Nevada
Nevada ranks #44 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 40.2/100 and a D grade. Its strongest category is Affordability (62/100) and its weakest is Education (8/100).
How Does Nevada Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Nevada
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 419 | Mesquite | B | 54.9 | 21,314 | $74,439 | 189.3 | — |
| 427 | Henderson | B | 54.7 | 337,280 | $82,476 | 294 | 97.4 |
| 540 | Sparks | C+ | 52.2 | 110,301 | $86,081 | 391.2 | — |
| 563 | Reno | C+ | 51.9 | 274,937 | $80,365 | 594.4 | 97.4 |
| 578 | Dayton | C+ | 51.5 | 15,873 | $91,221 | — | 92.3 |
| 618 | Fernley | C+ | 50.4 | 23,631 | $87,991 | — | — |
| 626 | Spanish Springs | C+ | 50.2 | 17,512 | $121,250 | — | — |
| 647 | Summerlin South | C+ | 49.7 | 30,075 | $113,301 | — | — |
| 720 | North Las Vegas | C | 47.9 | 284,772 | $78,949 | 455.7 | 97.4 |
| 737 | Las Vegas | C | 47.2 | 660,942 | $73,784 | — | 97.4 |
| 746 | Elko | C | 47.0 | 20,624 | $75,630 | 527.5 | — |
| 749 | Enterprise | C | 46.9 | 243,802 | $91,225 | — | — |
| 821 | Carson | D | 44.6 | 58,364 | $71,809 | — | 94.1 |
| 837 | Spring Valley | D | 44.1 | 198,326 | $71,988 | — | — |
| 877 | Sun Valley | D | 42.6 | 22,697 | $76,108 | — | — |
| 880 | Paradise | D | 42.5 | 177,413 | $61,680 | — | 97.4 |
| 888 | Pahrump | D | 42.3 | 45,811 | $58,560 | — | — |
| 912 | Whitney | D | 41.1 | 46,268 | $63,480 | — | — |
| 948 | Winchester | D | 39.0 | 37,774 | $49,190 | — | 94.3 |
| 956 | Sunrise Manor | F | 38.4 | 213,644 | $52,496 | — | — |
Best Cities in Nevada for...
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Nevada Rankings Overview
Nevada earns an overall grade of D with a composite score of 40.2 out of 100, ranking #44 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Affordability (62/100) while its biggest challenge is Education (8/100).
Economy & Employment in Nevada
With an unemployment rate of 5.5% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Nevada performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $70,448, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Nevada
Nevada's violent crime rate of 431 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Nevada
Nevada ranks #38 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #46 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Nevada is 77.5 years, and the high school graduation rate is 82%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Nevada
Nevada's total tax burden is 8.62% of personal income, which is below the national average of 8.74%. Nevada has no state income tax. The effective property tax rate is 0.5% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 8.24%.
Housing & Affordability in Nevada
The median home price in Nevada is $455,000, compared to the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 97 (where 100 equals the national average), roughly in line with national costs. The price-to-income ratio is 6.5x.
Environment in Nevada
Nevada has a median air quality index of 41 (EPA AirData), above the national average. 32% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, an above-average share. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 25.7 (below average risk).
Growth & Migration in Nevada
Nevada's population growth rate is +1.5% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is +5.3 per 1,000 residents, indicating more people are moving in than out. 99% of households have broadband internet access, among the best-connected states.
Best Cities in Nevada
The top-ranked cities in Nevada based on our composite scoring are Mesquite, Henderson, and Sparks. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Nevada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nevada's overall ranking?
Nevada ranks #44 out of 50 states with a composite score of 40.2/100 and a grade of D.
Is Nevada a good place to live?
Nevada scores 40.2/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Nevada?
The violent crime rate in Nevada is 431 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Nevada's economy compare?
Nevada's median household income is $70,448 with an unemployment rate of 5.5%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Nevada?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Nevada are Mesquite, Henderson, and Sparks.
How does Nevada rank for families?
Nevada ranks #46 of 50 states for families with a score of 39.3/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Nevada rank for retirees?
Nevada ranks #38 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 52/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Nevada rank for remote workers?
Nevada ranks #34 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 52.6/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.