RANK #835 / 996 · POP 59,435 · NV
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.9%
Lyon County, Nevada, is characterized by its expansive natural landscapes and a rich history rooted in the state's first gold discovery in 1849. Located southeast of Reno and east of Carson City, the county offers a blend of arid hills, mountains, and valleys, with a portion of the Toiyabe National Forest in its southern reaches. Notable towns include Fernley, Dayton, and the county seat, Yerington. Commutes to nearby cities like Carson City (approximately 36 miles from Silver Springs) or Reno/Sparks (via I-80 from Fernley) are common, with residents largely relying on personal vehicles. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with access to Lahontan Reservoir for boating and fishing, Fort Churchill State Historic Park for hiking and history, and the Walker River State Recreation Area offering trails and wildlife viewing.
Life in Lyon County often appeals to those seeking a more rural lifestyle with access to outdoor activities. Many residents own their homes, and the community has a conservative leaning, with a notable population of retirees. The economy is diverse, with a historical foundation in mining and agriculture, including the Mason Valley's past as the "Onion Capital of the West." More recently, the county has seen investment in sectors such as warehousing, transportation, and advanced manufacturing, with industrial parks in Dayton, Fernley, and Yerington. The Lyon County School District serves approximately 9,500 students across 18 schools.
Overvalued relative to economy
Contracting economy
Below national median
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 10.6x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Monarch Data Center Campus
Copia Power (backed by Carlyle)
|
$11,000M | Proposed |
|
Tract Silver Springs Data Center Campus
Tract
|
$1,600M | Planned |
|
Libra Energy Project (Solar & Battery Storage)
SB Energy (subsidiary of Arevia Power)
|
$700M | Under Construction |
|
Microsoft Silver Springs Data Center Land Acquisition & Potential Development
Microsoft
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Winston Energy (Solar & Battery Storage)
EDF Power Solutions
|
$400M | Planned |
|
Mason Valley East Solar Project
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$300M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lyon County has a Boom Town Index score of 16/100, ranking #835 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.5% and a median household income of $70,026, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Lyon County is $314,200 with median rent at $1,196/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2229, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.5%. Home values changed +0.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.4% of Lyon County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.