Cost of Living in Lyon County, Nevada
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lyon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lyon County ranks #2,338 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lyon County, Nevada
Lyon renters stretch thin on income
Lyon County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% exceeds the national average, signaling housing cost pressure in this growing Northern Nevada county. With median rent at $1,259 against a $73,460 household income, renters here dedicate more than one-fifth of earnings to housing—a squeeze felt nationwide but especially acute in Lyon.
Housing costs outpace state average
Lyon County ranks among Nevada's less affordable counties with a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio, exceeding the state average of 18.1% by 2.5 percentage points. This county's median rent of $1,259 is notably higher than the state median of $1,127, reflecting growing demand from Reno and Sacramento-area spillover.
Priciest rents in rural Nevada counties
Lyon County's $1,259 median rent is the highest among the eight counties surveyed, significantly above neighbors like Washoe ($1,507 monthly reflects Reno's higher costs and incomes). Lyon splits the difference: more expensive than rural Lander ($1,066) but with lower household income than Washoe County ($85,600 vs. $73,460).
Ownership costs climb even steeper
While renters pay $1,259 monthly, homeowners shoulder $1,319—making ownership 4.8% more expensive and consuming roughly 21.5% of the median household income. The median home value of $342,600 requires substantial down payments, pushing affordability out of reach for lower-wage households.
Growth county with affordability trade-offs
Lyon County attracts commuters to Reno and the Sacramento region, but housing costs have climbed faster than local wages—renters here spend a higher percentage of income on housing than the state average. If relocating, compare Lyon's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio to Lander (15.1%) or Pershing (11.1%) to see the affordability premium you're paying for proximity to larger job markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lyon County
Affordability Verdict
Lyon County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,259/month — about 20.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,259/month rent versus $1,319/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $60/month cheaper — a 5% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $50,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $56,529/year. With a median household income of $73,460, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Lyon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Nevada, Lyon County is more affordable than Churchill County by roughly 5% ($1,259/mo vs $1,203/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lyon County
Rent Burden
20.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,714
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.5%
of gross income
The median home in Lyon County may be a stretch
Median home value is $342,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,735 vs. your max of $1,714.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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