NevadaPop. 273,212Big cities
Is Reno a Good Place to Live? Reno, Nevada: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Reno ranks #862 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 53 big cities and #8 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.1%, #7 of 53) and short commutes (20.3 min, #10 of 53), and trails on expensive homes ($548,300, #43 of 53).
Reno by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Reno'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 Reno?
Reno'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 $1,556/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $573,360, 30% above the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
| Measure | Reno | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 101#742 of 1,308 | 100 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $573,360#913 of 1,187 | $442,027 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,967/mo#694 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $548,300#1024 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,556/mo#758 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 6.8x#1130 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 23.1%#789 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Reno 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. Reno is in the Reno, NV metro.
Nevada housing market →Is Reno safe?
Reno recorded 551 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% above the US rate of 328 and 45% above Nevada's 379. That ranks #880 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #32 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Reno Police Department. Property crime runs 2,347 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Reno | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 551#880 of 1,085 | 379 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,347#813 of 1,085 | 1,996 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Reno?
The median household in Reno earns $80,760, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and in line with Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Reno | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $80,760#604 of 1,312 | $81,134 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 5.3% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 12.6%#700 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.1%#213 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Reno?
The median resident of Reno is 37.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 36.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #554 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Reno | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 37.1 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 36.8%#554 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 49.8% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Reno's schools and health?
Reno's 63 public schools graduate 84.7% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 20.9 students per teacher and $10,871 spent per pupil. 28.4% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Reno | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 84.7%#732 of 1,063 | 81.7% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 20.9#974 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $10,871#1073 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 28.4%#287 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13%#955 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Nevada is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 34,906 students are enrolled in Reno's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Reno?
The average commute in Reno is 20.3 minutes (Nevada 25.7); 2.3% of workers take transit and 12.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Reno scores 11.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #497 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.8°F and winters 37.9°F, with 7.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Reno | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 20.3 min#369 of 1,312 | 25.7 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 67.1% | 70% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.3% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 2.6% | 1.8% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 12.4% | 11.3% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.8#497 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 47.7 | 26.1 | 1.3 |
| Feb | 52.1 | 29 | 1 |
| Mar | 59.2 | 34 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 64.7 | 38.5 | 0.4 |
| May | 74.1 | 46.6 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 84.6 | 53.8 | 0.4 |
| Jul | 93.9 | 60.4 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 92.1 | 58.1 | 0.2 |
| Sep | 83.8 | 50.3 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 70.4 | 39.7 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 56.7 | 31 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 46.7 | 25.7 | 1.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Reno Airport.
| Measure | Reno | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 55°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 73.8°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 37.9°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 7.4 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Reno Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Reno?
Washoe County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% 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 Washoe County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Reno | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 50#854 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.24%#1019 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Washoe County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washoe County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.1% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.025% | 91% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 48% 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 Reno compare with similar-size cities?
Reno is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #27 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 273,212.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reno, NVPop. 273,212 | #862 | 52.2 | $80,760 | $1,556/mo | 551 | 20.3 min |
| Chandler, AZPop. 280,136 | #344 | 61.0 | $108,095 | $1,902/mo | 124 | 23.9 min |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #161 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 | 19.4 min |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #1052 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 | 19.9 min |
| Chula Vista, CAPop. 276,375 | #718 | 54.7 | $108,032 | $2,229/mo | 365 | 28.6 min |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 min |
| Lubbock, TXPop. 264,814 | #992 | 50.2 | $60,895 | $1,182/mo | 699 | 16.3 min |
| St. Petersburg, FLPop. 262,732 | #633 | 56.1 | $75,192 | $1,663/mo | 492 | 25.6 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 Reno compare with the rest of Nevada?
Reno ranks #8 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn in line with the Nevada median. Violent crime is 45% above the statewide rate. Homes are 30% 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 Reno's score calculated?
Reno scores 52.2 out of 100, #862 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Reno. Similar-size median 53.8.
53.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Reno's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
54.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Reno. Similar-size median 54.8.
62.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Reno's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
38.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Reno's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
55.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Reno. Similar-size median 47.2.
52.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Reno. Similar-size median 42.4.
51.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Reno. Similar-size median 53.7.
55.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Reno's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
56.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
29.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Reno's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Reno 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 Reno
Is Reno, NV a good place to live?
Reno ranks #862 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 53 big cities and #8 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.1%, #7 of 53) and short commutes (20.3 min, #10 of 53), and trails on expensive homes ($548,300, #43 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Reno?
Reno'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 $1,556/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $573,360, 30% above the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
What is the crime rate in Reno?
Reno recorded 551 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% above the US rate of 328 and 45% above Nevada's 379. That ranks #880 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #32 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Reno Police Department. Property crime runs 2,347 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Reno?
The median household in Reno earns $80,760, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and in line with Nevada ($81,134). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Reno?
Median rent in Reno is $1,556/mo (Census), #758 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,967/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Reno?
The typical home value in Reno is $573,360, up 1.4% in a year, against $442,027 for Nevada and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $548,300.
How are the public schools in Reno?
Reno's 63 public schools graduate 84.7% of students in four years (Nevada 81.7%), with 20.9 students per teacher and $10,871 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Reno?
The average commute is 20.3 minutes, #369 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.7 minutes across Nevada. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Reno?
Reno averages 55°F over the year, 73.8°F in summer and 37.9°F in winter, with 7.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Reno walkable?
Reno scores 11.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #497 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 Reno at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washoe County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.24% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Reno?
Washoe County's air had a median air quality index of 50, and 50% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Reno?
Reno has 273,212 residents. The median resident of Reno is 37.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 36.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #554 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Reno compare with the rest of Nevada?
Reno ranks #8 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn in line with the Nevada median. Violent crime is 45% above the statewide rate. Homes are 30% above the typical Nevada home.
What cities are similar in size to Reno?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Reno's population of 273,212 are Chandler, AZ (#344 overall), Madison, WI (#161 overall), Buffalo, NY (#1052 overall), Chula Vista, CA (#718 overall), and Fort Wayne, IN (#596 overall). Reno is #862.