The 5 Safest Places
in Nevada

2026 Scientific Ranking: Best Places to Live in Nevada

By The Ocity Data Desk

Navigating the Nevada housing market requires more than anecdotal evidence; it demands a rigorous, quantitative approach. To determine the optimal locations for residents in 2026, Ocity.org analyzed the top 10 most populous cities and census-designated places (CDPs) using a weighted algorithm. The methodology prioritizes statistical viability across three core metrics: Safety (40% weight), Affordability (30% weight), and Economic Output (30% weight). Safety is derived from violent crime rates per 100,000 residents. Affordability is calculated via the annual rent burden (12x monthly 1BR rent) relative to median household income. Economic Output is measured strictly by median income. The resulting "Ocity Score" provides a definitive, data-driven hierarchy of livability.

#1: Henderson – The Safety-Optimized Benchmark
Henderson secures the top position by delivering the most statistically significant safety metrics among major Nevada municipalities. With a violent crime rate of 189/100k, it represents a substantial deviation from the state norm, offering a safety-optimized environment crucial for long-term stability. This low-risk profile does not come at the expense of economic vitality; a median income of $82,476 ensures a manageable rent burden. The annual rent for a 1-bedroom unit is $16,524, representing approximately 20% of the median household income. This favorable ratio, combined with its status as a low-crime outlier, establishes Henderson as the state’s premier location for balanced, secure living.

#2: Enterprise CDP – High-Yield Economic Output
Enterprise ranks second, driven by superior economic output that offsets its higher crime statistics. The CDP boasts the highest median income in the dataset at $91,225, providing residents with maximum purchasing power. While the violent crime rate of 460/100k is notably higher than Henderson’s, the economic advantage is potent. The annual rent burden stands at $15,768, consuming only 17.3% of the median income. This high-yield economic environment suggests that residents have the financial capacity to navigate and mitigate localized safety concerns, making Enterprise a prime choice for income-maximizing professionals.

#3: Sparks – The Balanced Contender
Sparks claims the third position through a strong synthesis of economic and affordability metrics. It trails Enterprise in income by less than 4% ($86,081 vs. $91,225) but matches it in affordability, with identical 1BR rent of $1,314 (annual burden: $15,768). Its violent crime rate of 456/100k is statistically similar to Enterprise's, yet its slightly lower population (110,301) may offer a more manageable urban footprint. Sparks provides a high-yield alternative for those prioritizing income and cost efficiency, accepting a moderate safety profile as a trade-off for economic advantage.

The ‘Hidden Gem’: Carson
For residents prioritizing the intersection of high income and low cost, Carson emerges as the dataset’s hidden gem. While ranking fifth overall, Carson delivers a compelling value proposition. It maintains a solid median income of $71,809, yet offers the most affordable rental market of the top ten at $1,066 per month. This results in an annual rent burden of just $12,792, or approximately 17.8% of median income—one of the most efficient cost-to-income ratios available. While its crime rate is elevated at 460/100k, the significant savings on housing expenses provide a substantial financial buffer, making Carson a statistically excellent choice for cost-conscious earners.

2026 Nevada Livability Rankings