Median Income
$55,573
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
777/100K
104% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.0%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$780
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.9%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.1%
97% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.8%
3% higher than US avg
How Amargosa Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,408
Median Age34.5 yrs
Density14/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans17.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,573
Per Capita$24,497
Unemployment0.1%
Poverty12.8%
County GDP$1,555M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Rent$780
Ownership73.9%
Zillow$364,944
Housing Units501
Rent Burden13.0%
Crime
F
Violent777/100K
Property2,401/100K
Health
Obesity43.9%
Uninsured21.5%
Smoking20.1%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain3.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation2,364 ft (721 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.0%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score4.96
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 47%
Commute18 min
Broadband55.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Amargosa Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Amargosa Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Amargosa Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Amargosa Valley is $55,573, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.1%. 12.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 777 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,401 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.
Education
23.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Amargosa Valley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 3.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Amargosa Valley has a population of 1,408 with a density of 14 people per square mile, spread across 98.7 square miles. The median age is 34.5 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.9% female and 45.1% male. The city is predominantly White (73.9%), with 3.3% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.4% of residents, while 24.6% speak Spanish. 17.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.5yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Amargosa Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.4%
4% below US avg
Spanish
24.6%
84% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Amargosa Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Amargosa Valley is $55,573, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,497 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,174, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 863 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Amargosa Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,573 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,497 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,174 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,247 |
| Gini Index | 0.449 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.1% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 863 |
| County GDP | $1,555M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,831 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.7% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $364,944. Monthly rent averages $780 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,135 for a one-bedroom to $1,428 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 501 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $4,831 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $780 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,056 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,135 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,428 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.1% |
| Housing Units | 501 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,831 |
| 38% above US avg |
In Amargosa Valley, 43.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 34.3% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 35.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.4% report depression. 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 21.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,459. The dentist ratio is 1:1,248. 86.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Amargosa Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.9% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.5% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 18.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 21.5% |
| 150% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,459 |
| Dentists | 1:1,248 |
| Mental Health | 1:183 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.1% |
| Dental Visits | 46.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,431/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Amargosa Valley has a violent crime rate of 777 per 100,000 residents, 104% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,401 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Amargosa Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Amargosa Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 776.7/100K |
| 104% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,400.7/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Amargosa Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 87°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 3.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 2,364 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
87°F Jul (31°C)
| Annual Average | 64.5°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 87°F (31°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,364 ft (721 m) |
| Area | 98.7 sq mi (255.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 14/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5434°N, 116.4839°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Inyo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Harry Reid International (LAS)
81 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
3.8"
90% below US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
0.67"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0413 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.26 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.11 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6,227 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M7.1 |
132 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence |
M6.4 |
131 km |
| May 17, 1993 |
46km E of Big Pine, California |
M6.1 |
134 km |
| Jun 29, 1992 |
47 km ESE of Beatty, Nevada |
M5.8 |
25 km |
| Jun 24, 2020 |
18km SSE of Lone Pine, CA |
M5.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 20, 1995 |
16km NNE of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.8 |
135 km |
| Aug 1, 1999 |
37 km SSE of Goldfield, Nevada |
M5.7 |
108 km |
| Jun 4, 2020 |
17km S of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.5 |
134 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
15km ESE of Little Lake, CA |
M5.5 |
134 km |
| Jul 6, 2019 |
20km E of Little Lake, CA |
M5.4 |
129 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
16km W of Searles Valley, CA |
M5.4 |
131 km |
| Aug 17, 1995 |
17km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.4 |
136 km |
| Nov 27, 1996 |
27km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.3 |
117 km |
| Mar 6, 1998 |
28km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.2 |
116 km |
| Oct 3, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.2 |
124 km |
| Jul 17, 2001 |
7km ESE of Coso Junction, CA |
M5.2 |
138 km |
| Jan 7, 1996 |
16km N of Ridgecrest, California |
M5.2 |
136 km |
| Aug 2, 1999 |
39 km SSE of Goldfield, Nevada |
M5.1 |
107 km |
| Mar 7, 1998 |
30km E of Coso Junction, California |
M5.0 |
114 km |
| Oct 1, 2009 |
18km NE of Olancha, CA |
M5.0 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
5 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1964 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
EF0 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1987 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1986 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Ubehebe Craters (101 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Ubehebe Craters |
Maar(s) |
752 m (2,467 ft) |
-150 |
101 km |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
166 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CARPENTER 1 (27,879 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
CARPENTER 1 |
27,879 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
CHERRYWOOD |
25,489 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
AIR FORCE |
20,456 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
BEATTY |
18,846 |
47 km |
| 1988 |
USAF 4 |
14,702 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
SOUTHERN BENCH |
14,385 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
TIMBER PEAK |
10,651 |
48 km |
| 2006 |
CALICO |
9,274 |
60 km |
| 1988 |
DOE 1 |
6,884 |
46 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
6,559 |
86 km |
| 2000 |
HAPPY |
5,987 |
74 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
5,585 |
86 km |
| 2020 |
TIMBER MOUNTAIN |
4,608 |
62 km |
| 2002 |
LOST CABIN |
4,555 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
KINGSTON |
3,739 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
BULLFROG |
3,614 |
58 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
3,490 |
51 km |
| 2011 |
TIMBER |
3,343 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
SAWTOOTH |
3,047 |
56 km |
| 2020 |
AREA-16 |
3,006 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
49°F (10°C) |
0.7 in |
Wettest |
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
70°F (21°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| July |
87°F (31°C) |
0.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
44°F (6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
Amargosa Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 44°F in December to 87°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 4.4 inches, with February being the wettest month (0.7") and June the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Amargosa Valley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,563 |
| Toddler | $921 |
| Preschool | $762 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,078 |
| Toddler | $952 |
| Preschool | $884 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Amargosa Valley
What is the population of Amargosa Valley?
Amargosa Valley has a population of 1,408 residents and is located in Nevada. The population density is 14 people per square mile, spread across 98.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.9% female and 45.1% male.
Is Amargosa Valley expensive to live in?
Amargosa Valley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $55,573, 26% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $780 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Amargosa Valley safe?
Public safety is a concern in Amargosa Valley, with a violent crime rate of 777 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,401 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Amargosa Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Amargosa Valley?
Amargosa Valley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 87°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 3.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Amargosa Valley?
The job market in Amargosa Valley is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,174. There are 863 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Amargosa Valley?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $780. Fair market rent is $1,135 for a 1-bedroom and $1,428 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,831.
How are the schools in Amargosa Valley?
Schools in Amargosa Valley score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.0% of adults in Amargosa Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Amargosa Valley?
The obesity rate in Amargosa Valley is 43.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 35.5% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 21.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,459.
What is transportation like in Amargosa Valley?
The average commute in Amargosa Valley is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 95.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Amargosa Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Amargosa Valley is 73.9% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 75.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 24.6% speak Spanish. 17.3% of the population are military veterans. 30.1% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
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