59.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 87.5Property Tax 86.8Income & Jobs 71.9

County Report Card

About White Pine County, Nevada

White Pine Outperforms the National Median

White Pine County earns a composite score of 59.8, placing it well above the national median score of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that ranks in the upper tiers of American counties nationwide.

A Top-Tier Option in Nevada

With its 59.8 composite score, the county significantly outpaces the Nevada state average of 48.2. It offers a more stable livability profile than many other regions in the Silver State.

High Income Potential with Low Tax Burdens

The county boasts an exceptional Tax Score of 86.8, supported by a low effective tax rate of 0.492%. Residents also benefit from a high Risk Score of 87.5 and a solid median household income of $72,294.

Developing Educational and Health Resources

Education is the primary area for growth with a School Score of 32.6, while the Health Score of 51.9 suggests room for improvement in local wellness services. These scores indicate that while the economy is strong, social infrastructure is still maturing.

Ideal for Financial Stability and Low-Cost Living

White Pine is a strong choice for budget-conscious professionals who value low taxes and affordable housing, where median home values sit at $196,700. It suits those who prioritize financial health over immediate proximity to top-rated school districts.

Score breakdown

Tax86.8Cost64.7Safety56.5Health51.9Schools32.6Income71.9Risk87.5Water52.9Weather40.6
🏛86.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠64.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼71.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡56.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
51.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓32.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
87.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧52.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤40.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱27.2
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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Deep Dives

White Pine County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in White Pine County

via TaxByCounty

White Pine's tax rate beats the nation

White Pine County's effective property tax rate of 0.492% sits well below the national median, making it one of the more affordable places to own property in America. At the national median home value of $281,900, you'd pay roughly $1,386 annually here—compared to the national median property tax of $2,690. This rate puts White Pine in roughly the 25th percentile nationally, meaning three-quarters of U.S. counties tax property more aggressively.

White Pine ranks low among Nevada counties

White Pine County's 0.492% effective rate falls below Nevada's state average of 0.525%, positioning it in the lower half of the state's taxing counties. The county collects a median property tax of just $968 annually, roughly 33% less than Nevada's median of $1,443. This makes White Pine one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state.

Competitive with surrounding Nevada counties

White Pine's 0.492% rate aligns with the broader pattern across rural Nevada, where property taxes remain moderate compared to urban centers. Without specific neighboring county data provided, White Pine's sub-state-average rate suggests it competes favorably on affordability in the region. The county's lower median home value of $196,700 also reflects the rural character of northeastern Nevada.

What your White Pine home costs annually

On White Pine's median home value of $196,700, expect to pay approximately $968 per year in property taxes—or roughly $81 monthly. If you're financing that home, the figure climbs to $1,157 when you factor in mortgage and tax escrow, while owning free and clear costs $839 annually. These figures rank among Nevada's lowest annual property tax bills.

You may be overpaying on your assessment

Across Nevada, many homeowners pay more than they should because their property assessments haven't kept pace with actual market values—or worse, exceed them. If you haven't reviewed your White Pine County assessment recently, it's worth requesting a copy and comparing it to similar recent sales in your area. A successful appeal could lower your annual bill by hundreds of dollars.

Cost of Living in White Pine County

via CostByCounty

White Pine's rent burden beats national average

At 15.5%, White Pine County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than most Americans. The county's median rent of $933 per month is significantly lower than comparable U.S. markets, offering genuine affordability for those willing to embrace rural Nevada living.

Most affordable county in Nevada for renters

White Pine County ranks as Nevada's most housing-affordable county, with a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 18.1%. The county's median rent of $933 undercuts Nevada's state median of $1,127 by nearly 17%, positioning it as a rare affordability bright spot in a state increasingly stretched by rising costs.

Outpaces similar rural Nevada counties

White Pine County's housing costs are competitive among Nevada's rural counties, where affordability remains a relative advantage compared to Clark and Washoe county markets. The county's median rent and ownership costs reflect its small-town character, making it an attractive alternative for those seeking lower costs without leaving the state.

Where your housing dollar goes

White Pine County renters spend $933 monthly while earning a median household income of $72,294, leaving substantial income for other necessities after housing costs. Homeowners fare even better, with median owner costs of just $518 per month—one of the lowest in Nevada—making homeownership accessible for middle-income families here.

Ready to stretch your paycheck further?

If you're considering a move that lets your income go further, White Pine County delivers genuine affordability with rents 17% below Nevada's state average and some of the lowest homeownership costs in the region. The trade-off is rural living and distance from major metros, but for remote workers or those seeking retirement affordability, the math is compelling.

Income & Jobs in White Pine County

via IncomeByCounty

White Pine earns slightly below the nation

White Pine County's median household income of $72,294 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $2,460, placing it in the middle range nationally. The county's per capita income of $30,635 falls notably below the U.S. average, reflecting a regional economic pattern common in rural Nevada.

Ranked fourth-lowest in Nevada counties

Among Nevada's 16 counties, White Pine ranks near the bottom for median household income at $72,294—about $2,900 below the state average of $75,206. The county's per capita income of $30,635 trails Nevada's state average of $37,257, a gap of roughly 18 percent.

Similar income profile to remote Nevada peers

White Pine's median household income of $72,294 aligns closely with other rural Nevada counties facing geographic and economic isolation. The county's per capita income of $30,635 reflects limited job diversity typical of sparsely populated regions in the interior West.

Housing costs remain manageable here

White Pine County residents spend just 15.5% of household income on rent—well below the national affordability threshold of 30%—making housing costs genuinely accessible. With a median home value of $196,700 and median household income of $72,294, homeownership remains within reach for many local families.

Build financial resilience in White Pine

With housing costs consuming only 15.5% of household income, White Pine residents have meaningful opportunity to save and invest the difference. Starting an emergency fund, contributing to retirement accounts, and exploring local business investments can help households build long-term wealth despite modest regional incomes.

Safety in White Pine County

via CrimeByCounty

White Pine Outperforms National Safety Averages

White Pine County maintains an impressive safety score of 98.4 out of 100, significantly exceeding the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 1,000.3 per 100,000 residents sits at less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Nevada Public Safety

With a safety score of 98.4, White Pine ranks above the Nevada state average of 97.5. The county offers a more secure environment than many of its metropolitan counterparts across the Silver State.

Comparing White Pine to Regional Trends

White Pine’s total crime rate of 1,000.3 per 100,000 remains well below the Nevada state average of 1,555.1. While data comes from a single reporting agency, the county presents a significantly lower crime profile than the state as a whole.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Risks

Property crime remains remarkably low at 555.7 per 100,000 residents, roughly one-fourth of the national average. However, the violent crime rate of 444.6 is slightly higher than the national figure of 369.8, suggesting where local safety efforts are most concentrated.

Strengthening Community Security in White Pine

Residents maintain a high level of safety by staying proactive with home security and local neighborhood awareness. Simple measures like motion-sensor lighting and smart locks help preserve the county’s strong reputation for low property crime.

Health in White Pine County

via HealthByCounty

White Pine lives longer than most Americans

At 76.6 years, White Pine County residents outlive the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years—a small but meaningful edge. However, one in five White Pine residents report being in poor or fair health, slightly above the national poor/fair health rate, suggesting that extra years don't necessarily mean healthier ones.

Nevada's healthiest corner

White Pine County leads Nevada on life expectancy, beating the state average of 75.2 years by 1.4 years. The county also outperforms Nevada's 11.7% uninsured rate with just 8.8% of residents lacking coverage, reflecting stronger access to employer-based or public insurance.

Rural Nevada's health standout

White Pine County has fewer primary care providers than many urban Nevada counties at 76 per 100,000 residents, reflecting its rural character. Its mental health provider density of 434 per 100,000 is notably robust for a frontier county, suggesting focused investment in behavioral health services.

High insurance coverage, thin provider network

With an 8.8% uninsured rate, White Pine residents have better insurance access than most Nevadans, but the county's sparse population means those 76 primary care providers must serve a geographically dispersed community. Travel times to specialists and emergency care remain a daily reality for many White Pine families.

Protect your family's health today

If you're among White Pine County's uninsured, enrollment periods open year-round for qualified life events through Nevada's health marketplace. Visit healthcare.gov or call your local health department to explore coverage options and ensure your family has access to preventive care and treatment when it matters most.

Schools in White Pine County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Educational Infrastructure

White Pine County maintains a compact education system consisting of 11 public schools that serve 1,498 students across a single school district. The landscape includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, providing a focused academic pathway for local families.

Graduation Rates and Investment Levels

The county reports an 82% graduation rate, which trails the Nevada state average of 84.9% and the national benchmark of 87%. Although the per-pupil expenditure of $7,463 is lower than the state's $8,153 average, the county's overall school score of 50.3 remains slightly above the national median.

White Pine County School District Profile

The White Pine County School District is the primary provider, managing 10 schools and 1,322 students. One charter school, Learning Bridge, serves 176 students and represents approximately 9.1% of the total school options available in the county.

Intimate Classrooms in Town and Rural Settings

With an average school size of just 136 students, White Pine offers an exceptionally intimate learning environment across its six town and five rural schools. David E Norman Elementary is the largest campus with 395 students, while McGill Elementary provides a smaller setting for 119 pupils.

Finding a Home in a Tight-Knit Community

Families seeking small-town school environments will find White Pine County’s low student-to-teacher ratios a compelling reason to explore local real estate. As you research homes in the area, consider how these smaller, community-centered schools can benefit your children's educational experience.

Disaster Risk in White Pine County

via RiskByCounty

White Pine's Risk: Well Below National Average

White Pine County scores 12.50 on the composite natural disaster risk scale, placing it in the "Very Low" category—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This low rating reflects the county's remote location and sparse population centers, which reduce exposure to many hazard types.

Among Nevada's Safest Counties

White Pine ranks as one of Nevada's lowest-risk counties, with its composite score of 12.50 well below the state average of 46.25. This makes it a notable outlier in a state where seismic activity and wildfire exposure are widespread concerns.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

White Pine's "Very Low" rating stands in contrast to Nevada's more hazard-exposed counties like Washoe and Clark, which face elevated risks from earthquakes, wildfires, and urban development pressures. Its remote, high-desert location in northeastern Nevada insulates it from many of the state's most active natural disaster zones.

Wildfire and Earthquake Are Primary Concerns

Wildfire risk dominates White Pine's hazard profile at 84.19, reflecting the sagebrush and timber ecosystems common to the Great Basin. Earthquake risk at 65.17 is also notable given Nevada's position on the Pacific-Great Basin seismic belt, though flood and tornado risks remain minimal.

Prioritize Wildfire and Earthquake Coverage

Homeowners in White Pine should ensure their policies cover wildfire damage, as the 84.19 wildfire risk score means defensible space and ember-resistant construction are essential investments. Earthquake insurance is also worth evaluating given the county's 65.17 earthquake risk, particularly for older or unreinforced structures.

Weather & Climate in White Pine County

via WeatherByCounty

White Pine's Cool High-Altitude Climate

White Pine County maintains an average annual temperature of 46.5°F, placing it significantly below the national median of approximately 55°F. This semi-arid, high-elevation environment offers a cooler alternative to the typical interior American climate profile.

A Temperate Outlier in the Silver State

White Pine ranks as one of Nevada’s cooler regions, with its 46.5°F average falling well below the state average of 52.0°F. The county also receives 10.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly 20% higher than the statewide average of 8.6 inches.

Higher Snowfall Than Regional Peers

While neighboring counties to the south experience desert heat, White Pine's climate is defined by its 41.2 inches of annual snowfall. This makes it significantly wetter and more winter-focused than the lower-lying basins found elsewhere in eastern Nevada.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

The county enjoys mild summers with a July average of 69.6°F and only 22 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are much more demanding, featuring a January average of 27.5°F and consistent snow accumulation throughout the season.

Prepare for Snow and Winter Chill

Residents need robust heating systems to manage the 28.2°F winter average and heavy-duty snow removal tools for the 41.2 inches of annual snowfall. The mild summer average of 66.4°F makes high-performance cooling less critical than in the hotter southern parts of the state.

Soil Quality in White Pine County

via SoilByCounty

White Pine's High-Desert Soil Foundations

While formal taxonomic data for White Pine County remains sparse, the region typically features alkaline high-desert soils common to the Great Basin. These soils often sit well above the national median pH of 6.5, reflecting a dry climate and carbonate-rich parent materials.

A Rugged Mix of Earth and Stone

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are not formally recorded for the county, though the local landscape suggests a rocky, coarse-textured composition. This likely translates to rapid drainage and lower nutrient retention compared to more loamy agricultural regions.

Managing Arid-Land Organic Matter

Data on organic matter and available water capacity (AWC) are currently unavailable, though desert soils typically fall below the national 2.0% organic matter average. High-altitude gardens in this region require significant amendments to boost water retention and biological activity.

Navigating Drainage in the Great Basin

Without specific drainage class or hydrologic group data, local builders and farmers rely on site-specific testing of the county's varied terrain. Proper management of these soils is crucial for preventing erosion and ensuring structural stability in mountain-and-valley topography.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6a

White Pine County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, making it suitable for cold-hardy crops like garlic, kale, and root vegetables. With a short growing season and specialized soil needs, local gardeners find success by using raised beds and protective row covers.

Lawn Care in White Pine County

via LawnByCounty

High-Altitude Hurdles for White Pine Lawns

White Pine County earns a lawn difficulty score of 27.2, reflecting a much steeper maintenance challenge than the national median of 50.0. While the climate is more temperate than the Nevada state average of 34.4, its Hardiness Zone 6a classification requires specifically cold-tolerant grass varieties.

Dry Skies and Brief Growing Windows

With only 10.5 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns receive less than a third of the 30-50 inches they ideally require. Despite 22 extreme heat days, the region only records 2,039 growing degree days, which is significantly lower than the state average of 57 heat days.

Custom Soil Testing is Essential Here

While specific regional soil data is limited, the high-altitude terrain often requires amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Residents should prioritize professional soil tests to determine drainage needs and nutrient gaps before investing in new sod.

A Full Year of Persistent Drought

The county has spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought, with 11.8% of the land currently facing severe conditions. Conservation is critical, so experts recommend watering deeply before sunrise to minimize evaporation and help roots survive these dry cycles.

Timing Your High-Desert Lawn Success

Cold-hardy Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are the top choices for this climate, given the late June 1 spring frost and early September 24 fall freeze. Plan your seeding for late summer to ensure your grass establishes before the mountain winter sets in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is White Pine County's county score?
White Pine County, Nevada has a composite county score of 59.8 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 White Pine County rank among counties in Nevada?
White Pine County ranks #4 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 White Pine County, Nevada?
The median annual property tax in White Pine County is $968, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns White Pine County a tax score of 86.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in White Pine County?
The median household income in White Pine County, Nevada is $72,294 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. White Pine County earns an income score of 71.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is White Pine County, Nevada a good place to live?
White Pine County scores 59.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Nevada. The best way to evaluate White Pine 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 White Pine County with other counties side by side.