Median Income
$48,194
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$691,900
145% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.0%
16% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
20% higher than US avg
How Smith Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,618
Median Age65.1 yrs
Density16/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans17.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$48,194
Per Capita$42,569
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty14.9%
County GDP$4,048M
Commute34 min
Housing
F
Home Value$691,900
Ownership83.9%
Zillow$303,448
Housing Units956
Rent Burden29.6%
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured11.9%
Smoking16.6%
Depression24.1%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI22 (Good)
Rain6.2 in/yr
Elevation4,770 ft (1,454 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.0%
High School+98.2%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.76
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 32%
Commute34 min
Broadband94.2%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Smith Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Smith Valley receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, below-average incomes. Smith Valley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Smith Valley is $48,194, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 14.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Smith Valley is $691,900, making it a premium housing market at 145% above the U.S. median of $281,900. With a home price-to-income ratio of 14.4x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Smith Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 6.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 22.
Smith Valley has a population of 1,618 with a density of 16 people per square mile, spread across 47.3 square miles. The median age is 65.1 years, 67% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (76.8%), with 11.7% Hispanic, 3.1% Black, 1.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 17.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,618
Total Population
2023 Census
65.1yrs
Median Age
67% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Smith Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Smith Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Smith Valley is $48,194, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,569. The average weekly wage is $1,332. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,060 business establishments, including 141 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 28.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Smith Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,194 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,569 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,332 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $138,588 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.9% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,060 |
| County GDP | $4,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 141 |
| Healthcare | 111 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 70 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,479 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.6% |
The median home value in Smith Valley is $691,900, 145% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,448, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $835,000 with homes selling in an average of 442 days. Homes sell for 94.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,135 for a one-bedroom to $1,428 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 956 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $8,479 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 14.4x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $691,900 |
| 145% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $303,448 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $835,000 |
| Median List Price | $580,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $835,000 |
| Median List Price | $580,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $231 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 442 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 19 |
Rental Costs
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 | 83.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.1% |
| Housing Units | 956 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,479 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.23% |
In Smith Valley, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 24.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,918. The dentist ratio is 1:1,341. 80.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Smith Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 24.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.9% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,918 |
| Dentists | 1:1,341 |
| Mental Health | 1:604 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.6% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,664/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 111 |
Smith Valley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 6.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 22 / among the cleanest air in the country. 90% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 4,770 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.1°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,770 ft (1,454 m) |
| Area | 47.3 sq mi (122.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 16/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7869°N, 119.3687°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Douglas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Reno/Tahoe International (RNO) 54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
6.2"
84% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
0.97"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 22.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 90.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6,415 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Aug 9, 2025.
| May 15, 2020 |
Monte Cristo Range, NV Earthquake |
M6.5 |
149 km |
| Sep 12, 1994 |
4 km S of Carter Springs, Nevada |
M6.1 |
25 km |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
Antelope Valley, CA |
M6.0 |
33 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
3 km NE of Mono City, California |
M5.8 |
84 km |
| May 15, 1999 |
9 km WSW of Aspen Springs, California |
M5.5 |
148 km |
| Sep 18, 2004 |
27 km NW of Benton, California |
M5.4 |
105 km |
| Sep 18, 2004 |
27 km NW of Benton, California |
M5.4 |
105 km |
| Apr 11, 2020 |
30km SE of Bodie, CA |
M5.2 |
99 km |
| Feb 13, 2013 |
39 km N of Dyer, Nevada |
M5.1 |
143 km |
| Sep 12, 1994 |
8 km ESE of Mesa Vista, California |
M5.1 |
29 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
1 km NW of Mogul, Nevada |
M5.1 |
96 km |
| May 15, 2020 |
31 km SE of Mina, Nevada |
M5.1 |
147 km |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
32km SE of Markleeville, CA |
M5.0 |
33 km |
| Jun 30, 2020 |
29 km SSE of Mina, Nevada |
M5.0 |
142 km |
| May 15, 2020 |
28 km SSE of Mina, Nevada |
M4.9 |
141 km |
| Jul 15, 1998 |
8 km W of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
145 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
8 km WNW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
142 km |
| Nov 30, 1997 |
2 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
133 km |
| Dec 22, 1995 |
California-Nevada border region |
M4.9 |
24 km |
| Nov 22, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
21 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1973 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1964 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 2017 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2015 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2005 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2003 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 2003 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1999 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1997 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1997 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1995 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1989 |
EF0 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1987 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1972 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Mono Lake Volcanic Field (92 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Mono Lake Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,121 m (6,959 ft) |
1790 |
92 km |
| Soda Lakes |
Maar(s) |
1,251 m (4,104 ft) |
Unknown |
93 km |
| Mono-Inyo Craters |
Lava dome(s) |
2,796 m (9,173 ft) |
1380 |
113 km |
| Mammoth Mountain |
Lava dome(s) |
3,369 m (11,053 ft) |
1260 |
132 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CALDOR (226,583 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
CALDOR |
226,583 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
TAMARACK |
70,171 |
31 km |
| 2018 |
DONNELL |
36,151 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
EARTHSTONE |
35,305 |
90 km |
| 1985 |
GOOSEBERRY |
29,290 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
SLINK |
26,437 |
34 km |
| 2013 |
BISON |
23,611 |
19 km |
| 2002 |
CANNON |
23,605 |
36 km |
| 1992 |
CLEVELAND |
21,835 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
NUMBERS |
18,998 |
20 km |
| 2015 |
WASHINGTON |
18,485 |
33 km |
| 2004 |
POWER |
17,266 |
85 km |
| 1984 |
INDIAN |
16,990 |
28 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
15,703 |
81 km |
| 2007 |
ADRIAN 1 |
14,564 |
46 km |
| 2001 |
MARTIS |
14,526 |
84 km |
| 2020 |
MOUNTAIN VIEW |
14,416 |
25 km |
| 2013 |
SPRING PEAK |
13,901 |
73 km |
| 2023 |
QUARRY |
11,098 |
92 km |
| 1999 |
PAH RAH |
10,080 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
1.0 in |
Wettest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
0.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
Smith Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 32°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 6.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (1.0") and September the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Smith 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $713 |
| Preschool | $646 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $556 |
| Preschool | $556 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Smith Valley
What is the population of Smith Valley?
Smith Valley has a population of 1,618 residents and is located in Nevada. The population density is 16 people per square mile, spread across 47.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Smith Valley expensive to live in?
Smith 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 $48,194, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $691,900 (145% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 14.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Smith Valley?
Smith Valley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 6.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 22.
How is the job market in Smith Valley?
The job market in Smith Valley is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,332. There are 2,060 business establishments in the area, including 141 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 28.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Smith Valley?
The median home value in Smith Valley is $691,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,448. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $835,000, with homes typically selling within 442 days. The homeownership rate is 83.9%. The average annual property tax is $8,479.
How are the schools in Smith Valley?
Schools in Smith Valley score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.0% of adults in Smith Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Smith Valley?
The obesity rate in Smith Valley is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 24.1% of residents report depression. 11.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 80.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,918.
What is transportation like in Smith Valley?
The average commute in Smith Valley is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 62% of workers drive alone to work, and 28.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Smith Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Smith Valley is 76.8% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 11.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Asian. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 17.3% of the population are military veterans. 23.5% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.