NevadaPop. 22,228Towns
Is Sun Valley a Good Place to Live? Sun Valley, Nevada: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sun Valley ranks #1214 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #217 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (25.9 min, #186 of 234) and high poverty (16.8%, #177 of 234).
Sun Valley by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sun Valley'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 Sun Valley: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Sun Valley safe?
What is the cost of living in Sun Valley?
Sun Valley'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 $1,214/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $438,842, 1% below the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
| Measure | Sun Valley | 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 | $438,842#709 of 1,187 | $442,027 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $349,100#644 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,214/mo#450 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 18.8%#317 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.
Sun Valley 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. Sun Valley is in the Reno, NV metro.
Nevada housing market →Is Sun Valley safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Sun Valley alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley?
The median household in Sun Valley earns $77,446, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Nevada ($81,134). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Sun Valley | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $77,446#665 of 1,312 | $81,134 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 16.8%#968 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
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 Sun Valley?
The median resident of Sun Valley is 35.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 10.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sun Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 35.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 10.8%#1301 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 75.5% | 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 Sun Valley's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Sun Valley to describe its public schools. 33.2% of adults are obese and 12.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Sun Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 33.2%#627 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 12.3%#839 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 20.7%#1228 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 22.8%#1248 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Sun Valley?
The average commute in Sun Valley is 25.9 minutes (Nevada 25.7); 1% of workers take transit and 4.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sun Valley scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 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 | Sun Valley | NevadaNV | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 25.9 min#850 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% | 72.7% | 70% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1% | 2.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.8% | 1.8% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 4.5% | 11.3% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.8#866 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 | 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 | Sun Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 73.8°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 37.9°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 7.4 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 Reno Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sun Valley?
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 | Sun Valley | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 50#854 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% | 0.24%#1019 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 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 Sun Valley compare with similar-size cities?
Sun Valley is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #217 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 22,228.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Valley, NVPop. 22,228 | #1214 | 44.5 | $77,446 | $1,214/mo | no data | 25.9 min |
| Central Falls, RIPop. 22,701 | #937 | 51.2 | $49,285 | $1,200/mo | 273 | 27.4 min |
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #84 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 | 22.2 min |
| Bear, DEPop. 22,370 | #758 | 54.1 | $91,687 | $1,771/mo | no data | 24.1 min |
| Junction City, KSPop. 22,331 | #812 | 53.2 | $61,181 | $1,024/mo | 609 | 19 min |
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #1231 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 | 15.1 min |
| Sanford, MEPop. 22,247 | #521 | 57.8 | $72,524 | $1,152/mo | 190 | 28.1 min |
| Kapolei, HIPop. 22,232 | #248 | 63.3 | $128,324 | $2,311/mo | no data | 31.2 min |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #1207 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 | 18.7 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 Sun Valley compare with the rest of Nevada?
Sun Valley ranks #16 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 44.5 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 5% below the Nevada median. Homes are 1% 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 Sun Valley's score calculated?
Sun Valley scores 44.5 out of 100, #1214 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, 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, some inputs missing · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Sun Valley. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
36.9 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sun Valley. Similar-size median 56.5.
46.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Sun Valley's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
67.7 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sun Valley. Similar-size median 50.8.
42.9 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sun Valley. Similar-size median 48.3.
38.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sun Valley's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
29.6 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Sun Valley alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Sun Valley.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Sun Valley.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sun Valley'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 Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley
Is Sun Valley, NV a good place to live?
Sun Valley ranks #1214 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #217 of 234 towns and #16 of 20 in Nevada. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on long commutes (25.9 min, #186 of 234) and high poverty (16.8%, #177 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Sun Valley?
Sun Valley'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 $1,214/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $438,842, 1% below the typical Nevada home ($442,027).
Is Sun Valley safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Sun Valley alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley?
The median household in Sun Valley earns $77,446, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Nevada ($81,134). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Sun Valley?
Median rent in Sun Valley is $1,214/mo (Census), #450 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 18.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sun Valley?
The typical home value in Sun Valley is $438,842, up 1.2% in a year, against $442,027 for Nevada and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $349,100.
How are the public schools in Sun Valley?
We have too few school records for Sun Valley to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Sun Valley?
The average commute is 25.9 minutes, #850 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 Sun Valley?
Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley walkable?
Sun Valley scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 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 Sun Valley 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 Sun Valley?
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 Sun Valley?
Sun Valley has 22,228 residents. The median resident of Sun Valley is 35.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 10.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sun Valley compare with the rest of Nevada?
Sun Valley ranks #16 of the 20 Nevada cities we track, with a score of 44.5 against Nevada's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 5% below the Nevada median. Homes are 1% below the typical Nevada home.
What cities are similar in size to Sun Valley?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sun Valley's population of 22,228 are Central Falls, RI (#937 overall), Portsmouth, NH (#84 overall), Bear, DE (#758 overall), Junction City, KS (#812 overall), and Ruston, LA (#1231 overall). Sun Valley is #1214.