Median Income
$37,922
50% lower than US avg
Home Value
$182,000
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
132/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$845
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.3%
9% lower than US avg
How Tonopah Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,938
Median Age61.6 yrs
Density209/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans13.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$37,922
Per Capita$32,113
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.3%
County GDP$47M
Commute30 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$182,000
Rent$845
Ownership66.8%
Zillow$162,292
Housing Units1,342
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent132/100K
Property660/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured13.2%
Smoking23.0%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain7.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,126 ft (1,867 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+98.2%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute30 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Tonopah a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tonopah receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Tonopah has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tonopah is $37,922, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tonopah is $182,000, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $845 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Tonopah is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 660 per 100,000, 66% below the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Tonopah experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 7.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Tonopah has a population of 1,938 with a density of 209 people per square mile, spread across 16.2 square miles. The median age is 61.6 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (80.4%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 10% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.1% of residents, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.6yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.1%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.9%
34% below US avg
The median household income in Tonopah is $37,922, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,113 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,185, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 23 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,922 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,113 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,185 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,285 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.3% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 23 |
| County GDP | $47M |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 39.9% |
| Public Transit | 15.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Tonopah is $182,000, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,292, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $845 (27% 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. 66.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,342 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $182,000 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,292 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $845 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
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 | 66.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,342 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
In Tonopah, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 23.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.1% experience frequent mental distress. 13.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 9.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 2.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tonopah vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 10.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.0% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 23.1% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 13.2% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 68.7% |
| Dental Visits | 48.2% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 2.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 9.6% |
Tonopah has a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 660 per 100,000, 66% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Tonopah receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tonopah vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 132.0/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 659.9/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 99 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tonopah experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°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 7.0 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 6,126 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.3°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,126 ft (1,867 m) |
| Area | 16.2 sq mi (42.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 209/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.0822°N, 117.2246°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Esmeralda County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fresno Yosemite International (FAT)
164 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
7.0"
82% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
0.67"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,053 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 20, 2025.
| May 15, 2020 |
Monte Cristo Range, NV Earthquake |
M6.5 |
56 km |
| May 17, 1993 |
46km E of Big Pine, California |
M6.1 |
113 km |
| Aug 1, 1999 |
37 km SSE of Goldfield, Nevada |
M5.7 |
78 km |
| Nov 2, 1997 |
16 km NNW of Dyer, Nevada |
M5.4 |
86 km |
| Sep 18, 2004 |
27 km NW of Benton, California |
M5.4 |
128 km |
| Sep 18, 2004 |
27 km NW of Benton, California |
M5.4 |
126 km |
| Apr 11, 2020 |
30km SE of Bodie, CA |
M5.2 |
132 km |
| Feb 13, 2013 |
39 km N of Dyer, Nevada |
M5.1 |
73 km |
| May 15, 2020 |
31 km SE of Mina, Nevada |
M5.1 |
58 km |
| May 22, 2020 |
32 km ESE of Mina, Nevada |
M5.1 |
53 km |
| Aug 2, 1999 |
39 km SSE of Goldfield, Nevada |
M5.1 |
79 km |
| Jun 30, 2020 |
29 km SSE of Mina, Nevada |
M5.0 |
65 km |
| Mar 10, 1990 |
65 km SSW of Rachel, Nevada |
M5.0 |
149 km |
| May 20, 2020 |
38 km ESE of Mina, Nevada |
M5.0 |
47 km |
| Jun 19, 2020 |
34 km SE of Mina, Nevada |
M4.9 |
54 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
8 km WNW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
149 km |
| May 15, 2020 |
28 km SSE of Mina, Nevada |
M4.9 |
65 km |
| May 19, 1993 |
49km E of Big Pine, California |
M4.9 |
114 km |
| May 15, 2020 |
36 km SE of Mina, Nevada |
M4.8 |
51 km |
| Feb 14, 2015 |
51 km WNW of Beatty, Nevada |
M4.8 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
3 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1992 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1984 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1982 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Ubehebe Craters (120 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Ubehebe Craters |
Maar(s) |
752 m (2,467 ft) |
-150 |
120 km |
| Mono Lake Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,121 m (6,959 ft) |
1790 |
158 km |
| Mono-Inyo Craters |
Lava dome(s) |
2,796 m (9,173 ft) |
1380 |
161 km |
| Mammoth Mountain |
Lava dome(s) |
3,369 m (11,053 ft) |
1260 |
166 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WALL CANYON (7,420 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
WALL CANYON |
7,420 |
71 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
6,559 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
ELKHORN 2 |
5,458 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
TOLICHA PEAK |
2,179 |
95 km |
| 1996 |
RAILROAD |
1,093 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
0.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
0.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
Tonopah has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 6.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (0.7") and December the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Tonopah. 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 Tonopah
What is the population of Tonopah?
Tonopah has a population of 1,938 residents and is located in Nevada. The population density is 209 people per square mile, spread across 16.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Tonopah expensive to live in?
Tonopah has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $37,922, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $182,000 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $845 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Tonopah safe?
Tonopah is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 660 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Tonopah receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tonopah?
Tonopah 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 75°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 7.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Tonopah?
The job market in Tonopah is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,185. There are 23 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tonopah?
The median home value in Tonopah is $182,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,292. For renters, the median monthly rent is $845. Fair market rent is $1,135 for a 1-bedroom and $1,428 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.8%.
How are the schools in Tonopah?
Schools in Tonopah score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Tonopah hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tonopah?
The obesity rate in Tonopah is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.0% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 13.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 9.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Tonopah?
The average commute in Tonopah is 30 minutes. 39.9% of workers drive alone to work, 15.3% use public transit, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tonopah?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tonopah is 80.4% White, 10% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 91.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.9% speak Spanish. 13.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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