countyscore
42.4
County Score
Property Tax 89.4Income & Jobs 74.8Safety 49.3

County Report Card

About Lyon County, Nevada

Lyon Sits Below National Levels

Lyon County earns a composite score of 42.4, which falls short of the national median of 50.0. The county faces pressure from rapid growth that tests its infrastructure and affordability.

Chasing the State Average

The county's score of 42.4 trails the Nevada average of 48.2. While it remains a popular choice for commuters, it struggles to maintain the score levels of Nevada's top-tier counties.

Low Taxes and Solid Incomes

Low tax burdens are a major draw, evidenced by a high tax score of 89.4 and an effective rate of just 0.463%. Residents also benefit from a healthy income score of 74.8.

A Crisis in Affordability

The cost score of 13.3 is alarmingly low, as home values reach a median of $342,600. Schools also face hurdles, currently holding a low score of 24.7.

For the Tax-Conscious Commuter

Lyon County suits individuals who work in neighboring hubs but want to minimize their tax liability. However, prospective residents should be prepared for high housing costs and underfunded school systems.

2040608010089.413.349.336.724.774.828.647.333Tax89.4Cost13.3Safety49.3Health36.7Schools24.7Income74.8Risk28.6Water47.3Weather3342.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Lyon County DNA

Foverall

How Lyon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lyon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (89.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (13.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
89.4+37.400000000000006
Cost
13.3-34.7
Safety
49.3
Health
36.7-13.299999999999997
Schools
24.7-29.3
Income
74.8+23.799999999999997
Risk
28.6-18.4
Water
47.3-10.700000000000003
Weather
33-23
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$342,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,259/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$342,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$50,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,460/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

6.6

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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San Diego County
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Nearby counties

Douglas County
Nevada
50.2
Storey County
Nevada
53.9
Carson City
Nevada
37.8
Mineral County
Nevada
47.9
Alpine County
California
51.2
Churchill County
Nevada
42.1
Mono County
California
38.5
El Dorado County
California
49.8

Deep Dives

Lyon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lyon County

via TaxByCounty

Lyon County's rate trails national average slightly

At 0.463% effective rate, Lyon County ranks among the most tax-friendly counties in America, charging roughly 41% of the national median rate. Despite higher home values, the county's $1,585 median tax is still 41% below the national median of $2,690.

Below-average Nevada rate despite high values

Lyon County's 0.463% effective rate falls below Nevada's 0.525% state average, ranking it near the bottom of the state's tax burden. The county achieves this despite having the state's higher median home value of $342,600, a testament to its favorable tax policy.

Lyon undercuts similar-sized Washoe County slightly

Lyon County's 0.463% rate matches Washoe County's rate exactly, though Lyon homes are valued lower at $342,600 versus Washoe's $496,600. Both counties offer some of Nevada's lowest effective rates regardless of home values.

Median Lyon home costs $1,585 yearly

On the county's median home value of $342,600, property owners pay an estimated $1,585 in annual taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage can expect roughly $1,684 annually, while those without pay closer to $1,305.

Lyon homeowners should check their valuations

Even in tax-friendly counties like Lyon, property assessments can drift above market value, creating opportunities for appeals. If your home valuation appears excessive compared to neighborhood sales, a formal assessment challenge may reduce your annual tax obligation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lyon County

via CostByCounty

Lyon renters stretch thin on income

Lyon County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% exceeds the national average, signaling housing cost pressure in this growing Northern Nevada county. With median rent at $1,259 against a $73,460 household income, renters here dedicate more than one-fifth of earnings to housing—a squeeze felt nationwide but especially acute in Lyon.

Housing costs outpace state average

Lyon County ranks among Nevada's less affordable counties with a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio, exceeding the state average of 18.1% by 2.5 percentage points. This county's median rent of $1,259 is notably higher than the state median of $1,127, reflecting growing demand from Reno and Sacramento-area spillover.

Priciest rents in rural Nevada counties

Lyon County's $1,259 median rent is the highest among the eight counties surveyed, significantly above neighbors like Washoe ($1,507 monthly reflects Reno's higher costs and incomes). Lyon splits the difference: more expensive than rural Lander ($1,066) but with lower household income than Washoe County ($85,600 vs. $73,460).

Ownership costs climb even steeper

While renters pay $1,259 monthly, homeowners shoulder $1,319—making ownership 4.8% more expensive and consuming roughly 21.5% of the median household income. The median home value of $342,600 requires substantial down payments, pushing affordability out of reach for lower-wage households.

Growth county with affordability trade-offs

Lyon County attracts commuters to Reno and the Sacramento region, but housing costs have climbed faster than local wages—renters here spend a higher percentage of income on housing than the state average. If relocating, compare Lyon's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio to Lander (15.1%) or Pershing (11.1%) to see the affordability premium you're paying for proximity to larger job markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lyon County

via IncomeByCounty

Lyon barely trails U.S. median

Lyon County's median household income of $73,460 runs just 2% below the national median of $74,755. This near-parity with the nation reflects a diversified local economy spanning manufacturing, retail, and military-adjacent employment.

Mid-range income in Nevada

At $73,460, Lyon ranks fourth among Nevada's eight rural counties, slightly below the state average of $75,206. The county sits $1,746 below the state baseline, reflecting competitive but not dominant income levels.

Lyon nestles between peers

Lyon's $73,460 sits between Pershing County ($72,007) and Lincoln County ($69,496), though all three cluster within $5,000 of each other. Nearby Washoe County ($85,600) and Storey County ($96,000) command noticeably higher household incomes.

Housing squeeze strains budgets

Lyon's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% signals housing costs are rising faster than wages here. With a median home value of $342,600, housing affordability is tightening for working families in Lyon County.

Navigate housing while saving

Lyon residents should prioritize refinancing opportunities and down-payment assistance programs to manage rising property costs. Consider automating savings contributions and seeking employer matching in retirement plans to build wealth despite housing pressures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lyon County

via CrimeByCounty

Lyon County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Lyon County is notably safer than the national average, posting a safety score of 98.2. Its total crime rate of 1,139.0 per 100K is less than half the national figure of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Nevada Safety

Lyon outperforms the Nevada average safety score of 97.5. Its crime rate of 1,139.0 per 100K is also lower than the statewide average of 1,555.1.

Lyon County Remains Safer Than Neighbors

Lyon County reports a lower crime rate than Storey County's 1,831.5 per 100K. However, it sees more activity than neighboring Mineral County, which reports 1,050.8 crimes per 100K.

Low Violent Crime Risk for Residents

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 864.8 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 274.2. Residents face a significantly lower risk of violent crime here than the national average of 369.8.

Secure Your Lyon County Home

Low crime rates make Lyon an attractive place to live, but property crimes still occur. Simple steps like locking windows and using smart doorbells help maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lyon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large-Scale Regional Education Hub

Lyon County manages a robust system of 20 public schools serving over 9,000 students. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools and five middle and high schools, providing a comprehensive pipeline for the growing local population.

High Efficiency in Academic Achievement

Lyon County achieves a solid 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average exactly despite a lower per-pupil spending of $6,075. The county maintains a school score of 50.0, demonstrating a highly efficient use of resources compared to the state's $8,153 spending average.

The Broad Reach of Lyon County School District

Lyon County School District is the exclusive district in the county, educating 9,085 students with no charter schools in operation. The district supports several large-scale facilities, including Fernley High School, which anchors the northern part of the county.

Town-Centered Schools with Mid-Size Feel

Most students attend schools in town settings, where the average school size is 454 students. Fernley High School is the largest campus with 1,308 students, while elementary schools like Cottonwood offer a more localized feel for 579 younger learners.

Invest in a Community with Proven Results

With graduation rates hitting national benchmarks and a variety of school sizes, Lyon County is a prime destination for families. Explore residential options near Silverland Middle or Dayton High to join this active and efficient school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lyon County

via RiskByCounty

Lyon County faces relatively low national risk

With a composite risk score of 71.41, Lyon County ranks as relatively low when compared to the national average, though it's more exposed than many U.S. counties. This reflects a moderate hazard profile concentrated in specific disaster types rather than widespread vulnerability.

Mid-range risk across Nevada

Lyon County's 71.41 composite risk score exceeds Nevada's state average of 46.25, placing it in the higher-risk tier within the state. Of Nevada's rural counties, Lyon faces greater natural disaster exposure than most peers.

Riskier than Lander and Lincoln counties

Lyon County's 71.41 score significantly exceeds nearby Lander County (16.98) and Lincoln County (25.92), making it the higher-risk option in the central Nevada region. Nye County (78.34) to the south poses even greater hazards.

Earthquakes and wildfires are major concerns

Lyon County's highest risks come from earthquakes (93.77) and wildfires (96.79), both substantially above Nevada state norms. Flood risk is also elevated at 63.45, reflecting the county's diverse terrain and water hazards.

Cover earthquakes, wildfires, and floods

Homeowners should obtain comprehensive coverage including wildfire (96.79), earthquake (93.77), and flood insurance (63.45) given Lyon County's multi-hazard exposure. Maintain defensible space and secure your home to seismic standards where feasible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lyon County

via WaterByCounty

Lyon County Faces Low Compliance Grade

Lyon County receives a D grade due to 10 health violations over the last five years. Despite these incidents, the violation rate of 20.3 per 100,000 residents remains lower than the Nevada average of 51.8. The county must address these recurring issues to improve its safety standing.

Assessed Water Body Meets Standards

The 2022 reporting cycle assessed one water body in Lyon County, which showed 0% impairment. This matches the state's average performance for successfully meeting Clean Water Act standards. Ongoing protection is necessary to keep this assessed water body clear of pollutants.

Extensive Water Quality Data Network

Lyon County hosts a busy monitoring footprint with 12,480 measurements recorded at 44 sites over five years. Major inorganic non-metals and physical properties are the most frequently measured groups. This high density of data allows for a granular understanding of regional water chemistry.

Walker River Flow Exceeds Mean

Current discharge at the Walker River above Weber Reservoir is 183 cfs. This flow level is 119% of the typical long-term mean, indicating healthy runoff conditions. These robust flows help dilute contaminants and support a healthier riparian ecosystem.

Vigilance Advised for Compliance Issues

The D grade for drinking water suggests residents should stay informed about filtration options and utility reports. Current high flows in the Walker River are positive but do not replace the need for infrastructure improvements. Monitoring for inorganic contaminants remains the best defense for local households.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lyon County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic High Desert Conditions

Lyon County averages 51.7°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median. It is exceptionally dry, receiving just 5.2 inches of precipitation, which is far below the typical American county.

One of Nevada's Driest Spots

While the temperature matches the state average of 52.0°F, Lyon's 5.2 inches of rain is well below the state average of 8.6 inches. This makes it one of the more arid regions in an already dry state.

Drier Than the Tahoe Basin

Lyon is much drier than neighboring Washoe County, receiving roughly 4 inches less precipitation annually. It also sees far less snow than Storey County, with only 2.1 inches compared to Storey's 46.4 inches.

Intense Heat with Little Snow

The county faces 70 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, yet remains largely snow-free with only 2.1 inches annually. July is the peak of the heat, averaging 74.2°F.

Focus on Drought Resistance

Xeriscaping and water-efficient appliances are essential for managing the meager 5.2 inches of annual rainfall. Residents should also prepare for 70 days of heat with serviced HVAC systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lyon County

via SoilByCounty

Lyon County Soil Identity

Current datasets do not list a dominant pH or taxonomic order for Lyon County. This missing data makes it difficult to compare against the national median pH of 6.5. Local land managers often find alkaline conditions that require specific management strategies.

Determining Texture on the Ground

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unrecorded for this region. These components dictate how easily roots can penetrate the soil and how well it holds water. Residents should perform a jar test to uncover their specific textural mix.

Nurturing Growth in Lyon

Specific organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable relative to the national average of 2.0%. In this environment, enhancing fertility usually requires the addition of aged manure or green manure crops. Increasing these levels is the fastest way to improve crop yields.

Hydrology and Drainage Mapping

Official records currently show no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. This data gap emphasizes the need for localized percolation tests before building or planting. Understanding your site's water movement is crucial for preventing salt buildup in the soil.

Resilient Gardens in Zone 7a

Lyon County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, which is ideal for a wide variety of vegetables and fruit trees. Peaches, tomatoes, and squash flourish when given a head start in the spring. Your garden journey starts with selecting the right cold-hardy varieties for your microclimate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lyon County

via LawnByCounty

Arid Lawn Care in Lyon County

With a lawn difficulty score of 31.8, Lyon County is a tough environment for traditional turf enthusiasts. It sits below the Nevada state average of 34.4 and far below the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 7a region must be intentional with every drop of water.

Extreme Aridity and Mowing Demands

Lyon County receives only 5.2 inches of rain annually, making it one of the driest regions in the state. With 70 extreme heat days, turf experiences significant thermal stress throughout the summer. The 2,865 growing degree days suggest a vigorous but thirsty growing season for most grass types.

Building a Better Soil Base

Specific soil metrics are not currently available for Lyon County, but desert soils often lack the nitrogen required for lush lawns. Adding organic amendments can help bridge the gap between native conditions and the 6.0-7.0 pH range lawns prefer. Focus on improving soil structure to maximize the efficiency of your limited water supply.

Conserving Water in Dry Spells

The county endured 30 weeks of drought in the past year, highlighting the volatility of the local water cycle. While current data shows 0.0% severe drought, the low annual rainfall makes conservation a permanent necessity. Adjust your mower height higher to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation from the root zone.

Planting for Success in Zone 7a

Tall Fescue is a popular choice here due to its deep root system and moderate heat tolerance. Aim to seed after the May 23 late spring frost or before the September 28 early fall frost. This narrow window requires careful planning to ensure your lawn establishes before the first freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lyon County's county score?
Lyon County, Nevada has a composite county score of 42.4 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 Lyon County rank among counties in Nevada?
Lyon County ranks #11 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 Lyon County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Lyon County is $1,585, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Lyon County a tax score of 89.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lyon County?
The median household income in Lyon County, Nevada is $73,460 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lyon County earns an income score of 74.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lyon County, Nevada a good place to live?
Lyon County scores 42.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Lyon 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 Lyon County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.