countyscore
34.2
County Score
Property Tax 89.5Income & Jobs 89Health 50.5

County Report Card

About Washoe County, Nevada

Trailing the National Median

Washoe County receives a composite score of 34.2, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. Rapid urban growth has created significant pressure on the county's infrastructure and safety.

Below the State Average

The county's score of 34.2 sits well below the Nevada average of 48.2. Despite being a major population center, its livability metrics are currently hindered by high costs and environmental risks.

Dynamic Incomes and Tax Benefits

Washoe maintains a strong economic base with an income score of 89.0 and a median income of $85,600. It also offers a very favorable tax environment, scoring 89.5 in that dimension.

Extreme Risk and High Costs

The county faces an environmental risk score of 3.3, one of the lowest in the nation. Housing costs also present a massive barrier, with an affordability score of only 6.8.

For the Resilient Professional

Washoe County suits high-earning individuals who value urban amenities and can afford the high cost of entry. However, residents must be comfortable with elevated environmental risks and safety concerns.

Score breakdown

Tax89.5Cost6.8Safety11.1Health50.5Schools18.8Income89Risk3.3Water35.4Weather39.9
🏛89.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓18.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.6
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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Nearby counties

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53.9
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Deep Dives

Washoe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Washoe County

via TaxByCounty

Washoe County taxes run below national median

At 0.463% effective rate, Washoe County charges less than half the national median rate, making it one of America's most tax-friendly large counties. The median tax of $2,297 runs 15% below the national median of $2,690, despite Washoe's above-average home values of $496,600.

Washoe's rate sits below Nevada average

Washoe County's 0.463% effective rate falls beneath Nevada's 0.525% state average, ranking among the state's most affordable counties. The median tax of $2,297 exceeds the state median of $1,443 due to Washoe's higher median home value and more populous tax base.

Washoe matches Storey's competitive rate

Washoe County's 0.463% rate ties Storey County's rate, making both among Nevada's lowest-taxed jurisdictions. Washoe homes average $496,600—nearly 26% above Storey's $393,100—yet achieve nearly identical effective rates.

Median Washoe home costs $2,297 yearly

On the county's median home value of $496,600, property owners pay an estimated $2,297 in annual taxes. Homeowners with a mortgage can expect roughly $2,319 annually, while those without pay closer to $2,248.

Washoe homeowners should challenge overassessments

Even in tax-friendly Washoe County, many properties carry inflated assessments that exceed fair market value, creating appeal opportunities. If your home's valuation appears high relative to recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, a formal assessment challenge could reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Washoe County

via CostByCounty

Washoe renters pinched by Reno growth

Washoe County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% exceeds the national average, reflecting Reno's rapid growth and rising housing costs that outpaced wage increases. With median rent at $1,507 monthly against a $85,600 household income, renters dedicate more than one-fifth of earnings to housing—a burden amplified by the county's desirability as a relocation destination.

High costs of metro Nevada

Washoe County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio places it among Nevada's less affordable counties, exceeding the state average of 18.1% by 3 percentage points. As home to Reno, Nevada's second-largest metro area, Washoe's higher rents and stronger incomes mirror urban affordability challenges across the nation.

Reno premium over rural Nevada

Washoe County's $1,507 median rent is the highest among all eight counties analyzed, significantly exceeding rural neighbors like Lander ($1,066) and Lyon ($1,259), and reflecting Reno's status as Nevada's major job hub. With a $85,600 household income second only to Storey County ($96,000), Washoe residents earn more but spend proportionally more on housing.

Ownership costs climb steeply

Washoe renters pay $1,507 monthly while homeowners pay $1,582, a $75 difference that means ownership consumes 22.2% of the $85,600 median income—higher than renting's 21.1% burden. The median home value of $496,600, highest among the eight counties, makes homeownership a multi-year savings goal for typical households.

Urban opportunity with affordability tradeoffs

Washoe County offers Reno's jobs, culture, and amenities but demands 21.1% of income for housing—3 percentage points above the Nevada average and among the nation's affordability challenges. If relocating to Reno, compare Washoe's $1,507 rents to rural Nevada alternatives like Pershing ($667) and Lander ($1,066) to decide if urban opportunity justifies the housing cost premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Washoe County

via IncomeByCounty

Washoe exceeds national income

Washoe County's median household income of $85,600 runs 14% above the national median of $74,755. This strength reflects Reno's diversified economy spanning tech, healthcare, retail, and tourism.

Second strongest in Nevada

At $85,600, Washoe ranks second in Nevada behind Storey County, surpassing the state average of $75,206 by $10,394. The county anchors Nevada's economic performance alongside Storey.

Washoe leads most peers

Washoe's $85,600 trails only Storey County ($96,000) but exceeds all other tracked counties—Lander ($84,474), Lyon ($73,460), Lincoln ($69,496), and the rest. The county's metropolitan character drives higher wages.

Housing pressure despite strong income

Washoe's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% signals rising housing costs, with a median home value of $496,600. Even strong household income is tested by the county's heated real estate market.

Invest beyond the housing market

Washoe's above-average income provides solid foundation to save and invest despite housing costs. Explore diversified investment portfolios, employer retirement plans, and education savings accounts to build wealth independent of real estate appreciation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Washoe County

via CrimeByCounty

Washoe County Crime Higher Than National

Washoe County faces a total crime rate of 2,685.6 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.8, the lowest among its regional peers.

Washoe Ranks Below Nevada State Safety

Washoe ranks below the Nevada state average safety score of 97.5. Its crime rate of 2,685.6 is significantly higher than the state average of 1,555.1 per 100K.

Regional Hub Sees More Crime Activity

Washoe County reports more crime than its neighbors Storey and Pershing. With ten reporting agencies contributing data, these figures provide a comprehensive and accurate look at regional safety.

Property Crime Is the Primary Concern

Property crime is the primary concern at 2,175.0 per 100K, exceeding the national average. Violent crime sits at 510.6 per 100K, which also outpaces the national rate of 369.8.

Enhanced Home Defense for Washoe

Given the higher property crime rates, Washoe residents should prioritize home security. Alarms and surveillance cameras are effective tools for deterring crime in more populated urban areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Washoe County

via HealthByCounty

Washoe County outperforms national average

At 76.8 years, Washoe County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 and surpasses Nevada's 75.2-year average. Just 18.1% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 21%.

Nevada's second-healthiest county

Washoe ranks second only to Storey County for life expectancy and health status in Nevada. The county's uninsured rate of 12.9% is slightly above state average, yet overall health outcomes remain strong.

Leads western Nevada region

Washoe's 76.8-year life expectancy exceeds all neighboring rural counties, including Lyon (74.2) and Nye (73.3). The county matches or beats most peers on both longevity and health status metrics.

Robust provider network statewide

Washoe has 79 primary care providers per 100K—the second-highest in Nevada and approaching the national average of 90 per 100K. Mental health capacity is exceptional at 378 per 100K—among the strongest in the country.

Close remaining coverage gaps

While Washoe has strong health infrastructure, 12.9% of residents remain uninsured—above state average. Visit Healthcare.gov to find affordable coverage and access Washoe's excellent providers year-round.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Washoe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban and Suburban School Network

Washoe County anchors the region's education with 120 public schools and nearly 69,000 students. The system is expansive, featuring 74 elementary schools, 18 middle schools, and 22 high schools across two distinct districts.

Balancing High Enrollment and Efficiency

Washoe County maintains an 85.0% graduation rate, which is just above the Nevada state average. The district operates with significant efficiency, spending only $5,957 per pupil, which is well below the state average of $8,153 and the national average of $13,000.

Two Districts and a Growing Charter Sector

The Washoe County School District dominates the area with 112 schools, while the Davidson Academy District offers specialized education. Charter schools are a significant factor here, with 17 institutions representing 14.2% of all schools in the county.

City and Suburban Mix with Large Campuses

Schools here are primarily located in city and suburban settings, with an average size of 574 students. Major high schools like North Valleys enroll over 2,400 students, while specialized options like Davidson Academy serve just 163 learners.

Endless Options for Every Type of Student

From massive suburban high schools to specialized charters, Washoe County offers the most diverse educational landscape in Northern Nevada. Explore homes in Sparks or Reno to find a school zone that matches your family's specific academic goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Washoe County

via RiskByCounty

Washoe County faces relatively high national risk

With a composite risk score of 96.69, Washoe County ranks as relatively high nationally and sits above most U.S. counties in natural disaster exposure. This reflects the county's position as Nevada's largest population center with diverse terrain and multiple hazard concentrations.

Nevada's highest-risk county

Washoe County's 96.69 composite risk score far exceeds Nevada's state average of 46.25, making it the state's most hazard-exposed county. The Reno metro area and surrounding mountains create converging risks across multiple disaster categories.

Significantly riskier than rural neighbors

Washoe County (96.69) dramatically exceeds all neighboring rural counties, including Storey (25.16), Lander (16.98), and Pershing (6.01). Urban development patterns and elevation changes compound hazard exposure compared to sparsely settled regional peers.

Earthquakes, wildfires, and floods all major

Washoe County faces exceptional risk across three categories: earthquakes (99.17), wildfires (98.95), and floods (94.53), the highest scores statewide. Notably, tornado risk at 14.31 is also substantially elevated compared to other Nevada counties.

Secure comprehensive multi-hazard coverage

Homeowners must obtain earthquake (99.17), wildfire (98.95), and flood (94.53) insurance, along with standard homeowners coverage. Implement seismic retrofits, maintain defensible space, elevate utilities, and ensure proper drainage to address Washoe County's exceptional multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Washoe County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced High Desert Climate

Washoe County's 52.1°F average temperature aligns closely with the national median. It receives 9.2 inches of precipitation, making it slightly wetter than many other Nevada counties.

A Mirror of the State

The county's climate closely follows state averages of 52.0°F and 8.6 inches of precipitation. Its 14.9 inches of snow is higher than the state median but typical for the Sierra foothills.

Less Extreme Than Neighbors

Washoe is warmer and drier than Storey County but far snowier than Lyon County. It records 50 extreme heat days, which is fewer than the 71 seen in nearby Pershing.

Four Distinct Nevada Seasons

July averages 74.4°F with 50 days of heat over 90°F, while January brings a 34.1°F chill. Annual snowfall reaches 14.9 inches, providing a clear winter season without the extremes of the high peaks.

Versatile Home Climate Control

Residents need both efficient cooling for 50 heat days and reliable heating for the 35.0°F winter average. Seasonal tire changes or all-weather tires are recommended for the 14.9 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Washoe County

via SoilByCounty

Washoe County Soil Identity

Washoe County lacks specific records for soil pH and taxonomic order in the primary dataset. While the national median pH is 6.5, many soils in this area are influenced by volcanic activity and arid conditions. Local soil testing will reveal your land's true chemical character.

Analyzing Washoe's Soil Texture

Detailed percentages of sand, silt, and clay are currently missing for this county. These factors determine how much water your soil can hold and its overall workability. You can assess your own texture by observing how well your soil clumps together when wet.

Cultivating Fertility in Washoe

Specific organic matter and water capacity data are currently unrecorded relative to the 2.0% national average. Building organic content is crucial for gardeners looking to thrive in this high-desert region. Adding organic mulch is a great way to improve soil health and moisture levels.

Water Drainage and Hydrology

The county does not have official records for dominant drainage classes or hydrologic groups. For building projects or irrigation, localized site testing is a necessary step to ensure proper water management. Understanding your land's drainage will prevent future landscape issues.

Thriving in Zone 7a

Washoe County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, perfect for a wide range of gardening projects. Berries, tomatoes, and zucchini grow exceptionally well during the warm summer months. Get your hands in the dirt and start growing your own fresh produce today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Washoe County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing in Washoe County

Washoe County holds a lawn difficulty score of 46.6, placing it well above the Nevada average of 34.4. While it sits just below the national average of 50.0, it remains one of the more hospitable regions for turf in the state. Homeowners in this Zone 7a area have a better-than-average chance at a healthy lawn.

Balanced Heat and Moderate Rain

The county receives 9.2 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly above the state average but below the 30-inch ideal. With 50 extreme heat days, Washoe is cooler than many Nevada counties, though July still averages a warm 74.4°F. This combination requires attentive watering but avoids the extreme scorched-earth conditions found elsewhere.

Managing Your High-Desert Soil

Soil data is not currently specified, but the region's volcanic and alluvial history often leads to variable drainage. Perform a simple percolation test to see how quickly water moves through your yard before choosing a grass type. Most lawns in this area benefit from regular top-dressing with organic compost to improve soil health.

Smart Water Use in the Truckee Meadows

Washoe County experienced only 13 weeks of drought over the past year, and only 5.9% of the area is currently abnormally dry. This stability is a major asset for local gardeners and lawn enthusiasts. Practice 'cycle and soak' irrigation to ensure water reaches the roots rather than running off into the street.

Seeding for Success in Reno and Beyond

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are the standard for Zone 7a, providing a lush look and winter hardiness. Aim to get your seed in the ground between the May 1 last frost and the October 12 first frost. This provides a generous five-month window to establish a strong, resilient root system.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Washoe County's county score?
Washoe County, Nevada has a composite county score of 34.2 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 Washoe County rank among counties in Nevada?
Washoe County ranks #16 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 Washoe County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in Washoe County is $2,297, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Washoe County a tax score of 89.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Washoe County?
The median household income in Washoe County, Nevada is $85,600 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Washoe County earns an income score of 89/100 on CountyScore.
Is Washoe County, Nevada a good place to live?
Washoe County scores 34.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate Washoe 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 Washoe 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.