Smith Valley, NV
Population 1,618 · Nevada
About Smith Valley, NV
Smith Valley is a small town located in Nevada with a population of 1,618 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,194 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 65.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Smith Valley features a median home value of $691,900, which is 183% above the national median of $244,900. This places Smith Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 953 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (725 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (139 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Smith Valley shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Smith Valley have an average one-way commute time of 33.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.0% of Smith Valley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 11.7% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Smith Valley Ranks in Nevada
Cost of Living in Smith Valley, NV
Compared to national averages, Smith Valley has a median household income of $48,194 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $691,900, which is 183% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nevada, Smith Valley's income is 41% below the state average of $81,841, and home values are 60% above the state median of $433,389.
Why Live in Smith Valley, NV?
Smith Valley offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%, and a well-educated community where 39.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,194) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $691,900. However, Smith Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Smith Valley has a population of 1,618 with a median age of 65.1 years. Compare Smith Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nevada.
Similar Cities Near Smith Valley
Cities in Nevada with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lovelock | 1,611 | $41,350 | $149,700 | Compare |
| Ruhenstroth | 1,605 | $101,533 | $665,700 | Compare |
| Topaz Ranch Estates | 1,646 | $57,794 | $262,600 | Compare |
| Sandy Valley | 1,752 | $54,556 | $218,500 | Compare |
| Jackpot | 1,429 | $63,560 | $0 | Compare |
| Amargosa Valley | 1,408 | $55,573 | $0 | Compare |
| East Valley | 1,341 | $111,932 | $884,400 | Compare |
| Stagecoach | 1,933 | $77,794 | $289,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Nevada
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Smith Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Smith Valley
What is the population of Smith Valley, NV?
The population of Smith Valley, NV is 1,618 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Nevada.
What is the median household income in Smith Valley?
The median household income in Smith Valley, NV is $48,194 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Smith Valley?
The median home value in Smith Valley, NV is $691,900, which is 183% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Smith Valley?
The median monthly rent in Smith Valley, NV is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Smith Valley?
The unemployment rate in Smith Valley, NV is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Smith Valley, NV a good place to live?
Smith Valley offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,618 and a median age of 65.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Smith Valley, NV?
39.0% of residents in Smith Valley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Smith Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Smith Valley, NV: median home value is $691,900 (183% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $48,194. The home-value-to-income ratio is 14.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Smith Valley?
The poverty rate in Smith Valley, NV is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Smith Valley, NV?
Smith Valley's population is 11.7% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.