Best Cities for Retirees in Nevada
Nevada ranks #35 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 56.2. Summerlin South is its best city for retirees at 63.6.
- Nevada, all states
- #35 of 50
- Population
- 31,354
Nevada for Retirees: The Full Picture
At #35 out of 50, Nevada isn't a traditional retirement hotspot — but that doesn't tell the whole story. The state has genuine strengths in affordability, and retirees with specific priorities (established communities) may find it suits them better than the aggregate ranking suggests.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Nevada's health score of 45/100 is a concern — at 76.4 years, life expectancy trails the national average, and access to quality care can be uneven. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.62% of income. The absence of state income tax is a meaningful benefit for retirees living on fixed incomes. Property taxes run 0.5% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.
At $442,027, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. Safety is worth researching at the local level — the statewide safety score of 56/100 suggests some areas perform better than others. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Summerlin South | B+ | 63.6 | 61.3 | 70 | 82 | 39 | 31,354 |
| 2Henderson | C+ | 61.0 | 55.3 | 61 | 63 | 55 | 332,141 |
| 3Mesquite | C+ | 60.9 | 54.3 | 56 | 53 | 67 | 22,059 |
| 4Spanish Springs | B+ | 58.2 | 59.3 | 68 | 90 | 47 | 17,980 |
| 5Enterprise | B | 57.6 | 56.4 | 64 | 67 | 54 | 240,464 |
| 6Spring Valley | C | 55.2 | 50.7 | 57 | 50 | 58 | 219,187 |
| 7Dayton | C | 54.5 | 52.0 | 57 | 75 | 60 | 15,781 |
| 8Carson | C+ | 54.0 | 55.3 | 53 | 53 | 65 | 58,384 |
| 9Sparks | C+ | 53.8 | 54.3 | 63 | 63 | 56 | 110,024 |
| 10North Las Vegas | C | 52.2 | 49.1 | 46 | 53 | 60 | 278,595 |
| 11Las Vegas | D | 51.7 | 47.2 | 50 | 47 | 61 | 660,400 |
| 12Reno | C | 51.2 | 52.2 | 63 | 52 | 55 | 273,212 |
| 13Paradise | D | 49.4 | 44.7 | 46 | 34 | 65 | 185,913 |
| 14Pahrump | F | 49.1 | 38.9 | 36 | 42 | 72 | 47,347 |
| 15Elko | D | 48.3 | 48.8 | 48 | 49 | 72 | 20,696 |
| 16Fernley | C | 47.6 | 50.6 | 50 | 56 | 63 | 24,225 |
| 17Whitney | D | 47.6 | 43.9 | 45 | 43 | 65 | 47,221 |
| 18Sun Valley | D | 42.8 | 44.5 | 46 | 43 | 68 | 22,228 |
| 19Sunrise Manor | F | 42.4 | 40.0 | 36 | 28 | 67 | 200,218 |
| 20Winchester | F | 42.4 | 39.0 | 36 | 18 | 70 | 37,081 |
City retirees 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 retirees 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), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Nevada for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nevada a good state for retirees?
Nevada ranks #35 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 56.2/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (62/100) and its weakest is Economy (28/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Nevada?
Summerlin South ranks #1 in Nevada for retirees with a score of 63.6/100, followed by Henderson and Mesquite.
What factors are most important for retirees in Nevada?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.