NevadaPop. 660,400Large cities
Is Las Vegas a Good Place to Live? Las Vegas, Nevada: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Las Vegas ranks #1130 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 37 large cities and #14 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.6%, #34 of 37).
Las Vegas by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Las Vegas'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 Las Vegas: its police agency covers a much larger area. See Is Las Vegas safe?
What is the cost of living in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas's cost of living index is 100.2, in line with the US level of 100 and #663 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,563/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $419,144, 5% below the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
| Measure | Las Vegas | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 100.2#663 of 1,308 | 100 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $419,144#667 of 1,187 | $442,027 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,712/mo#520 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $427,900#847 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,563/mo#762 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 25.4%#1041 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Las Vegas 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. Las Vegas is in the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV metro.
Nevada housing market →Is Las Vegas safe?
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department serves 1,712,136 people across a larger area than Las Vegas (population 660,400), so its rate is not a Las Vegas rate and we don't rank Las Vegas on safety. Nevada as a whole records 379 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Las Vegas?
The median household in Las Vegas earns $73,877, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 14% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Las Vegas | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $73,877#728 of 1,312 | $81,134 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 5.6%#945 of 1,058 | 5.3% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 14%#799 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.7%#317 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Las Vegas?
The median resident of Las Vegas is 38.6 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 27.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #886 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Las Vegas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 38.6 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 27.7%#886 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 56.6% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Las Vegas's schools and health?
Las Vegas's 131 public schools graduate 83.1% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 22 students per teacher and $11,139 spent per pupil. 32.4% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Las Vegas | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 83.1%#773 of 1,063 | 81.7% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 22#1022 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $11,139#1048 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 32.4%#564 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 19.5%#1113 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 17%#1149 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 112,848 students are enrolled in Las Vegas's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Las Vegas?
The average commute in Las Vegas is 25.7 minutes (Nevada 25.7); 2.5% of workers take transit and 12.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Las Vegas scores 12.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 89.2°F and winters 49.5°F, with 4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Las Vegas | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 25.7 min#828 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 70.9% | 70% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2.5% | 2.5% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.3% | 1.8% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 12.1% | 11.3% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.2#453 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 58 | 39.4 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 62.4 | 42.7 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 70.5 | 48.5 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 77.9 | 55 | 0.2 |
| May | 87.8 | 64.2 | 0.1 |
| Jun | 98.6 | 73.7 | 0 |
| Jul | 103.8 | 79.8 | 0.1 |
| Aug | 102.1 | 77.5 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 94.2 | 70.2 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 80.5 | 57.5 | 0.4 |
| Nov | 66.8 | 45.5 | 0.3 |
| Dec | 56.3 | 38 | 0.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Las Vegas Air Terminal.
| Measure | Las Vegas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 68.8°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 89.2°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 49.5°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 4 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Las Vegas Air Terminal.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Las Vegas?
Clark County's air had a median air quality index of 61, and 31% of measured days were rated good; 26 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clark County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 73% of US counties.
| Measure | Las Vegas | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 61#1011 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 26#1005 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#386 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Clark County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Clark County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.02% | 85% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0052% | 78% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.081% | 49% 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 Las Vegas compare with similar-size cities?
Las Vegas is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #32 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 660,400.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas, NVPop. 660,400 | #1130 | 47.2 | $73,877 | $1,563/mo | county/metro | 25.7 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 min |
| Nashville, TNPop. 690,130 | #976 | 50.4 | $77,371 | $1,586/mo | 961 | 24.7 min |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #857 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 | 23.4 min |
| Boston, MAPop. 666,442 | #339 | 61.1 | $97,344 | $2,147/mo | 583 | 30.3 min |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #736 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 | 24.1 min |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #1310 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 | 24.8 min |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #1000 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 | 22.5 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 Las Vegas compare with the rest of Nevada?
Las Vegas ranks #14 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 47.2 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 9% below the Nevada median. Homes are 5% 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 Las Vegas's score calculated?
Las Vegas scores 47.2 out of 100, #1130 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Las Vegas. Similar-size median 50.4.
42.8 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Las Vegas. Similar-size median 52.4.
49.5 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Las Vegas's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
35.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Las Vegas's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
60.6 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Las Vegas. Similar-size median 43.4.
46.5 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Las Vegas. Similar-size median 40.4.
42.5 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Las Vegas. Similar-size median 56.6.
49.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Las Vegas's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
58.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
45.4 - SafetyNot scored
Las Vegas's police agency covers a much larger area, so its rate is not a Las Vegas rate.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Las Vegas's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas
Is Las Vegas, NV a good place to live?
Las Vegas ranks #1130 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 37 large cities and #14 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high unemployment (5.6%, #34 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas's cost of living index is 100.2, in line with the US level of 100 and #663 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,563/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $419,144, 5% below the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
Is Las Vegas safe?
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department serves 1,712,136 people across a larger area than Las Vegas (population 660,400), so its rate is not a Las Vegas rate and we don't rank Las Vegas on safety. Nevada as a whole records 379 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Las Vegas?
The median household in Las Vegas earns $73,877, 11% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 5.6% (US 4.3%). 14% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Las Vegas?
Median rent in Las Vegas is $1,563/mo (Census), #762 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,712/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Las Vegas?
The typical home value in Las Vegas is $419,144, down 3% in a year, against $442,027 for Nevada and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $427,900.
How are the public schools in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas's 131 public schools graduate 83.1% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 22 students per teacher and $11,139 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Las Vegas?
The average commute is 25.7 minutes, #828 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Nevada. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas averages 68.8°F over the year, 89.2°F in summer and 49.5°F in winter, with 4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Las Vegas walkable?
Las Vegas scores 12.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #453 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 Las Vegas at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clark County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 73% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Las Vegas?
Clark County's air had a median air quality index of 61, and 31% of measured days were rated good; 26 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has 660,400 residents. The median resident of Las Vegas is 38.6 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 27.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #886 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Las Vegas compare with the rest of Nevada?
Las Vegas ranks #14 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 47.2 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 9% below the Nevada median. Homes are 5% below the typical Nevada home.
What cities are similar in size to Las Vegas?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Las Vegas's population of 660,400 are Denver, CO (#722 overall), Oklahoma City, OK (#938 overall), Nashville, TN (#976 overall), El Paso, TX (#857 overall), and Boston, MA (#339 overall). Las Vegas is #1130.