Median Income
$86,389
15% higher than US avg
Home Value
$201,500
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
2,678/100K
605% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.4%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$900
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Ely Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,941
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density517/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$86,389
Per Capita$38,567
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$1,332M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$201,500
Rent$900
Ownership70.5%
Zillow$199,414
Housing Units2,052
Rent Burden13.8%
Crime
F
Violent2,678/100K
Property3,585/100K
Health
Obesity33.7%
Uninsured12.7%
Smoking17.2%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain9.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,342 ft (1,933 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.4%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score4.23
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 20%
Commute15 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Ely a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ely receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Ely offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ely is $86,389, 15% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ely is $201,500, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 2,678 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 3,585 per 100,000, 83% above the national average.
Education
18.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Ely experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 9.4 inches, including 54.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Ely has a population of 3,941 with a density of 517 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (81.4%), with 8.6% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.3% of residents, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.3%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.7%
50% below US avg
The median household income in Ely is $86,389, which is 15% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,567. The average weekly wage is $1,468. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 270 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $86,389 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,567 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,468 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,867 |
| Gini Index | 0.365 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 270 |
| County GDP | $1,332M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,225 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.2% |
| Public Transit | 2.1% |
| Work from Home | 11.0% |
The median home value in Ely is $201,500, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,414. Monthly rent averages $900 (23% 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. 70.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,052 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $3,225. 13.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $201,500 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,414 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $900 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.8% |
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 | 70.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,052 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,225 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.60% |
In Ely, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,312. The dentist ratio is 1:2,929. 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ely vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,312 |
| Dentists | 1:2,929 |
| Mental Health | 1:230 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.8% |
| Dental Visits | 57.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,771/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Ely has a violent crime rate of 2,678 per 100,000 residents, 605% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,585 per 100,000, 83% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ely receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ely vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 2,677.6/100K |
| 605% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,584.9/100K |
| 83% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 222 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ely experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 69°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 9.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 54.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 6,342 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,342 ft (1,933 m) |
| Area | 7.6 sq mi (19.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 517/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2649°N, 114.8709°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | White Pine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elko Regional (EKO)
118 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.4"
75% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.30"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
228 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Sep 10, 2019 |
44 km E of Austin, Nevada |
M4.6 |
148 km |
| Jul 19, 2023 |
45 km E of Austin, Nevada |
M4.5 |
146 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
47 km SW of Eureka, Nevada |
M4.2 |
128 km |
| Jul 21, 1992 |
Nevada |
M4.1 |
66 km |
| Jun 3, 2016 |
14 km NE of Eureka, Nevada |
M4.0 |
90 km |
| Feb 28, 2015 |
27 km W of Preston, Nevada |
M3.9 |
59 km |
| Oct 12, 2013 |
23 km W of Preston, Nevada |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Dec 8, 1990 |
25 km WNW of Preston, Nevada |
M3.8 |
46 km |
| Sep 10, 2019 |
46 km W of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Mar 14, 2006 |
24 km N of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.8 |
103 km |
| Jan 25, 2019 |
82 km N of Rachel, Nevada |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Sep 8, 2011 |
33 km ESE of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.8 |
65 km |
| Aug 29, 2013 |
42 km WNW of Preston, Nevada |
M3.8 |
58 km |
| Apr 11, 2020 |
62 km SSW of Lund, Nevada |
M3.7 |
109 km |
| Aug 11, 1999 |
46 km SSE of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.7 |
71 km |
| Nov 30, 1998 |
37 km NE of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.7 |
93 km |
| May 4, 2015 |
53 km SSE of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.7 |
72 km |
| Apr 3, 1995 |
46 km E of Austin, Nevada |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| May 24, 2015 |
60 km S of Eureka, Nevada |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Dec 3, 1990 |
25 km WNW of Preston, Nevada |
M3.6 |
49 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
7 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 23, 1998 |
EF0 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1998 |
EF0 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1988 |
EF0 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1987 |
EF0 |
9 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1977 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1975 |
EF0 |
35 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1967 |
EF0 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GOSHUTE CAVE (27,393 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
GOSHUTE CAVE |
27,393 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
RAINBOW COMPLEX (MULE) |
17,858 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
HAMPTON |
11,675 |
64 km |
| 2012 |
NORTH SCHELL |
11,652 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
CHERRY |
8,562 |
81 km |
| 2020 |
BROWN |
8,445 |
51 km |
| 2014 |
LAGES |
8,119 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
EGAN |
7,242 |
57 km |
| 2015 |
DIAMOND |
6,508 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
BECKY PEAK |
6,310 |
83 km |
| 2001 |
BUTTE |
5,330 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
CHROME |
5,113 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
RANGE |
4,882 |
9 km |
| 2013 |
BLACK |
4,798 |
76 km |
| 1985 |
GEYSER 2 |
4,755 |
88 km |
| 1987 |
BASSET |
4,742 |
34 km |
| 2016 |
STRAWBERRY |
4,507 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
CATHEDRAL |
4,202 |
53 km |
| 1984 |
MCCOY |
4,101 |
33 km |
| 1987 |
UHALDE |
3,865 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
40°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
49°F (9°C) |
1.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
Ely has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 25°F in December to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (1.3") and December the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Ely. 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 | $795 |
| Toddler | $668 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ely
What is the population of Ely?
Ely has a population of 3,941 residents and is located in Nevada. The population density is 517 people per square mile, spread across 7.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Ely expensive to live in?
Ely has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $86,389, 15% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $201,500 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ely safe?
Public safety is a concern in Ely, with a violent crime rate of 2,678 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 3,585 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ely receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ely?
Ely has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 9.4 inches, with 54.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Ely?
Ely has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,468. There are 270 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ely?
The median home value in Ely is $201,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,414. For renters, the median monthly rent is $900. Fair market rent is $1,135 for a 1-bedroom and $1,428 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,225.
How are the schools in Ely?
Schools in Ely have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.4% of adults in Ely hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ely?
The obesity rate in Ely is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 12.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,312.
What is transportation like in Ely?
The average commute in Ely is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.2% of workers drive alone to work, 2.1% use public transit, and 11.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ely?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ely is 81.4% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 8.6% Hispanic or Latino. 93.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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