CountyScore

Washoe County

Nevada · NV

#16 in Nevada
61.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Washoe County, Nevada

Washoe exceeds national average despite urban challenges

Washoe County's composite score of 61.6 outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in approximately the top 23rd percentile. As Nevada's second-largest county, it balances urban growth with above-average livability.

Below state average despite being Nevada's hub

Washoe's score of 61.6 falls notably below Nevada's state average of 69.5, indicating that urban growth and development have created livability trade-offs. It ranks lowest among these eight counties examined.

Tax efficiency and incomes lead Reno-area appeal

Washoe offers the tied-lowest effective tax rate at 0.463% (tax score: 89.3) and a median household income of $85,600 (income score: 39.3). Health outcomes (67.3) are respectable for an urban county.

Housing costs and risk concerns stand out

Washoe's cost score of 56.6 reflects the highest median home value at $496,600 and elevated rent at $1,507/month among these counties. The risk score of 3.3 is dramatically the lowest, suggesting significant economic or environmental vulnerability.

For urban professionals weighing trade-offs carefully

Washoe County suits professionals and families drawn to Reno's urban amenities, job market, and cultural offerings who can afford higher housing costs and are comfortable with elevated risk exposure. Those prioritizing affordability or stability should consider rural Nevada alternatives.

Score breakdown

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

Tax89.3Cost56.6SafetyComing SoonHealth67.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.3Risk3.3WaterComing Soon
🏛89.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.3
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 Washoe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Calaveras County
California
61.6
Median income: $79,877
Volusia County
Florida
61.6
Median income: $66,581
Butler County
Ohio
61.6
Median income: $81,194
Greene County
Ohio
61.6
Median income: $85,218
Austin County
Texas
61.6
Median income: $75,994

Deep Dives

Washoe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.