NevadaPop. 20,696Towns
Is Elko a Good Place to Live? Elko, Nevada: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Elko ranks #1056 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (26.6 min, #194 of 234) and high violent crime (378 per 100,000, #113 of 146).
Elko by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Elko'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 Elko?
Elko's cost of living index is 94.8, 5% below the US level of 100 and #434 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,267/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $363,381, 18% below the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
| Measure | Elko | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 94.8#434 of 1,308 | 100 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $363,381#547 of 1,187 | $442,027 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,788/mo#573 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $309,100#554 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,267/mo#502 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.2%#352 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Elko 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. Elko is in the Elko, NV metro.
Nevada housing market →Is Elko safe?
Elko recorded 378 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% above the US rate of 328 and in line with Nevada's 379. That ranks #691 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #113 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elko Police Department. Property crime runs 948 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Elko | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 378#691 of 1,085 | 379 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 948#194 of 1,085 | 1,996 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 Elko?
The median household in Elko earns $79,036, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Nevada ($81,134). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Elko | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $79,036#634 of 1,312 | $81,134 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 13.8%#789 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.9% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Elko?
The median resident of Elko is 33.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 17.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1226 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Elko | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 33.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 17.2%#1226 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 62.6% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Elko's schools and health?
Elko's 8 public schools graduate 83.5% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 21.9 students per teacher and $12,703 spent per pupil. 37.5% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Elko | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 83.5%#770 of 1,063 | 81.7% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 21.9#1016 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $12,703#863 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 37.5%#978 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 14.8%#1065 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,905 students are enrolled in Elko's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Elko?
The average commute in Elko is 26.6 minutes (Nevada 25.7); 11.2% of workers take transit and 3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Elko scores 9 of 20 (below average walkable), #835 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.2°F and winters 28.4°F, with 10 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Elko | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 26.6 min#898 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 19.4%#1277 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 62.5% | 70% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 11.2% | 2.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 3.4% | 1.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 3% | 11.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9#835 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 37.9 | 16 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 42.8 | 20.5 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 53.1 | 26.8 | 1 |
| Apr | 59.6 | 31.5 | 1.1 |
| May | 70 | 38.5 | 1.2 |
| Jun | 81.5 | 44.9 | 0.6 |
| Jul | 91.8 | 52 | 0.4 |
| Aug | 90 | 49.2 | 0.3 |
| Sep | 80.1 | 40.5 | 0.6 |
| Oct | 65.5 | 29.4 | 0.7 |
| Nov | 49.9 | 21.9 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 38 | 15.4 | 1.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elko Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Elko | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 68.2°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 28.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 10 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elko Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Elko?
Elko County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Elko County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.62% of building value, higher than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Elko | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.62%#1310 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Elko County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Elko County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.47% | 100% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.018% | 85% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.063% | 26% 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 Elko compare with similar-size cities?
Elko is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #186 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 20,696.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elko, NVPop. 20,696 | #1056 | 48.8 | $79,036 | $1,267/mo | 378 | 26.6 min |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #381 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro | 29.3 min |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #957 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 | 20.9 min |
| Gallup, NMPop. 21,023 | #1301 | 36.6 | $58,303 | $927/mo | 1,291 | 20.5 min |
| Westbrook, MEPop. 20,775 | #107 | 68.1 | $85,038 | $1,392/mo | 153 | 18.7 min |
| South Burlington, VTPop. 20,756 | #66 | 69.6 | $106,667 | $1,787/mo | 231 | 17.7 min |
| Makakilo, HIPop. 20,735 | #660 | 55.7 | $118,550 | $2,276/mo | no data | 32.8 min |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #1269 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 | 17.5 min |
| Knik-Fairview, AKPop. 19,972 | #1057 | 48.8 | $96,437 | $1,588/mo | no data | 38.2 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 Elko compare with the rest of Nevada?
Elko ranks #13 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 3% below the Nevada median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below 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 Elko's score calculated?
Elko scores 48.8 out of 100, #1056 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Elko. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
38.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Elko's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
76.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Elko. Similar-size median 56.5.
47.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Elko's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
38.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Elko's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
72.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Elko. Similar-size median 50.8.
49.1 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Elko. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
34.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Elko. Similar-size median 48.3.
43.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Elko's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
28.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Elko's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Elko 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 Elko
Is Elko, NV a good place to live?
Elko ranks #1056 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 234 towns and #13 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (26.6 min, #194 of 234) and high violent crime (378 per 100,000, #113 of 146).
What is the cost of living in Elko?
Elko's cost of living index is 94.8, 5% below the US level of 100 and #434 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,267/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $363,381, 18% below the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
What is the crime rate in Elko?
Elko recorded 378 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 15% above the US rate of 328 and in line with Nevada's 379. That ranks #691 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #113 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Elko Police Department. Property crime runs 948 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Elko?
The median household in Elko earns $79,036, 5% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Nevada ($81,134). 13.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Elko?
Median rent in Elko is $1,267/mo (Census), #502 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,788/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Elko?
The typical home value in Elko is $363,381, up 2.1% in a year, against $442,027 for Nevada and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $309,100.
How are the public schools in Elko?
Elko's 8 public schools graduate 83.5% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 21.9 students per teacher and $12,703 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Elko?
The average commute is 26.6 minutes, #898 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Nevada. 19.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Elko?
Elko averages 47.8°F over the year, 68.2°F in summer and 28.4°F in winter, with 10 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Elko walkable?
Elko scores 9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #835 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 Elko at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Elko County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.62% of building value, higher than 99% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Elko?
Elko County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 86% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Elko?
Elko has 20,696 residents. The median resident of Elko is 33.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 17.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1226 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 62.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Elko compare with the rest of Nevada?
Elko ranks #13 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 3% below the Nevada median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical Nevada home.
What cities are similar in size to Elko?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Elko's population of 20,696 are Derry, NH (#381 overall), Ashland, KY (#957 overall), Gallup, NM (#1301 overall), Westbrook, ME (#107 overall), and South Burlington, VT (#66 overall). Elko is #1056.