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Wells, Nevada

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

67
Overall Score

Wells, Nevada, is a small city located in Elko County, known for its historical significance as a railroad town and its proximity to vast natural landscapes. Originally established as a stop on the Transcontinental Railroad, Wells has retained a sense of its frontier past while evolving into a community that attracts those seeking a quieter pace of life. Its location at the intersection of major highways makes it a convenient stop for travelers, but for residents, it offers a more intimate community atmosphere. People are drawn to Wells for its affordable cost of living, access to outdoor recreational activities, and a strong sense of local community. The town's development has been closely tied to the railroad and the surrounding ranching and mining industries, shaping its character and economy over the decades. Despite its small size, Wells provides essential services and a welcoming environment for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger metropolitan areas.

About Nevada

Nevada, known as the "Silver State," offers a diverse character ranging from the vibrant entertainment hubs of Las Vegas and Reno to vast desert landscapes and mountainous regions. The economy is primarily driven by tourism and hospitality, gaming, and mining, with growing sectors in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. Living in Nevada generally involves a competitive cost of living, often lower than neighboring California, and no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay. The climate is largely arid with hot summers, especially in the southern parts, and colder winters with snow in northern areas and mountains, while the lifestyle offers a blend of urban amenities, outdoor recreation, and a generally laid-back, accepting atmosphere.

1,352
Population
$65K
Avg Salary
96
Cost Index
66.7
Quality Score
How this 67/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 72 / 100 72.0 30% 21.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 96.0 48.8 25% 12.2
Economy & jobs Median household income: $107,454 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 4.1% 86.9 20% 17.4
Growth Population growth rate: 1.2% Job growth rate: 2.1% 58.5 15% 8.8
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 66.7

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=84), last refreshed 30 August 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
74
Affordability
65
Growth
70

Cost of Living

Wells, Nevada, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly lower than the national average, with median home values and rents being considerably more affordable. This affordability extends to other essential expenses as well, with groceries and transportation costs also falling below national benchmarks. However, some utility costs might be slightly higher than the national average, a common characteristic in more remote or rural areas. Overall, the lower cost of living, especially in housing, contributes to a higher quality of life for residents by allowing their income to stretch further. This economic advantage is a key factor for many who choose to settle in Wells, seeking financial stability and a more relaxed lifestyle.

Average Rent
$580/mo
Groceries
$400/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

The economy of Wells, Nevada, is primarily driven by industries that have historically supported the region, including transportation and warehousing, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction. Administrative and support services also form a significant part of the employment landscape. While specific data on average salaries for Wells is not readily available, the median household income in 2024 was reported at $107,454, with a significant year-over-year growth. This indicates a potentially robust job market, though the town's small population means job opportunities may be more concentrated in these specific sectors. The recent employment growth rate of 25.7% from 2023 to 2024 suggests a positive economic trajectory for the area.

The average salary in Wells is $65,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Transportation & Warehousing +2.50% Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction +2.10% Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services +1.80% Fire Fighting & Prevention, & Other Protective Service Workers Including Supervisors +1.50% Production Occupations +1.20%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Wells, Nevada, is predominantly car-dependent, which is typical for many smaller towns in the Western United States. The average commute time for residents is around 37 minutes, with most people driving alone to work. Public transit options are limited, and the city's walkability and transit scores are not high, indicating that a personal vehicle is essential for most daily activities. Car ownership is common, with an average of two cars per household. The infrastructure is geared towards vehicular traffic, and major highways like I-80 and US-93 intersect near the city, facilitating travel to other parts of Nevada and beyond. For residents, having a reliable vehicle is key to navigating the area and accessing services and employment opportunities.

37 min
Avg Commute
36.00/10
Transit Score
36.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Wells offers a cost of living that is 7% lower than the Nevada average and 4% lower than the national average, with housing costs being 18% lower than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Wells is 0.9 per 1,000 residents, which is 75% below the national average.
The median household income in Wells saw a significant increase of 41.5% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $107,454.
Wells is considered a buyer's market, indicating a favorable environment for those looking to purchase a home.
The town provides a sparse suburban feel with a strong sense of community, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Public transit is not widely available, and the city has low walkability and transit scores, making car ownership essential.
The poverty rate in Wells is 21.3%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
Specific data on the number of hospitals and comprehensive healthcare services in Wells is limited, potentially requiring travel to larger cities for specialized care.
While home prices have seen increases, some reports indicate a recent decrease in median property value.
The town's economy is concentrated in a few key industries, which could lead to vulnerability to sector-specific downturns.

Questions about Wells

What people ask about living in and moving to Wells, Nevada.

How does the cost of living in Wells compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

The cost of living index in Wells is 96, which means it is about 4% below the national average. Basic expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are slightly lower, while housing costs are modest. This can make a $65,000 salary stretch further than in cities with higher indices. For a detailed breakdown, you can check local cost‑of‑living calculators or the city’s economic development reports.

What is the average rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Wells? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Wells is around $580 per month. This figure is typical for a one‑bedroom unit in the city’s modest housing market. Rental prices can vary slightly based on location and amenities, so reviewing current listings on local real‑estate sites or contacting a local realtor will give you the most accurate and up‑to‑date information.

What kinds of jobs are most common in Wells? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Wells’ economy is largely driven by service and retail positions, along with roles in healthcare and public administration. Seasonal tourism also creates temporary jobs in hospitality. Many residents work in nearby towns, so commuting is common. Checking the city’s employment statistics or local job boards will show the most in‑demand occupations and current openings.

How safe is Wells for families? Safety 1 answer

Wells has a safety score of 72 out of 100, indicating a relatively safe environment compared to many U.S. cities. Crime statistics show lower rates of violent crime, though property crime can be present. Local police reports and community watch programs can provide current crime data and safety initiatives.

Where can I find healthcare services in Wells? Healthcare 1 answer

Healthcare facilities in Wells include a primary care clinic and a small emergency department. For specialized care, patients often travel to larger hospitals in neighboring cities. The city’s health department website lists available services, provider directories, and appointment booking procedures.

What are popular recreational activities in Wells? Things to Do 1 answer

Wells offers outdoor recreation such as hiking in nearby state parks, fishing in local lakes, and seasonal events at community centers. The city also hosts annual festivals that showcase local culture and crafts. Checking the city’s event calendar or visiting the parks department office will provide dates and activity details.

What is the quality of schools in Wells? Schools & Education 1 answer

The local school district provides K‑12 education with a focus on small‑class instruction. Performance metrics such as graduation rates and standardized test scores are comparable to state averages. Visiting the district’s website or contacting the school administration will give you detailed information on curriculum, extracurriculars, and enrollment procedures.

What public transportation options are available in Wells? Getting Around 1 answer

Public transit in Wells is limited, with a small local transit service that offers routes to nearby towns and essential destinations. For many residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. Checking the city’s transit schedule online will give you route maps, fares, and operating times.

What should I know about moving to Wells from another state? Moving Here 1 answer

When moving to Wells, consider the modest housing market and the need for a reliable vehicle due to limited public transport. Utilities setup is straightforward, with local providers handling electricity, water, and internet. It’s helpful to register with the city’s resident services portal for access to community resources, local regulations, and utility accounts.

What is the overall vibe of living in Wells? General 1 answer

Wells has a small‑town atmosphere with close community ties and a slower pace of life. Residents often participate in local events, volunteer opportunities, and neighborhood gatherings. The city’s official website and social media pages showcase community initiatives, local news, and resident stories that reflect the welcoming spirit of Wells.

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Wells? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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