countyscore
74.7
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Property Tax 81.3

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Nevada

Outperforming the National Median

Lincoln County secures an impressive composite score of 74.7, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places it among the most livable rural counties in the United States.

A Top Nevada Performer

Lincoln's score of 74.7 is much higher than the Nevada state average of 48.2. It stands out as a high-quality alternative to the more volatile economic profiles of its neighbors.

Unmatched Safety and Water Quality

Public safety is a primary asset here, reflected in a near-perfect safety score of 97.5. The county also provides exceptional resource security with a water score of 86.0.

Room for Health Improvement

While most metrics are high, the health score of 49.8 represents the county's relative weak point. Residents may face limited access to specialized medical facilities compared to metropolitan areas.

The Gold Standard for Rural Families

Lincoln County is an ideal match for families seeking a secure, safe, and stable community. It balances low taxes with high public service quality, creating an exceptional standard of living.

Score breakdown

Tax81.3Cost69.5Safety97.5Health49.8Schools77.6Income65.1Risk74.1Water86Weather38.6
🏛81.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓77.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.1
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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Oliver County
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Nearby counties

Washington County
Utah
46.8
Iron County
Utah
46.9
Beaver County
Utah
57.5
White Pine County
Nevada
59.8
Nye County
Nevada
36.1
Millard County
Utah
53.5
Piute County
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Clark County
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31.3

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County taxes rank among lowest nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln's rents rank among nation's lowest

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln trails national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Reports Exceptional Safety Data

Lincoln County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, with a crime rate of 0.0 per 100K. This is exceptionally rare compared to the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Leading Nevada in Reported Safety

Ranking as one of Nevada's safest areas, Lincoln's zero reported crimes stand in stark contrast to the state average of 1,555.1 per 100K. Its 100.0 safety score leads the state average of 97.5.

Safe Haven Compared to Southern Neighbors

While neighboring Nye County reports 2,040.7 crimes per 100K, Lincoln reports no incidents. These figures come from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted with caution regarding total coverage.

Minimal Reported Violent and Property Crimes

No violent or property crimes were reported to the FBI in 2022. While this suggests an incredibly safe environment, it may also reflect limited data collection within the single reporting agency.

Maintain Security Amid Low Crime

Maintaining a safe community is a collective effort for all residents. Even with zero reported crimes, basic home security measures like deadbolt locks provide continued peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County outlives most of America

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Widespread Schools for a Rural Community

Lincoln County operates 10 public schools serving a total enrollment of 958 students under a single district. The landscape features four elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools to ensure coverage across its vast geography.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Beat National Trends

The county boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the Nevada state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. This success is supported by a per-pupil expenditure of $10,219, which is nearly $2,000 higher than the state average.

Lincoln County School District Leadership

The Lincoln County School District is the sole provider of public education here, managing all 958 students without any charter school competition. The district maintains two alternative schools to support diverse learning needs within the rural population.

Purely Rural with Intimate Class Sizes

Every school in the county is classified as rural, resulting in a very small average school size of only 106 students. While Panaca Elementary is the largest with 189 students, others like Caliente Elementary offer a highly personalized feel with only 78 students.

Discover Rural Excellence for Your Family

High graduation rates and small class sizes make Lincoln County a hidden gem for homebuyers prioritizing education quality. Search for homes near top-performing schools like Pahranagat Valley High to secure a high-quality learning environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County ranks very low nationally

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Drier Than Average

At 54.1°F, Lincoln County is warmer than the national median and maintains a dry profile with only 9.8 inches of rain. This desert environment sees much less moisture than many Eastern or Midwestern counties.

Exceeding Nevada's Average Heat

The county's annual temperature of 54.1°F is over two degrees higher than the state average of 52.0°F. It remains relatively dry, though its 9.8 inches of precipitation is slightly above the state's 8.6-inch average.

Hotter Than Central Nevada

Lincoln is notably warmer than Lander County, recording 23 more extreme heat days per year. It is also significantly less snowy, receiving only 5 inches compared to the much higher totals found further north.

Long Summers and Dry Winters

Summer dominates the calendar with 74 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 76.2°F. Winters are mild by comparison, with a January average of 35.2°F and very little annual snowfall.

Prioritize Efficient Cooling

Reliable air conditioning is vital to manage the 74 annual days of extreme heat. Given the low 5-inch snowfall average, heavy winter gear is less critical than sun protection and water conservation tools.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Characterizing Lincoln's Basin Soils

Specific pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable for Lincoln County’s vast landscape. Most regional soils vary significantly from the national median pH of 6.5 due to low rainfall. Identifying your local soil order requires professional laboratory analysis.

Compositional Data Not Yet Measured

The specific balance of sand, silt, and clay remains unrecorded in this county. These ratios are the primary drivers of drainage and nutrient retention on your property. Without this data, gardeners should observe how quickly their soil dries after a heavy watering.

Boosting Organic Matter Content

Available water capacity and organic matter levels lack specific data points compared to the 2.0% national organic average. Arid environments typically possess less natural humus, requiring focused soil building for agriculture. Amending with organic mulch protects what little moisture is available.

Navigating Hydrologic Uncertainty

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not officially documented for this area. This makes site-specific assessments essential for any construction or large-scale farming project. Knowing your land’s drainage capability prevents future foundation issues and crop loss.

Warmer Opportunities in Zone 8a

Lincoln County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, allowing for a longer and warmer growing season. Crops like melons, pomegranates, and heat-loving peppers perform exceptionally well in this climate. Dig into the warm earth and take advantage of these long summer days.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Lincoln County

Lincoln County presents a difficult landscape for turf with a lawn score of 31.1, trailing both the national average and the Nevada state average of 34.4. This Zone 8a region demands specialized care to keep grass alive. Success here requires a move away from standard lawn practices toward desert-specific maintenance.

Heat Stress and Limited Rain

Annual precipitation of 9.8 inches is critically low compared to the 30-inch minimum most grasses prefer. The county endures 74 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 57 days. These factors create a high-evaporation environment that puts constant stress on residential lawns.

Preparing Your Desert Soil

While local soil data is limited, the arid environment typically results in low organic matter and high alkalinity. You should supplement your soil with compost to improve water retention before planting. Professional testing is recommended to determine if your drainage class can handle the heavy irrigation required in this zone.

Surviving Year-Round Drought Cycles

Lincoln County experienced a full 53 weeks of drought over the past year, indicating a persistent moisture deficit. Current data shows 95.8% of the county is abnormally dry, requiring strict adherence to water conservation. Utilize mulching mowers to return clippings to the soil, which helps retain moisture and nutrients.

Selecting Hardy Turf Varieties

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are excellent choices for the heat of Zone 8a. Ensure your planting window falls between the last frost on May 3 and the first frost on October 26. These varieties offer the best resilience against the 74 days of 90°F+ heat you will face annually.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Nevada has a composite county score of 74.7 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Nevada?
Lincoln County ranks #1 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 Lincoln County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,135, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 81.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Nevada is $69,496 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 65.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Nevada a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 74.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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