North Las Vegas Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Analysis

North Las Vegas: The Data Profile (2026)

North Las Vegas represents a specific statistical niche in the post-remote economy: the "high-income, high-cost" outlier. With a population of 284,772, it operates as a dense satellite city rather than a sprawling metro. The economic profile is bifurcated; the median income sits at $78,949, which is 5.9% higher than the US average of $74,580. However, this earning power is not matched by educational attainment, where only 20.4% of residents hold a college degree compared to the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the skilled trade or logistics professional earning above the national median but seeking lower tax burdens. This demographic prioritizes raw disposable income over traditional "prestige" metrics like education levels or walkability.

Cost of Living Analysis

While North Las Vegas boasts a favorable index for groceries (95.9) and transportation (97.6), the housing market exerts significant pressure. The housing cost of living index stands at 105.0, meaning residents pay 5.0% more than the national average for shelter, despite the city's inland location. The electricity rate, at 15.0 cents/kWh, sits slightly below the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh, a critical factor given the extreme summer cooling demands.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $78,949 takes home approximately $5,800 monthly (after standard taxes). With a total cost of living of $3,030, the disposable income is roughly $2,770. This is a strong surplus relative to the national curve, provided housing costs are controlled. However, for a family of 4 on a single median income, the surplus drops to $1,030 monthly, indicating that dual incomes are statistically necessary for financial comfort.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's defining friction point. The median home price is decoupled from the local income potential. Renting is currently the statistically safer play relative to the national price-to-rent ratio. The Price/SqFt metric highlights that North Las Vegas is denser and more expensive per square foot than the US average.

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

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Data suggests renting is currently the more rational financial decision. The median home price of $445,000 requires a massive capital outlay. Conversely, renting a 3-bedroom unit for $2,100 monthly costs $25,200 annually. To justify buying at $445,000, the home would need to appreciate at a rate significantly higher than inflation to offset the opportunity cost of the down payment and maintenance. For a stay duration of under 5 years, renting is the clear winner.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

North Las Vegas has a complex employment landscape. The 5.2% unemployment rate is notably higher than the US average of 4.0%, suggesting a tighter labor market for job seekers. However, the 5.9% income premium indicates that those who are employed are compensated well for the risk.

RTO (Return to Office) & Commute:
In the post-remote era, proximity to the Las Vegas Strip and Henderson logistics hubs is vital. The average commute time is 26 minutes, but this can spike to 45+ minutes during peak tourist traffic. The local economy is heavily tethered to hospitality and construction. The "RTO" pressure in this region is lower than in traditional tech hubs, as the local workforce is largely on-site (service, trade, medical).

Quality of Life Audit

North Las Vegas presents a "High Function, High Risk" health profile. While the aggregate Health Score is 78.2/100, the underlying risk factors are severe. Obesity (33.8%) and Diabetes (12.2%) rates exceed national averages, likely driven by climate (sedentary summers) and dietary culture. Air quality is a moderate concern with an AQI of 64, driven by desert dust and regional traffic.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Crime:

• Violent Crime: 460 per 100k (US avg: 380). This is statistically AVERAGE, though skewed slightly higher than the national baseline.
• Property Crime: 2,346 per 100k (US avg: 2,000). This is AVERAGE. While not a "dangerous" city statistically, the property crime rate is 17% higher than the US median, necessitating robust home security.

Schools & Weather:
School performance correlates with the 20.4% college education rate; expect average to below-average public school ratings. Weather is currently 42.0°F with clear skies, but the annual swing is extreme, ranging from freezing winters to 110°F+ summers.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Premium: Median earnings are $4,369 higher annually than the US average.
• Low Overhead: Groceries (95.9) and electricity (15.0¢/kWh) offer tangible savings.
• Rent Value: Rental rates are 6.7% below the national average for family-sized units.

Cons:

• Housing Overvaluation: Buying a home costs 9.6% more than the national median.
• Health Risks: High rates of obesity (33.8%) and diabetes (12.2%).
• Economic Instability: Unemployment is 30% higher than the national average.

Final Recommendation:
North Las Vegas is a Strong Relocation Target for Renters. It is ideal for a working couple earning a combined $120,000+ who can capitalize on the income premium while avoiding the overpriced housing market. It is NOT recommended for retirees or those seeking a "walkable" or "healthy" community culture.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in North Las Vegas?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 is required to maintain a 30% savings rate after taxes and expenses. For a family, the threshold rises to $115,000.

2. Is the value better than Henderson or Summerlin?
No. North Las Vegas offers lower housing costs than Summerlin ($650k+) but higher crime rates and lower school quality than Henderson. It is the "budget" option for the metro area.

3. How dangerous is the crime?
Statistically, it is average. You are 19% more likely to experience property theft than the US average, but violent crime remains near the national baseline of 380 per 100k.

4. When is the best time to move?
Move between October and November. Temperatures drop below 70°F, making the move physically easier, and rental inventory typically increases before the holiday season. Avoid moving between June and August.