Yerington has been named the poorest town in Nevada.
This small city in Lyon County, with a population of about 3,108, tops recent rankings due to its high poverty rate and low incomes.
Key Statistics
Yerington reports a 19.8% poverty rate—the highest among Nevada places analyzed—and a median household income of just $41,600, the lowest in the state. These figures stem from the latest American Community Survey data, factoring in unemployment and cost of living.
For context, it outranks larger cities like Las Vegas (14.7% poverty, $66,356 median) and Fallon (11.4% poverty, $63,490 median). Housing affordability helps somewhat, ranking in Nevada’s bottom 15%.
Economic Factors
Limited job opportunities and low wages drive Yerington’s struggles, typical of rural Nevada mining towns. Past reliance on agriculture and industry has waned without diversification.
Nevada’s overall economy, boosted by tourism in Las Vegas and Reno, leaves remote areas like Yerington behind. State median income sits higher, around $71,000, highlighting regional disparities.
Recent Rankings
RoadSnacks’ 2024 analysis (updated for current data) crowns Yerington #1 among cities over 2,000 people, using poverty, income, and unemployment metrics. No 2026 shifts appear in recent reports.
Other sources note rural poverty challenges but affirm Yerington’s top spot. Economic recovery post-2025 remains slow here.
SOURCES :
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-nevada/
- https://stacker.com/stories/nevada/cities-nevada-most-living-poverty
