NevadaPop. 58,384Smaller cities
Is Carson City a Good Place to Live? Carson City, Nevada: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Carson City ranks #686 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #301 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.5 min, #109 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Carson City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Carson City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Carson City?
Carson City's cost of living index is 98.1, 2% below the US level of 100 and #584 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,248/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $501,614, 13% above the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
| Measure | Carson City | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.1#584 of 1,308 | 100 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $501,614#815 of 1,187 | $442,027 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,113/mo#763 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $453,000#894 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,248/mo#480 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.3x#1077 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 20.7%#534 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Carson City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Carson City is in the Carson City, NV metro.
Nevada housing market →Is Carson City safe?
Carson City recorded 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% above the US rate of 328 and 6% below Nevada's 379. That ranks #654 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #293 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carson City County Sheriff's Office. Property crime runs 794 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Carson City | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 358#654 of 1,085 | 379 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 794#134 of 1,085 | 1,996 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Carson City?
The median household in Carson City earns $72,355, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Carson City | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $72,355#771 of 1,312 | $81,134 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 5.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.3%#526 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Carson City?
The median resident of Carson City is 42.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Carson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 23.7%#1031 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 62.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Carson City's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Carson City to describe its public schools. 33.1% of adults are obese and 12.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Carson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33.1%#624 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.3%#839 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.1%#967 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Carson City?
The average commute in Carson City is 20.5 minutes (Nevada 25.7); 1.3% of workers take transit and 9.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Carson City scores 9.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #704 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.1°F and winters 35.8°F, with 9.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Carson City | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.5 min#383 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.4%#634 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 70.6% | 70% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.3% | 2.5% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 1.8% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.8% | 11.3% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.9#704 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45.5 | 24.1 | 1.7 |
| Feb | 49.5 | 27.1 | 1.5 |
| Mar | 56.2 | 31.6 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 61.7 | 35.8 | 0.5 |
| May | 70.4 | 42.9 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 80.9 | 49.2 | 0.4 |
| Jul | 89.5 | 54.8 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 87.8 | 52.5 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 80.7 | 45.6 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 68 | 36.3 | 0.6 |
| Nov | 54.5 | 28.4 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 44.6 | 23.9 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Carson City.
| Measure | Carson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 35.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 9.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Carson City.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Carson City?
Carson City's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Carson City's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.26% of building value, higher than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Carson City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.26%#1068 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Carson City: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Carson City
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.14% | 99% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.024% | 91% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.059% | 21% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Carson City compare with similar-size cities?
Carson City is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #301 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 58,384.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City, NVPop. 58,384 | #686 | 55.3 | $72,355 | $1,248/mo | 358 | 20.5 min |
| Weymouth Town, MAPop. 58,505 | #291 | 62.2 | $102,714 | $1,941/mo | 237 | 34.7 min |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #1116 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 | 18.5 min |
| Severn, MDPop. 58,402 | #154 | 66.0 | $134,423 | $2,175/mo | no data | 27.8 min |
| Lenexa, KSPop. 58,384 | #101 | 68.3 | $103,239 | $1,454/mo | 180 | 19.4 min |
| Lake Havasu City, AZPop. 58,359 | #819 | 53.0 | $70,148 | $1,320/mo | 299 | 15.9 min |
| Coconut Creek, FLPop. 58,330 | #951 | 50.9 | $75,014 | $2,102/mo | part year | 29.6 min |
| Midwest City, OKPop. 58,297 | #942 | 51.1 | $57,520 | $1,091/mo | 345 | 22.8 min |
| Bentonville, ARPop. 58,249 | #104 | 68.2 | $112,792 | $1,344/mo | 174 | 19 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Carson City compare with the rest of Nevada?
Carson City ranks #5 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 55.3 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 11% below the Nevada median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Nevada home.
| City | Rank in NV | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summerlin South, NVPop. 31,354 | #1 | 61.3 | $117,035 | $2,509/mo | no data |
| Spanish Springs, NVPop. 17,980 | #2 | 59.3 | $127,658 | $1,963/mo | no data |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #3 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data |
| Henderson, NVPop. 332,141 | #4 | 55.3 | $90,138 | $1,824/mo | 225 |
| Carson City, NVPop. 58,384 | #5 | 55.3 | $72,355 | $1,248/mo | 358 |
| Sparks, NVPop. 110,024 | #6 | 54.3 | $89,056 | $1,716/mo | 365 |
| Mesquite, NVPop. 22,059 | #7 | 54.3 | $75,227 | $1,181/mo | 119 |
| Reno, NVPop. 273,212 | #8 | 52.2 | $80,760 | $1,556/mo | 551 |
| Dayton, NVPop. 15,781 | #9 | 52.0 | $102,819 | $1,521/mo | no data |
| Spring Valley, NVPop. 219,187 | #10 | 50.7 | $74,511 | $1,743/mo | no data |
| Fernley, NVPop. 24,225 | #11 | 50.6 | $89,517 | $1,570/mo | no data |
| North Las Vegas, NVPop. 278,595 | #12 | 49.1 | $79,542 | $1,705/mo | 362 |
| Elko, NVPop. 20,696 | #13 | 48.8 | $79,036 | $1,267/mo | 378 |
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #14 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #15 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data |
| Sun Valley, NVPop. 22,228 | #16 | 44.5 | $77,446 | $1,214/mo | no data |
| Whitney, NVPop. 47,221 | #17 | 43.9 | $67,155 | $1,574/mo | no data |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #18 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data |
| Winchester, NVPop. 37,081 | #19 | 39.0 | $50,120 | $1,220/mo | no data |
| Pahrump, NVPop. 47,347 | #20 | 38.9 | $62,109 | $1,304/mo | no data |
All 20 Nevada cities we track, by overall score. Nevada statewide: median income $81,134, violent crime 379.2 per 100,000.
How is Carson City's score calculated?
Carson City scores 55.3 out of 100, #686 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; education and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Nevada's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Carson City. Similar-size median 55.5.
50.4 - SafetyCity data · 15% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Carson City's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
78.4 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Carson City. Similar-size median 58.9.
52.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Carson City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
64.5 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Carson City. Similar-size median 56.1.
52.7 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Carson City. Similar-size median 42.4.
45.5 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Carson City. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Carson City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
46.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
36.1 - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Carson City.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Carson City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Carson City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Carson City
Is Carson City, NV a good place to live?
Carson City ranks #686 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #301 of 524 smaller cities and #5 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.5 min, #109 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Carson City?
Carson City's cost of living index is 98.1, 2% below the US level of 100 and #584 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,248/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $501,614, 13% above the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
What is the crime rate in Carson City?
Carson City recorded 358 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 9% above the US rate of 328 and 6% below Nevada's 379. That ranks #654 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #293 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carson City County Sheriff's Office. Property crime runs 794 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Carson City?
The median household in Carson City earns $72,355, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Carson City?
Median rent in Carson City is $1,248/mo (Census), #480 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,113/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Carson City?
The typical home value in Carson City is $501,614, up 0.7% in a year, against $442,027 for Nevada and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $453,000.
How are the public schools in Carson City?
We have too few school records for Carson City to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Carson City?
The average commute is 20.5 minutes, #383 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Nevada. 5.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Carson City?
Carson City averages 51.7°F over the year, 69.1°F in summer and 35.8°F in winter, with 9.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Carson City walkable?
Carson City scores 9.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #704 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Carson City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Carson City's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.26% of building value, higher than 84% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Carson City?
Carson City's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Carson City?
Carson City has 58,384 residents. The median resident of Carson City is 42.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 23.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Carson City compare with the rest of Nevada?
Carson City ranks #5 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 55.3 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 11% below the Nevada median. Violent crime is 6% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Nevada home.
What cities are similar in size to Carson City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Carson City's population of 58,384 are Weymouth Town, MA (#291 overall), Terre Haute, IN (#1116 overall), Severn, MD (#154 overall), Lenexa, KS (#101 overall), and Lake Havasu City, AZ (#819 overall). Carson City is #686.