Yerington, a small city in Lyon County, has been named the poorest town in Nevada for 2024, according to multiple analyses of income and poverty data. While poverty can be measured in different ways, Yerington consistently ranks at the bottom across several key economic indicators, setting it apart from other cities in the state.
Economic Indicators
Poverty Rate:
Yerington’s poverty rate is among the highest in Nevada. As of 2023, approximately 20.8% of its population lives below the poverty line. This is significantly higher than both the state average (around 10.9%) and the national average (11.6%). For people aged 16 and over in Yerington, the poverty rate is 16.1%, which is still well above state and national figures.
Median Household Income:
The median household income in Yerington is $44,974 as of 2023—substantially lower than the Nevada state median, which exceeds $70,000 in many areas. This low income level, coupled with the high poverty rate, is a primary reason Yerington is identified as the poorest city in the state.
Average Income:
The average income for a Yerington resident is $25,493 per year, compared to the U.S. average of $37,638. The low earning potential in the area reflects limited job opportunities and a lack of high-paying industries.
Unemployment and Job Market:
Yerington’s unemployment rate stands at 5.4%, close to the national average, but the town has seen a job market decrease of nearly 6% over the past year. Future job growth is projected to be slightly below the national average, indicating ongoing economic challenges.
Demographics and Community
Yerington’s population is just over 3,100 people, with a median age of 55.4 years, suggesting an older demographic than many other Nevada towns. The city is also home to a significant Native American community, including nearly 500 members of the Yerington Paiute Tribe. The racial makeup is predominantly White (about 73%), with Hispanic (20%) and Native American (4%) minorities.
Cost of Living and Housing
Despite its economic struggles, Yerington does offer a lower cost of living compared to many other Nevada cities. The median property value is $254,600, and the homeownership rate is high at 75.6%. However, these factors are not enough to offset the impacts of low income and high poverty.
Infrastructure and Challenges
Yerington faces additional challenges due to aging infrastructure. The city has relied on 100-year-old sewer and water systems, which have required substantial federal investment to repair and replace. The need for outside funding highlights the limited local resources available for basic community needs.
Comparison to Other Nevada Cities
While larger cities like Las Vegas and Reno have higher absolute numbers of people living in poverty, their poverty rates and median incomes do not reach the levels seen in Yerington.
Other towns with high poverty rates, such as Winchester and Sunrise Manor, are more urbanized and have larger populations, but Yerington’s combination of high poverty, low income, and limited economic growth makes it the poorest by most measures.
Yerington’s status as Nevada’s poorest town is the result of a combination of high poverty rates, low median and average incomes, limited job opportunities, and an aging population. While residents take pride in their community and its history, the economic realities pose significant challenges for the city’s future.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://stacker.com/nevada/cities-nevada-most-living-poverty
[2] https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/nevada/yerington
[3] https://www.bestplaces.net/economy/city/nevada/yerington
[4] https://www.censusdots.com/race/yerington-nv-demographics
[5] https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2022/yerington-usda-rd
