NevadaPop. 24,225Towns
Is Fernley a Good Place to Live? Fernley, Nevada: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fernley ranks #970 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #173 of 234 towns and #11 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.7%, #8 of 151), and trails on long commutes (27.9 min, #201 of 234) and high rents ($1,570/mo, #193 of 231).
Fernley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fernley's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Fernley: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Fernley safe?
What is the cost of living in Fernley?
Fernley's cost of living index is 101, 1% above the US level of 100 and #742 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,570/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $402,807, 9% below the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
| Measure | Fernley | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 101#742 of 1,308 | 100 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $402,807#637 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 | $1,988/mo#704 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $366,700#703 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,570/mo#766 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 21%#567 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.
Fernley 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. Fernley is in the Fallon, NV metro.
Nevada housing market →Is Fernley safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Fernley alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Fernley crime rate or rank it on safety. Nevada as a whole records 379 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Fernley?
The median household in Fernley earns $89,517, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fernley | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $89,517#469 of 1,312 | $81,134 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 5.3% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 12.8%#720 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +2.7%#60 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 Fernley?
The median resident of Fernley is 36.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 16.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1239 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fernley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 36.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 16.4%#1239 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 72% | 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 Fernley's schools and health?
Fernley's 6 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 20.7 students per teacher and $11,944 spent per pupil. 35% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Fernley | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 81.7% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 20.7#964 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $11,944#967 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 35%#770 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 19%#1049 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 11.7%#847 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. 4,132 students are enrolled in Fernley's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fernley?
The average commute in Fernley is 27.9 minutes (Nevada 25.7); 1.5% of workers take transit and 6.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fernley scores 6.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1257 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.3°F and winters 37.3°F, with 4.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fernley | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 27.9 min#993 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 8.4%#949 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 78.4% | 70% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.5% | 2.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 2.2% | 1.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 6.5% | 11.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 6.8#1257 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 | 46.8 | 25 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 53 | 28.3 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 61.2 | 33.9 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 67.3 | 39.8 | 0.3 |
| May | 76.1 | 48.4 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 87.1 | 57.2 | 0.3 |
| Jul | 96.4 | 65.6 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 94.2 | 63.6 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 85.6 | 54.3 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 71.5 | 42.4 | 0.3 |
| Nov | 57.2 | 31.2 | 0.4 |
| Dec | 46.3 | 24 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lahontan Dam.
| Measure | Fernley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 77.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 37.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 4.8 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 Lahontan Dam.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fernley?
Lyon County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 90% 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 Lyon County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Fernley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.24%#1045 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 Lyon County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lyon County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.059% | 96% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.071% | 95% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.087% | 57% 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 Fernley compare with similar-size cities?
Fernley is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #173 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 24,225.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fernley, NVPop. 24,225 | #970 | 50.6 | $89,517 | $1,570/mo | no data | 27.9 min |
| Auburn, MEPop. 24,602 | #586 | 56.9 | $66,647 | $1,041/mo | 232 | 21.7 min |
| Ridgeland, MSPop. 24,587 | #844 | 52.6 | $66,038 | $1,336/mo | 320 | 21.1 min |
| Mandan, NDPop. 24,522 | #811 | 53.2 | $71,780 | $1,083/mo | 257 | 17.6 min |
| Columbus, NEPop. 24,488 | #487 | 58.3 | $64,626 | $892/mo | 87 | 15.1 min |
| Ponca City, OKPop. 24,326 | #1079 | 48.4 | $55,941 | $850/mo | 500 | 15.7 min |
| Emporia, KSPop. 24,131 | #777 | 53.7 | $52,704 | $815/mo | 266 | 12.3 min |
| Brookings, SDPop. 23,948 | #587 | 56.9 | $63,493 | $889/mo | 113 | 12.5 min |
| West Memphis, ARPop. 23,929 | #1306 | 35.3 | $42,674 | $870/mo | 1,785 | 20.1 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 Fernley compare with the rest of Nevada?
Fernley ranks #11 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 50.6 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 10% above the Nevada median. Homes are 9% 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 Fernley's score calculated?
Fernley scores 50.6 out of 100, #970 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety 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 Fernley. Similar-size median 41.9.
57.2 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fernley. Similar-size median 56.5.
50.2 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fernley's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
43.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Fernley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
62.7 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fernley. Similar-size median 50.8.
55.6 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fernley. Similar-size median 35.2.
67.1 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fernley. Similar-size median 48.3.
38.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fernley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
30.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
37.9 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Fernley alone.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fernley'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 Fernley 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 Fernley
Is Fernley, NV a good place to live?
Fernley ranks #970 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #173 of 234 towns and #11 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.7%, #8 of 151), and trails on long commutes (27.9 min, #201 of 234) and high rents ($1,570/mo, #193 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Fernley?
Fernley's cost of living index is 101, 1% above the US level of 100 and #742 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,570/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $402,807, 9% below the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
Is Fernley safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Fernley alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Fernley crime rate or rank it on safety. Nevada as a whole records 379 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Fernley?
The median household in Fernley earns $89,517, 8% above the US figure of $83,163 and 10% above Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fernley?
Median rent in Fernley is $1,570/mo (Census), #766 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,988/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fernley?
The typical home value in Fernley is $402,807, up 3.5% in a year, against $442,027 for Nevada and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $366,700.
How are the public schools in Fernley?
Fernley's 6 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 20.7 students per teacher and $11,944 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fernley?
The average commute is 27.9 minutes, #993 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Nevada. 8.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fernley?
Fernley averages 56.5°F over the year, 77.3°F in summer and 37.3°F in winter, with 4.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fernley walkable?
Fernley scores 6.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1257 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 Fernley at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lyon County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fernley?
Lyon County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 90% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fernley?
Fernley has 24,225 residents. The median resident of Fernley is 36.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 16.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1239 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 72% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fernley compare with the rest of Nevada?
Fernley ranks #11 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 50.6 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 10% above the Nevada median. Homes are 9% below the typical Nevada home.
What cities are similar in size to Fernley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fernley's population of 24,225 are Auburn, ME (#586 overall), Ridgeland, MS (#844 overall), Mandan, ND (#811 overall), Columbus, NE (#487 overall), and Ponca City, OK (#1079 overall). Fernley is #970.