, 11.8% of Lincoln County residents lack insurance coverage. Explore your options at Healthcare.gov or contact the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services for Medicaid eligibility.
Lincoln County's composite risk score of 25.92 places it well below the national average, indicating limited exposure to the natural disasters that threaten most U.S. counties. This favorable position reflects the county's remote location and sparse development patterns.
Second-lowest risk in Nevada
At 25.92, Lincoln County's composite risk score is significantly lower than Nevada's state average of 46.25, ranking it among the safest counties in the state. Only Pershing County and Lander County face comparably low disaster risk.
Safer than nearby Nye and Lyon counties
Lincoln County's 25.92 score beats both Nye County (78.34) and Lyon County (71.41), though it trails behind Lander County (16.98) in the regional ranking. All four counties share elevated wildfire concerns due to Nevada's climate and terrain.
Earthquakes and wildfires dominate hazards
Lincoln County faces its highest risks from earthquakes (80.25) and wildfires (91.60), both prevalent across rural Nevada. Flood risk registers at 38.96, higher than neighboring Lander County, while tornados remain minimal at 1.11.
Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage
With wildfire risk at 91.60 and earthquake risk at 80.25, homeowners should ensure comprehensive wildfire insurance and consider earthquake coverage. Defensible space around structures is critical given the substantial wildfire exposure.