CountyScore

Lyon County

Nevada · NV

#15 in Nevada
65
County Score

County Report Card

About Lyon County, Nevada

Lyon exceeds national average despite challenges

With a composite score of 65.0, Lyon County outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in approximately the top 30th percentile. While above national average, it ranks below most of its Nevada peer counties.

Slightly below Nevada's state average

Lyon's score of 65.0 falls slightly below Nevada's state average of 69.5, positioning it in the middle tier of Nevada counties. Strong tax advantages are offset by concerns in other dimensions.

Exceptional tax advantage, lowest in the state

Lyon County has the lowest effective tax rate of all eight counties at 0.463%, with a tax score of 89.3. This translates to significant annual savings for residents relative to most of Nevada.

Risk concerns and housing costs present obstacles

Lyon's risk score of 28.6 is the second-lowest among these counties, suggesting higher economic or environmental vulnerabilities. Median home values of $342,600 and rent at $1,259/month make it one of the costlier counties despite the tax benefits, and income scores lag at 31.3.

For commuters seeking tax benefits with caution

Lyon County appeals to workers commuting to higher-wage areas (like Reno or Sacramento) who want to maximize take-home pay through tax advantages. However, the elevated risk profile and higher housing costs mean careful due diligence is needed before relocating.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.3Cost65.3SafetyComing SoonHealth63.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.3Risk28.6WaterComing Soon
🏛89.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡28.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Lyon County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Montgomery County
Alabama
65
Median income: $58,153
Mohave County
Arizona
65
Median income: $55,799
Navajo County
Arizona
65
Median income: $52,752
Adams County
Illinois
65
Median income: $64,962
Massac County
Illinois
65
Median income: $62,584

Deep Dives

Lyon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Lyon County

via HealthByCounty

Lyon County trails national health benchmarks

Lyon County's 74.2-year life expectancy is 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 and 1 year below Nevada's 75.2-year average. One in five residents (20.2%) experience poor or fair health, approaching the national rate of 21%.

Lowest life expectancy in western Nevada

Among Nevada counties, Lyon ranks below average for both life expectancy and health status. The uninsured rate of 12.3% exceeds the state average of 11.7%, indicating broader access challenges.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Lyon's 74.2-year life expectancy significantly trails Lincoln County (77.0 years) and even Lander (75.2 years). The county faces the highest uninsured rate among its immediate neighbors.

Severe primary care shortage

Lyon has only 13 primary care providers per 100K—among the lowest in Nevada and far below the national average of 90 per 100K. Mental health capacity is stronger at 155 per 100K, but primary care gaps remain a critical barrier to preventive care.

Insurance access is critical here

With 12.3% uninsured, Lyon residents face higher barriers to healthcare than most Nevada counties. Apply for Marketplace coverage immediately at Healthcare.gov—subsidies may reduce your monthly costs significantly.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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