What to know when moving to Reno, NV
TL;DR: Reno at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 76.4% of residents are renters and the median household income is $32,990.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to the University of Nevada-Reno, a major institution in the area.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 34.4%, the economy can be challenging for some residents.
- Commute:
- 14.0% of residents use public transit for their commute.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,089 in monthly rent, which is a typical cost in the area.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Reno is a city characterized by its high rental rate, with over three-quarters of the population renting their homes. The median household income of $32,990 suggests a community that may be economically diverse. Education is valued here, with 40.2% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree, providing a highly educated environment.
Probably not your spot if: high poverty rates could be a concern for those seeking a more stable economic environment.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,089, while the median home value is $379,800.
- 40.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to an educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 34.4%, indicating economic challenges for many.
- 76.4% of the housing market is made up of renters, showing a strong rental demand.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Nevada, property crime rates are notably higher than the national average, with a state annual rate of 1,984.8 per 100k, compared to the national rate of 1,546.9 per 100k. However, property crime has decreased by 17.9% from 2022 to 2025.
- Violent crime: 372.9 per 100k (Nevada) vs. 325.3 per 100k (national average), with an 18.9% decrease since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,984.8 per 100k (Nevada) vs. 1,546.9 per 100k (national average), down 17.9% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have dropped by 35.3% since 2022, now at 4.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Nevada).
Schools & Higher Ed
Reno has a total of 11 postsecondary institutions, providing a range of educational options.
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 8
- Major local institution: University of Nevada-Reno
- Other notable schools include: Truckee Meadows Community College and Carrington College-Reno.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Reno offers several parks and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy. Here are some top spots:
- Rancho San Rafael Regional Park - 4.7 stars (4,292 reviews)
- Idlewild Park - 4.6 stars (4,184 reviews)
- Sparks Marina Park - 4.5 stars (3,681 reviews)
- National Automobile Museum - 4.8 stars (2,381 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).