countyscore
53.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.2Property Tax 93.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Storey County, Nevada

Above the National Average

Storey County's composite score of 53.9 places it above the national median of 50.0. Its unique economic engine helps it maintain a standard of living higher than many American counties.

Stronger than State Average

Storey County outperforms the Nevada average of 48.2. Its ability to generate high incomes while maintaining low taxes makes it a standout performer in the Silver State.

Exceptional Income and Low Taxes

The county boasts a phenomenal income score of 94.2, driven by a median household income of $96,000. It combines this wealth with a tax score of 93.9, the highest in our study.

Costly Housing and Safety Issues

Affordability is the main hurdle, with a cost score of 20.1 and home values near $393,100. Safety also lags behind with a score of 25.6, suggesting a need for more community investment.

The High-Earner's Haven

This county is ideal for high-income earners who want to maximize their take-home pay through extremely low taxes. It suits those who can afford premium housing in exchange for financial efficiency.

2040608010093.920.125.663.860.394.274.98659.9Tax93.9Cost20.1Safety25.6Health63.8Schools60.3Income94.2Risk74.9Water86Weather59.953.9/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Storey County DNA

Foverall

How Storey County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Storey County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (25.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
93.9+41.900000000000006
Cost
20.1-27.9
Safety
25.6-29.4
Health
63.8+13.799999999999997
Schools
60.3
Income
94.2+43.2
Risk
74.9+27.900000000000006
Water
86+28
Weather
59.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$393,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,007/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$393,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $96,000/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

265.8

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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Nearby counties

Carson City
Nevada
37.8
Lyon County
Nevada
42.4
Douglas County
Nevada
50.2
Sierra County
California
52.4
Washoe County
Nevada
34.2
Alpine County
California
51.2
El Dorado County
California
49.8
Nevada County
California
45.2

Deep Dives

Storey County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Storey County

via TaxByCounty

Storey County offers exceptional tax advantages

At 0.401% effective rate, Storey County ranks among the lowest-taxed counties in America, charging just 23% of the national median rate. The median tax of $1,578 remains below the national median of $2,690 despite having the state's highest median home value of $393,100.

Nevada's lowest effective tax rate

Storey County's 0.401% effective rate is Nevada's lowest among all 16 counties, running 24% below the state average of 0.525%. The median tax of $1,578 exceeds the state median of $1,443 only due to Storey's premium home valuations of $393,100.

Storey significantly undercuts Washoe County rates

Storey County's 0.401% rate edges below Washoe County's 0.463%, offering superior tax savings despite neighboring Washoe's larger population base. Storey homes command higher prices at $393,100 versus Washoe's $496,600, yet still cost less to tax.

Median Storey home costs $1,578 yearly

On the county's median home value of $393,100, property owners pay an estimated $1,578 in annual taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage can expect roughly $1,643 annually, while those without pay closer to $1,509.

Even Storey homeowners should verify assessments

Despite Storey County's favorable tax climate, property owners should ensure valuations match current market conditions. If your home's assessment appears inflated, a formal appeal could secure additional savings on your already-competitive tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Storey County

via CostByCounty

Storey's high incomes offset high rents

Storey County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% sits below the national average despite median rent of $1,007, thanks to the highest household income ($96,000) among all eight counties studied. This wealthy mining and Reno-adjacent county allows even renters to spend comfortably below one-seventh of earnings on housing.

Top earners in Nevada

Storey County ranks among Nevada's most affordable counties with a 12.6% rent-to-income ratio, bettered only by Lander (15.1%) and Pershing (11.1%), with the state average at 18.1%. The county's exceptional household income of $96,000—22% above the state norm—enables renters to manage higher rents comfortably.

Highest incomes, moderate rents

Storey County's $1,007 median rent mirrors Nye County ($1,013) and Pershing County ($667 plus income advantage), but Storey's $96,000 median household income dwarfs all peers except Washoe County ($85,600). This income premium transforms affordability: Storey's $1,007 rent consumes just 12.6% of earnings versus Lyon's 20.6% for nearly identical rent.

Ownership requires significant wealth

Storey renters pay $1,007 monthly while homeowners pay $1,352—a $345 premium that consumes 16.9% of the $96,000 median income, making ownership a luxury for the already-affluent. The median home value of $393,100 is the second-highest among the counties, requiring substantial down payments even for high-income households.

Premium location for top earners

Storey County suits high-income professionals and executives who can afford both its premium home prices ($393,100 median) and access to Reno's job market. If relocating with household income above $96,000, Storey offers the lowest rent-to-income ratio alongside Nevada's highest earning potential and Reno-area amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Storey County

via IncomeByCounty

Storey dominates national ranking

Storey County's median household income of $96,000 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 28%, making it one of the nation's strongest-performing rural counties. This premium reflects Storey's proximity to economic centers and concentration of high-wage jobs.

Highest income in Nevada

At $96,000, Storey ranks first among Nevada's eight counties, running $20,794 ahead of the state average of $75,206. The county is Nevada's clear income leader among its rural peer group.

Storey far outpaces all peers

Storey's $96,000 dominates nearby counties: Washoe ($85,600), Lander ($84,474), and Lyon ($73,460) all trail significantly. The income advantage reflects Storey's role as a high-value industrial and manufacturing hub.

High income, high home values

Storey's rent-to-income ratio of 12.6% indicates strong housing affordability despite a median home value of $393,100. High incomes easily absorb housing costs, providing residents exceptional financial security.

Invest Storey's income surplus

With income 28% above national average and low housing burden, Storey residents enjoy rare opportunity to build substantial wealth. Maximize retirement savings, diversify investments, and consider real estate or business ventures to leverage your county's economic strength.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Storey County

via CrimeByCounty

Storey County Beats National Crime Benchmarks

Storey County earns a safety score of 97.1, reflecting a crime rate of 1,831.5 per 100K. This rate is comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5 crimes per 100K.

Safety Score Close to State Average

Storey's safety score of 97.1 is just below the Nevada state average of 97.5. However, its total crime rate of 1,831.5 is higher than the state average of 1,555.1.

Safer Than Neighboring Washoe County

Storey County is safer than neighboring Washoe County, where crime rates reach 2,685.6. However, it reports more crime than nearby Lyon County, which sits at 1,139.0 per 100K.

Property Crime Outpaces Violent Incidents

Violent crime in Storey County is 415.1 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime, at 1,416.4 per 100K, makes up the largest portion of local incidents.

Prioritize Perimeter Security in Storey

With property crime being the most frequent issue, securing your perimeter is key. Simple measures like high-quality locks and perimeter lighting help keep your home and family safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Storey County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Historic Storey County

Storey County supports a boutique education system of four public schools serving 416 students. The district infrastructure consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all managed by a single district.

Superior Outcomes in a Small Setting

The county's 90.0% graduation rate exceeds the national average and outpaces the state average of 84.9%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $8,362 and a school score of 56.5, the district delivers high-quality results with slightly above-average funding.

Managed by Storey County School District

The Storey County School District provides all public education services for the area, with no charter schools available. This localized control allows the district to maintain a consistent educational pathway for its small student body.

Historic Rural Campuses and Small Classes

All four schools are in rural locales, featuring an average school size of just 104 students. Virginia City High School is the largest with 150 students, while Hillside Elementary offers a highly individualized experience for only 47 learners.

A Personalized Education in a Quiet Setting

Storey County is perfect for those who want their children to have strong teacher-student relationships in small classes. Look for historic homes in Virginia City to be within walking distance of these top-rated rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Storey County

via RiskByCounty

Storey County maintains very low national risk

Storey County's composite risk score of 25.16 places it in the very low category, below the national average and indicating limited disaster exposure. This small county near the Sierra Nevada benefits from favorable hazard distribution across most disaster types.

Third-safest county in Nevada

At 25.16, Storey County ranks among Nevada's safer counties, well below the state average of 46.25. Only Mineral County (9.80) and Pershing County (6.01) demonstrate lower overall disaster risk.

Safer than Washoe, riskier than Lander

Storey County (25.16) dramatically outperforms neighboring Washoe County (96.69) while trailing slightly behind Lander County (16.98). This positioning reflects Storey's moderate profile relative to both the safer rural counties and the high-risk Reno metropolitan area.

Wildfires and earthquakes are main hazards

Storey County faces its highest risks from wildfires (96.31) and earthquakes (80.82), both characteristic of Nevada's terrain and geology. Flood risk remains low at 9.83, and tornado risk is negligible at 1.97.

Cover wildfire and earthquake exposures

Homeowners should prioritize wildfire insurance given the 96.31 score and maintain defensible space around structures. Earthquake coverage at the 80.82 risk level is also worthwhile for this small county near the Sierra Nevada.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Storey County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Record for Storey County

Storey County holds an A grade with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This 0.0 violation rate is well below the state average of 51.8 and the national average. Local water utilities are successfully meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act health standards.

Watershed Assessments Not Yet Available

There is currently no ATTAINS reporting data for water bodies within Storey County. These watersheds have not been covered under the federal §303(d) assessment for the current cycle. Until these assessments are completed, the impairment status of local water bodies remains unconfirmed.

Active Nutrient and Metal Monitoring

A total of 1,692 measurements have been taken at 12 sites over the past five years. Researchers prioritize monitoring for nutrients, inorganic minor metals, and physical water parameters. This data is critical for protecting the local ecosystem and drinking water sources.

Truckee River Flow Surges Above Mean

The Truckee River below Derby Dam is currently discharging 807 cfs. This is 186% of the long-term mean, indicating significantly higher than normal volume. Rapid flows can move sediment and nutrients quickly through the river system.

Protecting Water Quality During High Flow

With perfect compliance and high river flows, the county's water situation is currently strong. High Truckee River flows can sometimes increase turbidity, so maintaining robust monitoring for nutrients is key. Supporting local watershed protection efforts will help keep Storey County's water at its current A grade.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Storey County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler and Significant Snowfall

Storey County is notably cooler than the national median with an annual average of 50.6°F. It is one of the snowiest regions in the area, averaging 46.4 inches of snow per year.

Nevada's Cool, Snowy Exception

Storey is significantly cooler than the 52.0°F state average and wetter than the 8.6-inch state precip average. It avoids much of Nevada's famous heat, recording only 10 days above 90°F.

Wetter Than Nearby Valleys

Compared to Lyon County, Storey receives over double the annual precipitation and 22 times more snow. It is also much cooler in the summer than neighboring Washoe County.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

The county experiences only 10 days of extreme heat, with a comfortable July average of 72.6°F. Winters are heavy with 46.4 inches of snow and a 34.4°F average from December to February.

Invest in Snow Removal

Four-wheel drive and professional snow removal tools are essential for the 46.4-inch annual snowfall. Summer cooling needs are minimal compared to the rest of the state, but winter gear is a must.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Storey County

via SoilByCounty

Storey County Soil Profile

Soil pH and taxonomic classifications for Storey County are not currently in the national record. The national median pH of 6.5 serves as a benchmark, but local mountain soils can vary wildly. Determining your soil's identity is the first step toward better land stewardship.

Storey County Soil Texture

Specific data on sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for this region. These texture ratios dictate the drainage and workability of your land. Conducting a home soil test will help you understand the unique makeup of your property.

Improving Growing Potential

Organic matter and available water capacity data are limited compared to the 2.0% national organic average. In Storey County's terrain, building up the topsoil with compost is essential for plant health. Targeted amendments will help your garden survive the dry Nevada summers.

Hydrology and Runoff Management

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups have not been established for Storey County. This data gap makes it important for homeowners to conduct their own drainage assessments. Proper site prep is necessary to manage water in this rugged landscape.

Garden Success in Zone 7b

Storey County is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, offering a favorable climate for many herbs and vegetables. Lavender, sage, and hardy tomatoes perform well in this mountain environment. It is time to plant your roots and watch your high-altitude garden thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Storey County

via LawnByCounty

Storey County's Surprising Lawn Success

Storey County is a rare Nevada gem with a lawn difficulty score of 54.9, beating both the state and national averages. At nearly 20 points higher than the state average of 34.4, this is one of the easiest places in Nevada to maintain a lawn. The Zone 7b climate here is much more forgiving than the surrounding desert.

Mild Summers and Higher Rainfall

With 11.7 inches of annual precipitation, Storey County is wetter than the state average of 8.6 inches. It also enjoys a much cooler summer, with only 10 extreme heat days compared to the Nevada average of 57. This temperate profile significantly reduces the water stress and maintenance burden on your turf.

Optimizing Your Soil Foundation

While specific soil statistics are not available, the cooler and wetter climate suggests better potential for organic matter than in lower desert areas. You should still test for pH to ensure you are near the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot for grass health. Focus on ensuring your soil is well-aerated to take advantage of the 11.7 inches of rain.

Maintaining a High Resilience Score

Storey County only faced 13 weeks of drought in the past year, the lowest in this group. With 0% of the area currently in any drought category, you have a distinct advantage in maintaining a lush green space. Even so, using drought-tolerant grass varieties will ensure your lawn stays green during rare dry spells.

Leveraging a Long Growing Season

Zone 7b supports a wide variety of grasses, including Turf-Type Tall Fescue which handles both sun and shade. Your growing window spans from the last frost on May 12 to the first frost on October 17. Take advantage of the mild 72.6°F July temperatures to establish a thick, healthy lawn that will be the envy of the state.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Storey County's county score?
Storey County, Nevada has a composite county score of 53.9 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 Storey County rank among counties in Nevada?
Storey County ranks #5 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 Storey County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Storey County is $1,578, with an effective tax rate of 0.40%. This earns Storey County a tax score of 93.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Storey County?
The median household income in Storey County, Nevada is $96,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Storey County earns an income score of 94.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Storey County, Nevada a good place to live?
Storey County scores 53.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Storey 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 Storey 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.