Median Income
$87,991
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$352,600
25% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.6%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,463
26% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Fernley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population23,631
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density193/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$87,991
Per Capita$37,170
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$2,769M
Commute29 min
Housing
A
Home Value$352,600
Rent$1,463
Ownership71.2%
Zillow$402,807
Housing Units8,635
Rent Burden28.0%
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking16.2%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
Rain4.8 in/yr
Elevation4,535 ft (1,382 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.6%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute29 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations4
Is Fernley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fernley receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate. Fernley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fernley is $87,991, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fernley is $352,600, 25% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,463 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
15.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Fernley enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 4.8 inches.
Fernley has a population of 23,631 with a density of 193 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (77.4%), with 19.1% Hispanic, 1.7% Black, 1.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.8% of residents, while 12.7% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23,631
Total Population
2023 Census
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.8%
9% above US avg
Spanish
12.7%
5% below US avg
The median household income in Fernley is $87,991, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,170. The average weekly wage is $1,608, 12% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 258 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,991 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,170 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,608 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,161 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 258 |
| County GDP | $2,769M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 2.4% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Fernley is $352,600, 25% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $402,807, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $432,000 with homes selling in an average of 58 days. Homes sell for 99.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,463 (26% above 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. 71.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 8,635 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $3,750. 28.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $352,600 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $402,807 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $432,000 |
| Median List Price | $399,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $432,000 |
| Median List Price | $399,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $244 |
| Homes Sold | 30 |
| Days on Market | 58 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.1% |
| Price Drops | 10.7% |
| Inventory | 56 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,463 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,865 |
| Rent Burden | 28.0% |
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 | 71.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.8% |
| Housing Units | 8,635 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.06% |
In Fernley, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. 0.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
7.8
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
13.9
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
5.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
146.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Fernley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:696 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,548/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 0.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Fernley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 4.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 4,535 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.5°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,535 ft (1,382 m) |
| Area | 6.7 sq mi (17.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 193/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.5648°N, 119.1894°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Storey County County |
| Nearest Airport | Reno/Tahoe International (RNO)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
4.8"
87% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
0.70"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,950 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.1. Most recent: M3.5 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Sep 12, 1994 |
4 km S of Carter Springs, Nevada |
M6.1 |
92 km |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
Antelope Valley, CA |
M6.0 |
121 km |
| Aug 10, 2001 |
3 km N of Blairsden, California |
M5.2 |
125 km |
| Sep 12, 1994 |
8 km ESE of Mesa Vista, California |
M5.1 |
98 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
1 km NW of Mogul, Nevada |
M5.1 |
65 km |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
32km SE of Markleeville, CA |
M5.0 |
120 km |
| Dec 22, 1995 |
California-Nevada border region |
M4.9 |
101 km |
| Oct 1, 2011 |
7 km SSE of Schurz, Nevada |
M4.8 |
83 km |
| Feb 10, 1993 |
28 km SW of Empire, Nevada |
M4.8 |
103 km |
| Oct 30, 1998 |
4 km N of Tahoe Vista, California |
M4.8 |
80 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
0 km N of Mogul, Nevada |
M4.8 |
64 km |
| Dec 28, 1995 |
9 km WNW of Topaz Lake, Nevada |
M4.8 |
103 km |
| Jun 26, 2005 |
8 km NNW of Tahoe Vista, California |
M4.8 |
83 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
27km SE of Smith Valley, NV |
M4.7 |
106 km |
| Mar 9, 2007 |
13 km SE of Walker, California |
M4.7 |
127 km |
| Dec 23, 1995 |
8 km WNW of Topaz Lake, Nevada |
M4.7 |
100 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
19km NW of Truckee, CA |
M4.7 |
97 km |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
29km ENE of Dardanelle, CA |
M4.6 |
125 km |
| Apr 17, 2011 |
18 km SW of Hawthorne, Nevada |
M4.6 |
136 km |
| Dec 12, 1996 |
4 km SSW of Topaz Lake, Nevada |
M4.6 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
26 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 15, 2020 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 3, 1973 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1973 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1964 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 2017 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 2015 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2005 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2004 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2003 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2003 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1998 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF0 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF0 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1997 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1997 |
EF0 |
31 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Soda Lakes (28 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Soda Lakes |
Maar(s) |
1,251 m (4,104 ft) |
Unknown |
28 km |
| Mono Lake Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,121 m (6,959 ft) |
1790 |
175 km |
| Mono-Inyo Craters |
Lava dome(s) |
2,796 m (9,173 ft) |
1380 |
196 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SUGAR (108,368 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
SUGAR |
108,368 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
TRUCKEE |
98,411 |
23 km |
| 2017 |
TOHAKUM 2 |
92,711 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
LONG VALLEY |
80,456 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
PERRY |
53,734 |
37 km |
| 1994 |
COTTONWOOD |
47,912 |
86 km |
| 1999 |
FISH COMPLEX (FISH SPRINGS) |
47,030 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
LOYALTON |
45,484 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
TULE |
35,341 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
EARTHSTONE |
35,305 |
28 km |
| 2020 |
NORTH |
34,120 |
75 km |
| 1985 |
GOOSEBERRY |
29,290 |
18 km |
| 2013 |
BISON |
23,611 |
75 km |
| 2001 |
FISH |
21,860 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
BRAVO17 |
21,562 |
97 km |
| 2020 |
NUMBERS |
18,998 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
SAND PASS |
18,321 |
86 km |
| 1985 |
HUNGRY VA3 |
18,177 |
50 km |
| 1984 |
INDIAN |
16,990 |
94 km |
| 1984 |
FREDS MT 2 |
16,832 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
36°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
Wettest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
Fernley has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 35°F in December to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 4.8 inches, with January being the wettest month (0.7") and July the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Fernley. 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 | $821 |
| Toddler | $690 |
| Preschool | $672 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $560 |
| Toddler | $560 |
| Preschool | $560 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fernley
What is the population of Fernley?
Fernley has a population of 23,631 residents and is located in Nevada. The population density is 193 people per square mile, spread across 6.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is Fernley expensive to live in?
Fernley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $87,991, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $352,600 (25% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,463 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Fernley?
Fernley enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 36°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 4.8 inches, with 4.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Fernley?
Fernley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,608. There are 258 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fernley?
The median home value in Fernley is $352,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $402,807. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $432,000, with homes typically selling within 58 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,463. Fair market rent is $1,135 for a 1-bedroom and $1,428 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,750.
How are the schools in Fernley?
Schools in Fernley score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.6% of adults in Fernley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fernley?
The obesity rate in Fernley is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 0.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Fernley?
The average commute in Fernley is 29 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, 2.4% use public transit, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fernley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fernley is 77.4% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 19.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Asian. 85.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.7% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.