Washoe
Nevada

What stands out

Against every county in America, Washoe County is unusual in three ways: natural-hazard risk is among the riskiest in America (99 of 100), the median home price is in the top 4% of American counties ($572K), and the home price against local income is in the top 4% of American counties (4.7 years of income). Within Nevada it ranks 2nd of 17 counties for natural-hazard risk.

Where you are

You live in Washoe County, Nevada. 486,674 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -241).

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 $81,531 a year, higher than 89% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $69,452. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 52% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $572K, pricier than 96% of American counties, about 4.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,423 a month. Property tax is 0.48% of home value, roughly $2,196 a year on that median home, lower than 90% of American counties. 59% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 52% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 38 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 77.3 years, longer than 67% of American counties. There are 1,751 active physicians in the county, about 36.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.6 of 5 stars. 12.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.83 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 75% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 6 points. 76% 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 52°F, highs near 65 and lows near 39, colder than 67% of American counties. About 14 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 99 out of 100, riskier than almost every county in America; the county has had 52 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 281 Mbps down, faster than 89% of American counties. There are 9 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 17 breweries, 6 museums.