Best Cities for Families in Nevada
Nevada ranks #43 of 50 for families, with a families score of 50.2. Enterprise is its best city for families at 57.3.
- Nevada, all states
- #43 of 50
- Population
- 240,464
What Families Should Know About Nevada
Nevada ranks #43 out of 50 for families, placing it in the bottom tier of states. That doesn't mean families can't thrive here — the state scores well in affordability (62/100) — but Nevada's overall profile suggests families should weigh the tradeoffs carefully, particularly around economy and outdoor access.
Education is the single most important factor for families choosing where to live, and Nevada faces challenges on this front. The state's high school graduation rate stands at 81.7%, trailing the national average. Families relocating here should research individual school districts carefully, as statewide metrics (education score: 40/100) mask significant local variation. Center-based infant care runs $15,633 a year — a meaningful expense, close to the 50-state average.
Safety is the other pillar of family-friendly living. Nevada faces elevated crime rates that families should factor into neighborhood selection at 379.2 incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI estimate). With a cost-of-living index of 100, household expenses are close to the national norm — neither a major advantage nor a dealbreaker.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Families
| # City | Grade | Families score | Overall | Education | Safety | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Enterprise | B | 57.3 | 56.4 | — | — | 54 | 240,464 |
| 2Henderson | C+ | 56.4 | 55.3 | 33 | 82 | 55 | 332,141 |
| 3Summerlin South | B+ | 55.8 | 61.3 | — | — | 39 | 31,354 |
| 4Carson | C+ | 55.8 | 55.3 | — | 78 | 65 | 58,384 |
| 5Mesquite | C+ | 55.3 | 54.3 | 39 | 94 | 67 | 22,059 |
| 6Spring Valley | C | 54.5 | 50.7 | — | — | 58 | 219,187 |
| 7Sparks | C+ | 52.1 | 54.3 | 39 | 67 | 56 | 110,024 |
| 8Elko | D | 51.8 | 48.8 | 39 | 76 | 72 | 20,696 |
| 9North Las Vegas | C | 51.6 | 49.1 | 25 | 72 | 60 | 278,595 |
| 10Paradise | D | 51.1 | 44.7 | — | — | 65 | 185,913 |
| 11Spanish Springs | B+ | 50.7 | 59.3 | — | — | 47 | 17,980 |
| 12Whitney | D | 50.1 | 43.9 | — | — | 65 | 47,221 |
| 13Reno | C | 49.5 | 52.2 | 39 | 55 | 55 | 273,212 |
| 14Las Vegas | D | 49.5 | 47.2 | 35 | — | 61 | 660,400 |
| 15Fernley | C | 49.4 | 50.6 | 43 | — | 63 | 24,225 |
| 16Dayton | C | 49.3 | 52.0 | 45 | — | 60 | 15,781 |
| 17Sunrise Manor | F | 49.3 | 40.0 | — | — | 67 | 200,218 |
| 18Winchester | F | 47.8 | 39.0 | — | — | 70 | 37,081 |
| 19Sun Valley | D | 46.5 | 44.5 | — | — | 68 | 22,228 |
| 20Pahrump | F | 41.8 | 38.9 | 35 | — | 72 | 47,347 |
City families scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for families also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), lower is better; the share of households with someone under 18 (Census ACS), higher is better.
Compare: States with Similar Families Rankings
Also See: Nevada for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nevada a good state for families?
Nevada ranks #43 out of 50 for families with a persona-weighted score of 50.2/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (62/100) and its weakest is Economy (28/100).
What is the best city for families in Nevada?
Enterprise ranks #1 in Nevada for families with a score of 57.3/100, followed by Henderson and Summerlin South.
What factors are most important for families in Nevada?
Rankings weighted toward education quality, public safety, affordable housing, healthcare, and community livability — the factors that matter most to families with children.