CountyScore

Mineral County

Nevada · NV

#8 in Nevada
70.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Mineral County, Nevada

Mineral performs well above national baseline

Mineral County's composite score of 70.1 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in approximately the top 40th percentile nationally. This indicates solid livability despite a small population and rural character.

Right at Nevada's state average

Mineral's score of 70.1 sits just above Nevada's state average of 69.5, reflecting a balanced profile with both strengths and notable weaknesses. It performs similarly to the state norm overall.

Risk resilience is Mineral's standout feature

Mineral County achieves the highest risk score in this group at 90.2, indicating exceptional economic and environmental stability. Reasonable housing affordability with a median home value of $175,000 and cost score of 79.2 round out its appeal.

Income levels lag significantly behind peers

Mineral's income score of 16.4 is the lowest among all eight counties, with a median household income of just $50,584—roughly 40% below Storey County. Health outcomes (56.8) are also the weakest in the group.

Suited for resilience-seeking retirees and minimalists

Mineral County is best for retirees with fixed income, artists, and others unconcerned with local wage growth who value economic stability and very affordable living. Those relying on local employment or career advancement should consider counties with stronger income profiles.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.5Cost79.2SafetyComing SoonHealth56.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.4Risk90.2WaterComing Soon
🏛82.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡90.2
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 Mineral County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Arkansas
70.1
Median income: $55,979
Montgomery County
Georgia
70.1
Median income: $51,188
Madison County
Idaho
70.1
Median income: $58,259
Chase County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $54,518
Norton County
Kansas
70.1
Median income: $50,305

Deep Dives

Mineral County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mineral County

via TaxByCounty

Mineral County rates above national average

At 0.703% effective rate, Mineral County exceeds the national median rate by 34%, ranking it among higher-taxed counties nationwide. The median tax of $1,231 still lags the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home values of $175,000.

Mineral County has Nevada's highest effective rate

Mineral County's 0.703% effective rate ranks highest among Nevada's 16 counties, 34% above the state average of 0.525%. The median tax of $1,231 falls below the state median of $1,443 due to the county's lower home valuations.

Mineral's rate tops nearby rural counties

Mineral County's 0.703% rate significantly exceeds Pershing County's 0.697% and dwarfs Lander County's 0.635%. Despite being the state's highest, Mineral's overall tax burden remains moderate thanks to property values averaging just $175,000.

Median Mineral home costs $1,231 yearly

On the county's median home value of $175,000, property owners pay an estimated $1,231 in annual taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage can expect roughly $1,202 annually, while those without pay closer to $1,247.

Mineral residents should review assessments carefully

With Nevada's highest effective tax rate, Mineral County homeowners especially benefit from verifying their property valuations. An assessment appeal could yield meaningful savings if your home is overvalued relative to recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mineral County

via CostByCounty

Mineral's housing costs crush income

Mineral County faces the nation's most severe housing affordability crisis among the eight counties studied, with a rent-to-income ratio of 26.8%—far exceeding the national average. Renters here spend more than one-quarter of their $50,584 median household income on housing, leaving households with limited resources for other necessities.

Nevada's least affordable county

Mineral County ranks last in affordability among all Nevada counties examined, with renters spending 26.8% of income on housing versus the state average of 18.1%. This 8.7-percentage-point gap reflects limited economic opportunities and wages that haven't kept pace with regional rent increases.

Rents high, wages low: worst combo

Mineral County's $1,130 median rent is substantial relative to its $50,584 household income—higher than Lander and Lincoln despite far lower earnings, creating unique affordability strain. Only Nye County ($55,975 income) approaches Mineral's wage level, yet Nye residents pay less in rent ($1,013) and enjoy better affordability at 21.7% rent-to-income ratio.

Renters worse off than homeowners

Mineral County renters pay $1,130 monthly while homeowners pay just $564—a dramatic $566 gap that reflects the county's unique housing stock favoring owner-occupied homes. This inversion means renters bear disproportionate housing burden, consuming 26.8% of income compared to homeowners' 13.4%.

Avoid unless buying homes outright

Mineral County should concern renters relocating to Nevada—housing costs consume nearly 27% of median income, the highest burden in our survey. If considering this remote county, prioritize homeownership or substantial remote income well above the $50,584 local median to avoid severe housing affordability strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mineral County

via IncomeByCounty

Mineral faces income challenge

Mineral County's median household income of $50,584 runs 32% below the national median of $74,755, making it the lowest among Nevada's eight tracked counties. This significant gap reflects limited employment diversity and economic headwinds in this rural region.

Last in Nevada's county ranking

At $50,584, Mineral ranks eighth (last) among Nevada's counties, trailing the state average of $75,206 by $24,622. This income shortfall represents one of Nevada's most economically strained rural areas.

Mineral lags all nearby counties

Mineral's $50,584 falls far behind Lander ($84,474), Lyon ($73,460), and Nye ($55,975). The income gap reflects Mineral's limited job market and smaller population base compared to neighboring counties.

Housing costs strain thin budgets

Mineral's rent-to-income ratio of 26.8% approaches the 30% hardship threshold, meaning nearly a third of household earnings go to rent. Combined with low median income, housing affordability is a serious concern for Mineral residents.

Seek income growth opportunities

Mineral residents should actively explore remote work options, skill-building programs, and relocation assistance to boost earnings potential. Every additional income dollar becomes especially valuable; prioritize employer benefits, tax credits, and nonprofit financial counseling services.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Mineral County

via HealthByCounty

Mineral County faces severe health crisis

At 68.4 years, Mineral County's life expectancy is 8 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 and 6.8 years below Nevada's 75.2-year average. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (24.3%) report poor or fair health—the highest rate in Nevada.

Nevada's most vulnerable county

Mineral ranks dead last among Nevada's 17 counties for life expectancy and health outcomes. The health crisis here represents a public health emergency requiring immediate attention.

Dramatically worse than all neighbors

Mineral's 68.4-year life expectancy is catastrophically lower than Lyon (74.2), Lander (75.2), and Lincoln (77.0). The poor/fair health rate of 24.3% far exceeds every neighboring county.

Rare bright spot: robust provider access

Mineral County has 109 primary care providers per 100K—the highest in the state and above the national average of 90 per 100K. Despite provider availability, a 10.8% uninsured rate and complex social factors severely limit access to care.

Healthcare access starts with insurance

In Mineral County, getting covered is essential to improving health outcomes. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit Healthcare.gov immediately—providers are available, but only if you have coverage to access them.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mineral County

via RiskByCounty

Mineral County ranks among America's safest

Mineral County's composite risk score of 9.80 places it in the very low risk category, well below the national average. This remote western Nevada county benefits from minimal exposure to the hazards threatening most American communities.

Nevada's lowest-risk county

At 9.80, Mineral County has the lowest composite risk score in Nevada, significantly safer than the state average of 46.25. This exceptional safety profile makes it stand out among all Nevada counties.

Safest in the western Nevada region

Mineral County (9.80) outperforms all nearby counties, including Storey (25.16), Lander (16.98), and Pershing (6.01). Only Pershing County comes close to matching Mineral's outstanding safety record.

Earthquakes pose the main hazard

Mineral County's primary natural disaster risk comes from earthquakes at 84.32, reflecting Nevada's seismic nature. All other hazards remain minimal: wildfires score 49.33, floods 12.91, and tornados just 1.27.

Focus on earthquake preparedness

With earthquake risk at 84.32 dominating the hazard profile, homeowners should prioritize earthquake insurance and structural retrofits. Basic wildfire precautions are worthwhile but secondary given the county's overall low risk profile.

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.