Henderson: The Data Profile (2026)

Henderson, Nevada, represents a distinct statistical outlier in the post-2024 remote work landscape. With a population of 337,280, it has graduated from a suburb to a self-sustaining mid-size city. The economic engine here is driven by a highly specific demographic: the "educated achiever." Unlike the broader Las Vegas metropolitan area, Henderson boasts a college-educated workforce of 38.6%, significantly outpacing the US average of 33.1%.

This educational attainment translates directly to purchasing power. The median household income sits at $82,476, which is 10.6% higher than the national median of $74,580. The target demographic for relocation is the remote-capable professional earning slightly above the national mean, seeking to leverage that income against a cost of living index that remains marginally favorable despite recent inflation. This is a city for those prioritizing square footage and tax advantages over urban density.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Henderson offers a wage premium, the cost of living structure is complex. It is not a "cheap" city, but rather a city with specific, exploitable economic advantages. The aggregate index hovers near the national average, but the composition matters.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Deep Dive: Disposable Income Analysis
The critical data point for Henderson is the electricity rate, which is currently 15.0 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. In a climate where HVAC is a necessity rather than a luxury, this 6.25% discount on power is a recurring annual saving that compounds significantly. However, the "Housing" index of 105.0 indicates that while the city is affordable relative to income, it is not a budget haven. A single person earning the median income has approximately $4,200 of monthly disposable income (after taxes), making the $2,540 monthly budget sustainable with a healthy surplus of roughly $1,660.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Henderson is defined by a "rent-to-own" equilibrium that is increasingly rare in the US. The spread between renting and buying is narrower here than in comparable metros, driven by a median home price that sits only marginally above the national curve.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Analysis: Buy vs. Rent
The data suggests a strong case for renting in the short term. The Median Home Price premium of +15.5% is significant, yet rental costs for a 3-bedroom unit are 10.2% below the national average. This disconnect suggests the market is currently absorbing a surplus of rental inventory, likely from new multifamily developments. For the remote worker, renting a $2,200 3-bedroom unit offers immediate cash flow advantages while the housing market stabilizes. Buying is only recommended for those planning a stay of 7+ years, as the transaction costs will erode the equity gains in the short term.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Henderson’s economy is bifurcating. While the city’s unemployment rate is currently 5.2%—higher than the US average of 4.0%—this figure is misleading. It reflects a transient service labor pool, not the professional class. For the remote-capable demographic, the local economy is irrelevant; the value is in the infrastructure.

RTO & Commute:
In 2026, "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates are hybrid. Henderson is uniquely positioned 15-20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and central business districts. With average commute times sitting at 26 minutes (below the national average of 28 minutes), the physical proximity to corporate hubs is adequate for the mandatory "2 days a week" hybrid schedule, while the housing stock offers the space required for "3 days a week" remote work.

Unemployment Analysis:
The 5.2% unemployment rate is a cautionary flag for the local service sector, but it does not impact the professional workforce. The stability of the local economy is heavily tied to gaming and tourism, which are historically recession-resistant but volatile. The high college education rate (38.6%) insulates the relocation demographic from these local fluctuations.

Quality of Life Audit

Henderson offers a high physical quality of life, offset by environmental factors and mental health indicators that require attention. The "Health Score" of 81.9/100 is statistically robust, driven by lower-than-average risk factors.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Air Quality
Safety metrics show Henderson as a statistical average, which is an improvement over its neighbor, Las Vegas. Violent crime is 460/100k (US avg: 380/100k) and property crime is 2346/100k (US avg: 2000/100k). While slightly elevated, these are not prohibitive numbers for suburban living.

Air quality is the primary environmental drawback. The AQI of 64 and PM2.5 levels of 9.0 µg/m³ exceed ideal health guidelines. This is due to the valley geography trapping dust and ozone. Residents with respiratory conditions should monitor this data daily.

Schools & Weather
The weather profile is extreme. Currently at 41.0°F, the region is experiencing a mild winter day (High 55°F, Low 34°F). However, summer averages exceed 100°F consistently. Schools in Henderson (part of the Clark County School District) generally perform above the county average, aligning with the higher education demographic.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Premium: Median income ($82,476) is $8,000 higher than the national average.
• Rental Value: 3-BR rent ($2,200) is 10% below the US average.
• Tax Structure: Nevada has 0% state income tax, effectively boosting take-home pay by 5-7% relative to high-tax states.
• Infrastructure: High-speed internet coverage is ubiquitous, catering to the remote workforce.

Cons:

• Unemployment: Local rate (5.2%) is 30% higher than the national average, indicating a bifurcated economy.
• Air Quality: AQI (64) is consistently "Moderate," posing risks for long-term exposure.
• Housing Cost to Own: Buying a home is expensive (+15.5% premium) relative to the national median.

Final Recommendation:
RENT & RELOCATE (Conditional).
Henderson is a "Buy" market only for families with a 10+ year horizon. For the median earner or remote worker, the current market favors renting. The combination of high income, low tax burden, and below-average rental costs creates a unique window for wealth accumulation, provided you can tolerate the air quality and summer heat.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Henderson?
For a single person, a salary of $70,000 is the baseline for comfortable living (saving 15% of income). For a family of four, the threshold rises to $115,000 to maintain the same standard of living.

2. How does Henderson compare to Las Vegas?
Henderson offers a 15% lower crime rate and 20% higher school ratings compared to the Las Vegas metro average, while maintaining only a 5% cost of living premium.

3. Are the safety statistics concerning?
No. While Violent Crime (460/100k) is above the US average (380/100k), it is significantly lower than the regional average. The Property Crime rate is manageable for standard suburban precautions.

4. When is the best time to move?
Target October to November. Moving in July or August exposes you to 100°F+ temperatures, increasing moving costs and health risks. The current winter average of 40-55°F is ideal for logistics.