Esmeralda
Nevada

What stands out

Three things set Esmeralda County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the home price against local income is among the most affordable in America (0.9 years of income), rainfall is among the driest in America (6 inches a year), and winter sunshine is among the sunniest in America (2.6 on the USDA scale). Within Nevada it ranks 1st of 17 counties for the home price against local income, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Esmeralda County, Nevada. 980 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -3).

Nevada has no income tax, no estate tax and no corporate income tax, funded largely by gaming and sales taxes and a payroll tax on employers. Las Vegas and Reno account for nearly all of the population growth, much of it from California. Property taxes are low and annual increases on a primary home are capped at 3%. Water supply from the Colorado River is the long-term constraint.

Money

The typical household here brings in $40,694 a year, lower than 93% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $61,632. Unemployment runs 3.7%, higher than 60% of American counties. 12% of workers work from home.

Nevada has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $1,359 a month. Property tax is 0.62% of home value, roughly $594 a year on that median home, lower than 75% of American counties. 52% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 93% of American counties.

There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 30.6 per 10,000 people. 18.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 60 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 59% of eligible voters turned out. Under Nevada law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 56°F, highs near 69 and lows near 42, colder than 51% of American counties. About 6 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 33 out of 100, safer than 67% of American counties; the county has had 3 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 60 Mbps down, slower than 97% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation.