Smith Valley, Nevada Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Smith Valley, Nevada had a total population of 1,807, the 47th largest community in Nevada, with a median household income of $67,132, which is 14% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 11.3x the median household income.
Smith Valley Quick Facts
How Smith Valley Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,618 | 1,807 | +11.7% |
| Median household income | $48,194 | $67,132 | +39.3% |
| Median home value | $691,900 | $756,000 | +9.3% |
How Smith Valley Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 69 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Smith Valley Rankings in Nevada
Explore Nevada Rankings
Other Cities in Lyon County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fernley | 24,225 | $89,517 | 12.8% | $366,700 |
| Dayton | 15,781 | $102,819 | 5.2% | $433,200 |
| Silver Springs | 5,060 | $48,944 | 19.7% | $244,400 |
| Yerington | 3,150 | $57,980 | 11.9% | $284,800 |
| Stagecoach | 1,892 | $70,000 | 13.0% | $322,400 |
| Silver City | 118 | $68,056 | 0.0% | $319,000 |
Cities Similar to Smith Valley
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stagecoach | 1,892 | $70,000 | $322,400 | 7.8% | 13.0% |
| Sandy Valley | 1,742 | $57,639 | $233,700 | 29.7% | 5.8% |
| Topaz Ranch Estates | 1,621 | $57,574 | $289,300 | 11.5% | 12.7% |
| Carlin | 2,088 | $60,898 | $179,700 | 17.3% | 6.5% |
| Tonopah | 1,910 | $47,031 | $143,900 | 17.7% | 4.9% |
Population Overview
Smith Valley is a small community located in Nevada, within Lyon County. The total population is 1,807. It ranks as the 47th most populous out of 123 Census-designated places in Nevada.
Age Demographics
The median age in Smith Valley is 63.3 years. This is 62% higher than the state median of 39.1 years. Only 6.9% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 10.9% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Smith Valley is $67,132. This is 14% lower than the state median of $78,260. It is also 17% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%. This is 31% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.4%. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. This is 53% lower than the state rate of 7.0%. The median home value is $756,000. Housing costs are 74% higher than the state median of $435,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 11.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 84.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 41% higher than the state average of 60.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Smith Valley is White (non-Hispanic), making up 77.1% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (77.1% vs 44.8%). The Hispanic or Latino population (8.7%) is well below the state average of 29.6%. The Asian population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 8.8%.
Education
36.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 30% higher than the state rate of 27.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Smith Valley, Nevada is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Nevada state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 123 Census-designated places in Nevada. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Smith Valley, Nevada?
Smith Valley, Nevada has a population of 1,807 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Smith Valley, NV?
The median household income in Smith Valley is $67,132, which is 17% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Smith Valley, NV?
The poverty rate in Smith Valley is 8.5%. This means approximately 154 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Smith Valley, Nevada?
Smith Valley's population is 77.1% White, 4.6% Black, 8.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Smith Valley, NV?
The median home value in Smith Valley is $756,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 11.3x.
How educated is Smith Valley, Nevada?
36.2% of adults (25+) in Smith Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.