Washoe County, Nevada Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Nevada
The population of Washoe County, Nevada is 491,770 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Nevada. The median household income is $85,600, the median home value is $496,600, and the median age is 38.9.
The population of Washoe County has grown 20.2% since 2010 (421,969 → 507,280), a +1.32% annualized rate.
491,770
Population
+1.32%
Annual growth
78
People / sq mi
$85,600
Median Income
$496,600
Median Home Value
Washoe County covers 6,316 sq mi of land at 77.9 people per square mile.
About Washoe County, NV
In Washoe County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $496,600. Washoe County is a county in Nevada with a population of 491,770. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Nevada in the country, at #2 by population.
Households take in a median $85,600, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 6.5%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $496,600, with typical rent around $1,507.
About 33.2% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. A solid 11.2% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Washoe County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Washoe County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Washoe County had a population of 421,969 in 2010 and 507,280 in 2024, a 20.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 507,280 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.33%.
507,280
Population (2024)
421,969
Population (2010)
507,280
Peak (2024)
1.33%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 421,969 |
| 2011 | 424,066 |
| 2012 | 427,490 |
| 2013 | 431,255 |
| 2014 | 436,515 |
| 2015 | 442,617 |
| 2016 | 449,990 |
| 2017 | 456,864 |
| 2018 | 464,593 |
| 2019 | 472,381 |
| 2020 | 487,725 |
| 2021 | 494,380 |
| 2022 | 496,458 |
| 2023 | 500,159 |
| 2024 | 507,280 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 65.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
38.9
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
17.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.3% · Seniors (65+): 17.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $85,600+$10,039 vs state |
| Mean household income | $116,699 |
| Per-capita income | $46,857 |
| Poverty rate | 6.5%-2.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Washoe County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.7% of workers.
How residents commute
1.9%
Drive alone
2.3%
Carpool
69.6%
Public transit
11.2%
Work from home
22.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$496,600+$90,500 vs state
Median home value
$1,507
Median rent
59.5%
Homeownership rate
213,392
Total housing units
91.7%
Occupied
8.3%
Vacant
40.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.3%
With health insurance
96.4%
With broadband internet
50.6%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
12.4%
With a disability
78.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.7%
High School+
33.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nevada
Other counties in Nevada
Part of Nevada
Metro areas in Nevada
County rankings
Common questions about Washoe County, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Washoe County, Nevada has a population of 491,770 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Nevada. Population density is 78 people per square mile.
The population of Washoe County has grown 20.2% since 2010 (421,969 → 507,280), a +1.32% annualized rate.
The median household income in Washoe County, Nevada is $85,600, with mean (average) household income of $116,699 and per-capita income of $46,857. 6.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Washoe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (65.5%), Hispanic or Latino (3.3%), Black or African American (2.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Washoe County, Nevada is 38.9 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Washoe County is $496,600 and median monthly rent is $1,507. 59.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 213,392 total housing units, 8.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Washoe County, Nevada is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Las Vegas is among the largest cities associated with Washoe County, Nevada, with a population of 650,873.
Washoe County, NV Climate
Washoe County, NV has an average annual temperature of 8.9°C (48°F) and receives about 269 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.9°C
Avg Temp
269
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 31° | 32 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 27 mm |
| March | 4° / 38° | 25 mm |
| April | 6° / 44° | 18 mm |
| May | 11° / 52° | 26 mm |
| June | 15° / 60° | 22 mm |
| July | 21° / 70° | 9 mm |
| August | 21° / 69° | 12 mm |
| September | 16° / 62° | 14 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 19 mm |
| November | 4° / 38° | 33 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 32 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Washoe County, NV
The most comfortable months to visit Washoe County, NV are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is December (near -6°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Washoe County
Visiting or relocating to Washoe County, NV? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Washoe County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Washoe County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Washoe County, NV by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Nevada
Population 2,293,764
Population 60,630
Population 58,364
Population 53,852
Full rankings of Nevada counties
Statewide data for Nevada
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Nevada
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.