Safety Index: 81 * Based on Research & Crime Data

User Sentiment: 97 * Rated 97 / 100 based on 6 user reviews.

In what might be one of the most macabre opening lines to an article I’ve ever written, here are all the reasons to visit a town that’s cursed, with a Clown Motel ranked as “America’s Scariest Motel,” where the population above ground competes with the population that arises from the ground.

Welcome to Tonopah, Nevada, the “Queen of the Silver Camps.”

Tonopah’s modern history starts with a real ass.

In a series of fated events, a wayward donkey being chased by his owner ended up having a rock thrown at him.

The owner was Jim Butler, who realized that rock was heavier than it should have been.

He didn’t strike the donkey or gold, but he did strike one of the largest silver finds in Nevada history—the lost donkey was a billion-dollar blunder.

During the Tonopah (TONE-uh-paw) “Silver Rush,” the town was plagued by pneumonia and several tragic mine fires, including the Belmont Fire of 1911.

Proper burials were given at the Tonopah Cemetery (now the Old Tonopah Cemetery).

Then in the 1980s, a family decided to honor their father’s legacy and love of clowns by opening what is now most often referred to as the Creepy Clown Motel.

The motel abuts the cemetery.

Even if you aren’t sure that you believe in ghosts, a visit to Tonopah might change your mind.

Dozens of stories seem to blur the line between the ghostly trips between the graveyard and the motel, and even the best ghost hunters in the world have seen inanimate clowns come to life.

The best part of Tonopah?

We haven’t even scratched the surface of all the excitement here in this town with 2,000 (living) residents and a motel with just as many clowns.

The town is halfway between Las Vegas and Reno in rural Nevada.

Please note: This is not the same place as Tonopah, Arizona, home of the El Dorado Hot Springs.

Warnings & Dangers in Tonopah

OVERALL RISK: LOW There’s a low overall risk here, with so many things to see and do in safe spaces. It’s also a legendary location that should be treated as much more than a stop for gas on a long road trip.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW You’ll need a car here as public transportation isn’t available, and taxis/rideshares are few and far between. If you’re properly prepared for the road trip with emergency supplies through a harsh desert, you’ll have a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW This is another low risk, as there aren’t many large gatherings or crowded streets. As with any Nevada casino town, you need to exercise caution when gambling and walking to and from your car.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM Wildfires and extreme summer heat are the biggest risks here. Winters are usually cold with a little bit of snow, but as we saw in the 2022/2023 season, there can be intense winter weather. Flash flooding and severe thunderstorms are common in summer. Treat it with medium risk and learn about desert weather patterns and survival skills.

MUGGING RISK: LOW This is a low risk across the county, with the majority that does happen being in private homes. It’s still worth using caution, especially when you’re out at night or in rural areas. Traveling in groups or with a partner is the safest solution for any Nevada adventure.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW There was a time during World War II this would’ve been one of the top potential targets in the country, but now there’s a low risk as the military base is in shambles and abandoned.

SCAMS RISK: LOW Scams here are often targeted at residents. However, it’s worth keeping your guard up at gas stations and casinos where people might be begging for money with made-up stories.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW I’ve driven this stretch of road between Reno and Las Vegas several times as a young and not-so-young woman. The “what ifs” are really the biggest concerns. It’s such a remote area and doesn’t have the liveliness of the bookend cities. If you’re prepared for the trip and keep your wits about you, there’s a low risk. Unless you’re afraid of clowns. Then you’ve got some decisions to make.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW There’s a low risk here with full compliance and no violations noted in the most recent Water Quality Report available (2021). You can always call Tonopah Public Utilities with any questions at (775)482-6336.

Safest Places to Visit in Tonopah

“Safe” takes on a whole new meaning in Tonopah, but most of it is just in your head with all the legends and folklore surrounding this town.

I mean, you can visit a mine where men perished, a hotel that’s haunted, or hang out in the desert at night with the snakes and scorpions!

Wait, let me change that sentence around.

You can visit the mining park that started the Silver Rush in this region that ended up financing the Union’s efforts in the Civil War.

You can visit a hotel that is globally renowned!

You can see the place that is ranked as the #1 Stargazing Destination in America!

Here are a few other Tonopah fun facts:

Howard Hughes, known for his reclusive nature, married Jean Peters here.

Tiffany & Co. once mined here looking for turquoise that led to the signature blue color.

Living up to its Wild West reputation, this was once home to Wyatt Earp.

Two places to start to learn about Tonopah are the Travel Nevada website and TonopahNevada.com.

To ensure you’re on the right “Tonopah,” always look for the 775 area code.

Anyone can visit the World Famous Clown Motel, even if they aren’t staying the night.

If you choose to stay the night, ask about the “most haunted” rooms.

Grab a map of the Old Tonopah Cemetery next door.

All ghost stories and jokes aside, there are fascinating stories that come with the people buried here back during a time when workplace safety and healthcare with primitive at best.

The conditions in the Mizpah Mine are much safer today as a tourist attraction, but you can get an inside and underground look at what miners dealt with each day trying to strike it rich.

Those with claustrophobia can still have a great experience with artifacts and a film in the visitor’s center.

Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park is designed for those who want to see the sky without any light pollution.

There are spaces to set up telescopes, but your family can also just grab a picnic table or set down a blanket and watch the skies come to life.

Please check the website for exact directions, as mobile mapping systems don’t always take you to the right place.

The Central Nevada Museum is another must-see here, and it’s certainly not one of those “boring” museums.

You can walk through a Wild West town and see artifacts and hear more stories of lawlessness, luxury accommodations, and political partnerships forged in this remote desert town.

No trip to Tonopah is complete without a visit to the Mizpah Hotel.

It was nicknamed the “Jewel of the Desert” for its luxury accommodations in the mining heyday, but it’s not renovated and open for guests.

You can play in the casino or eat at the restaurant if you aren’t staying here.

If you drive to the Tonopah Airport, you can see the remains of the military base that flew secret missions and schedule personal flights to tour the area.

Places to Avoid in Tonopah

The crime rates aren’t going to create any dangerous parts of town or places to avoid.

Your skillsets and common sense will make up the biggest risks here.

Tonopah is a town that is 1/3 residential, 1/3 attractions and amenities, and 1/3 relics of abandoned buildings.

You get a real town, ghost town, and historic Western town all in one.

For example, at the corner of McQuillan Street and Brougher Avenue, you can see the remains of the former hospital from 1919.

Looking at it is safe.

Walking onto the property?

Dangerous and illegal.

Another example is you can look at a mountain and decide to hike it, not realizing how altitude sickness can impact you, or you can talk with the tourism committee and locals about the best trails with easier paths for a day-tripper or weekend visitor.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Tonopah

Tonopah doesn’t have its own police department, and law enforcement comes from the Nye County Sheriff’s Office. This is a massive county, 200 miles at its widest north/south point and 175 miles at its widest east/west point. Use the Nye County Sheriff’s app to get emergency alerts, news releases, and other important safety information. Don’t rely on mobile phone service here, especially outside the small downtown area. You should have paper maps and GPS to help you navigate. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. If you can, map your trail for them. If search and rescue needs to come to find you, they have 18,000 miles to cover if you aren’t clear about where you’re going. Use the Nevada 511 website and app to check traffic conditions. This part of the state doesn’t have many detours, so if a road is closed or construction is limiting lanes, you’ll need to figure that time into your travel itinerary. Check out the Nye County Emergency Management website for the “Weekly Situation Report.” This covers all disasters and safety information from terrorism to weather to disease outbreaks to hazardous materials. One of the newest scenic trails in Nevada is the Park to Park in the Dark trail. It takes drivers from Death Valley to Great Basin National Park, both of which are International Dark Sky Parks. If you’re driving these highways at night or sunset, be aware that there are no streetlights along the way. Driving into the sunrise and sunset can also be blinding with the number of sunny days here. Most of Nevada is open range, and that means cattle and wildlife are free to roam—even right across a highway. Always be on the lookout for animals on or near the road. I highly recommend that anyone new to Nevada reads the “Recreate Responsibly” section of the tourism site. This goes beyond taking your trash with you and “Leaving No Trace.” It’s important for desert adventures to review the Dirt Road Code to learn about the (mostly) unpaved road challenges and safety tips. You are not allowed to take anything from the wilderness. That means rocks, artifacts, fossils, arrowheads, flowers, dirt – nothing. That’s a hallmark of the “Leave No Trace” and “Treat Lightly.” You can enjoy the wilderness without impacting it in any way. As you arrive in Tonopah, you’ll go from a speed limit of 70 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour within two miles. You’ll also be going down a large hill to get to the center of town, which feels odd to be going so slowly. Take it from me and the ticket I almost got – they have zero tolerance for speeders and an even lesser tolerance for excuses.

So… How Safe Is Tonopah Really?

Tonopah is a safe town if you’re worried about crime rates.

Since the crime data we have covers a very large county, it’s not easy to get exact numbers for Tonopah.

The good news is that even across the country, crime rates are still lower than the national average.

Theft rates are a good 30% lower than the national average, but 31% of those thefts are related to car break-ins or accessory thefts.

Keep your car locked, whether it’s overnight at your hotel or while you run into the convenience store at the gas station.

Never leave valuables in plain sight.

The rest of the question is answered by asking another one—Are you hoping for the best?

Or prepared for the worst?

I simply love the beauty of the desert and the wide stretches of road.

I’m also worried, as someone who travels alone often, that my car will break down in the heat or a tire will pop, and I’m stuck with a flat spare tire too.

The winds can really make keeping a car stable on the road challenging.

However, as a local, I am always stocked with the right apps, information, and supplies to make the trip.

What’s important for a visitor is to take the same safety steps.

Here’s a great checklist from Travel Nevada:

I have a really good paper map (you can order a free one at Travel Nevada.com) and will NOT rely on a generic app.

I have a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance.

I have checked the conditions, and I know the dirt or gravel road is dry.

I have checked the weather forecast and am prepared for sudden adverse conditions.

I have a good spare tire and know how to change it.

I have told friends/family where I’m going and when I expect to return back home.

I have more food and water than I think I’ll need.

I know my vehicle limits and have enough gas.

I’m aware there are critters out there – like rattlesnakes, scorpions, mountain lions, and wild horses.

One more thing – those roadside buildings in the vast desert aren’t gas stations or hotels.

They are brothels. Prostitution is legal in Nye County.

No judgment here, but I just wanted you to know so you don’t roll up to the Kitty Cat Buffet with the kids.

How Does Tonopah Compare?

Useful Information

Visas International visitors are required to have a passport. From there, a visa or visa waiver is required, but that will depend on your home country. The U.S. State Department’s website has a list of countries eligible for visa waivers. You should also look at the option of being about to skip the in-person interview. That is by far the longest delay. Currency The U.S. Dollar is the currency here, and even the biggest silver strike of the year won’t change that. Casinos will require cash to put into slot machines or exchange for chips to play the tables. Don’t wait until you’re at a casino to exchange currency due to the high fees. Take care of that before you arrive to get the lowest fees at your home bank. If you do win big at the casino, talk to the manager about getting a check to pay your winnings instead of carrying around a lot of cash. Weather It’s dry here, so bring lotion and some kind of nose lubricant. One of the biggest complaints I hear from visitors is that their skin is so dry, their lips are chapped, and their nose is bleeding. Keep everything hydrated, including your body, and don’t forget to add electrolytes. Bring breathable loose clothing, but you need warm layers in the winter. Don’t hike in anything less than hiking boots that cover your ankles (to protect you from snakes and sticky things in plants on the desert floor). Airports Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is the closest one, but that’s still about three hours away. You can be at Reno Tahoe International Airport within 3.5 hours. Tonopah does have an airport, but there are no commercial flights. If you’ve got the money for a private jet or helicopter, there’s another option for you. Travel Insurance Travel insurance for the road is just as important as the flight. If you’re going into the wilderness, you might want to research adventure insurance.

Tonopah Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 0° C Feb 2° C Mar 5° C Apr 9° C May 14° C Jun 19° C Jul 23° C Aug 22° C Sep 17° C Oct 11° C Nov 4° C Dec 0° C Choose Temperature Unit Celsius Fahrenheit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High

°C 6 9 13 17 22 28 32 31 26 19 11 6 Low

°C -8 -5 -3 1 5 10 13 12 8 2 -4 -8 High

°F 43 48 55 63 72 82 90 88 79 66 52 43 Low

°F 18 23 27 34 41 50 55 54 46 36 25 18

Nevada – Safety by City

Safety Index: 76 * Based on Research & Crime Data

Beatty, Nevada, is the “Gateway to Death Valley.”

It is home to 850 people and just as many wild burros.

How’s that for a headline?

This small desert community is also on the fringe of a once-booming mining town named Rhyolite, which now sits in ruins and has become a major tourist attraction.

You might have even seen it in one of your favorite movies.

Beatty (“BAY-dee”) sits 100 miles north of Las Vegas and 10 minutes from Death Valley National Park.

To the east is the mysterious military and government location of Area 51.

You’ll be amazed at the plant and tree life here, as the underwater Amargosa River feeds the parched desert.

Wildflower blooms to the west in spring bring a large amount of traffic through town.

Here you can summit a mount or surf sand dunes.

Win at the casino or try your luck looking for unearth gold.

Ghost towns, castles, and an ominous road that goes through Devil’s Gate—it’s all proof of why a small town should never be dismissed as having a small personality.

Warnings & Dangers in Beatty

OVERALL RISK: LOW There’s a low risk here as far as criminal activity goes, but since it’s such a transient community, always stay prepared for anything. The biggest risks are in the desert heat and weather elements. Those who are prepared will have the experience to remember forever.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW You’ll need your own vehicle here. While taxis or rideshares are available in Las Vegas, the price of the trip would be exponentially more than renting your own car. If you are staying at a major resort, you can ask about any possible Death Valley tour buses. Greyhound does have a bus stop in Beatty.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW This is another low risk, but you should use standard cautions like not leaving a car unlocked at a gas station or showcasing valuables. Anything you bring here is going to get packed with dust anyway.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW Beatty gets a nice break from the extreme heat and cold of Las Vegas, but that’s not saying much since Las Vegas can get VERY hot and VERY cold. The temperatures will get much warmer and even suffocating the closer you get to Death Valley. Flash flooding and ongoing flooding are other concerns. Summer thunderstorms can spark wildfires. Nye County Emergency Management releases weekly Situation Reports to help you see the most recent and impending risks.

MUGGING RISK: LOW There’s a low risk of being mugged here, as you’re more likely to get too close to a snake than a sinister person.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW This is another low-risk in Beatty and Death Valley. You have the hard target of Area 51 nearby, which might be concerning. You should also know you have about as much security as you can get anywhere else on earth watching over that site. (NOTE: Do NOT try to “sneak” into Area 51. Signs are very clear about the dangers that await anyone who breaches the perimeter.)

SCAMS RISK: LOW Robocalls and email scams are the biggest concern here, but that’s targeted at residents. Since most places to visit here are free or through official tourism sites, you shouldn’t have an issue. Just never wire money or take a deal that seems too good to be true. You can check the Nevada Better Business Bureau website to see if any scams are trending before your visit.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW The risks here are no different for women than men, but it’s all about being prepared and traveling with groups to provide optimal safety.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW Ask the hotel for a recent water quality report, but once you’re in the desert, you are on your own for water. Officials recommend at least one gallon of water per person per day, but I’d double that just to be sure. Bring hand sanitizer to avoid using fresh water to clean your hands. No water found in the wilderness is safe to consume as-is.

Safest Places to Visit in Beatty

The Beatty Chamber of Commerce and Travel Nevada website has information about this area.

Death Valley National Park has a website through its template NPS format.

Your first stop should be the Beatty Museum, where you can learn the history of mining, railroad, and ghost towns.

Pick up some travel brochures here too.

Ask about the recent weather and any safety concerns.

The museum is free.

Did you know that candy and nuts can make the desert feel cooler?

While that’s totally not true, it’s a good reason to stop by the Death Valley Nut & Candy Company to stock up on sweet and salty treats.

(Actually, a few nuts can help your body regulate water better, reducing the risk of dehydration slightly.)

My personal favorite snack was the Cinnamon Bears.

For those who have seen the movie The Island with Scarlett Johannson and Ewan MacGregor, this next one might look familiar to you.

Rhyolite was a mining boom town in the early 1900s; a town that sprung up almost overnight and was home to thousands of people.

Now, its remains stand in the solemn desert, with wind and brutal heat taking their toll each year.

You are free to wander around the different buildings, like the old train station, bank, and jail.

Don’t miss the glass bottle house.

On the way in or out, you’ll pass the Goldwell Open Air Museum.

This is on private property bus is open to the public.

Several art installations stand out among the brown-hued landscape.

Check the website for events.

From there, head west into Death Valley National Park.

This park takes up more than 3.4 million acres.

The lowest spot here is Badwater Basin, 282 feet below sea level.

It’s a stark contrast to the 11,000-foot mountain peak nearby.

If you can swing it, you won’t regret seeing the night skies at this International Dark Sky Park.

Death Valley has nearly two dozen hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and 15 mountain bike trails also marked by difficulty level.

Almost 1,000 miles of paved and backcountry roads are available to explore.

Scotty’s Castle (or Death Valley Ranch, as some people call it) is a magnificent mansion built in the early 1900s.

The castle has been undergoing renovation since a major flood, so check the availability of tours before you go.

The remains of Harmony Borax Works are still near Furnace Creek, and you’ll learn why the 20-Mule Team became so legendary (and if you’ve never heard about it, you will learn!).

You can also visit the Keane Mining Area.

The park is also home to Charcoal Kilns, which look like big stone beehives.

You can also look at the Death Valley Ghost Towns section of the NPS website and learn about six more ghost towns to explore in and around the park.

Twenty-two miles south of Beatty, you can explore the Amargosa Big Dun Recreation Area.

These are called the “singing sands” for the noise made when you drive on them.

This is an ATV paradise.

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a real oasis in the desert.

Stop by the visitor’s center and learn about the species found here you can’t locate anywhere else on Earth.

Then go exploring.

Places to Avoid in Beatty

“It’s hot where I live in the summer, too!”

I can’t tell you how many times I warned visiting guests in Las Vegas to avoid Death Valley in the summer heat.

This isn’t a place where a little bit of extra water and a spray of sunscreen is going to be enough to survive.

Death Valley is the hottest place on earth.

It’s understandable that comes with allure.

You just have to be extra prepared and ready to take small trips to places like Furnace Creek instead of planning to hike at 115°(F) all day.

“European travelers, in particular, love it here during our extreme summer months,” said Phil Dickinson, director of sales and marketing for the Furnace Creek Resort.

“I think it is a combination of the beauty of our wide open spaces, international travelers’ love of everything about the American West, and, of course, our extreme heat.”

You will need electrolyte supplements with your water.

The sweat evaporates here before you even realize you’re sweating.

The surge of social media influencers trying to get views and clicks has prompted more people to show how tough they are in the “hottest place” or do extended dangerous visits in the summer.

Do all outdoor summer activities before 10:00 am off the mountain.

The trails and mountains will still be warm, but it’s much cooler than the suffocating feeling of the valley floor.

Know the signs of dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion.

Get back into the car and find safety if you or someone in your party is dizzy, nauseous, clammy, or stops sweating altogether.

The park has never closed because of extreme heat.

It likely never will.

That does not mean it’s safe for you.

Avoiding touching the tailing piles in the park.

These are mounds of mining by-products, which can be filled with toxic materials.

Don’t walk on them, either.

If you see an uncovered mine, please report it to the park.

Do not go inside or even take a peek in (or down).

Safety Tips for Traveling to Beatty

Beatty’s law enforcement comes from the Nye County Sheriff’s Office. The Central Command is in charge of this region. You can reach them at (775)553-2345. Follow the sheriff’s office on Facebook @nyecountysherrif. Keep in mind this is a HUGE county, so not all alerts will relate to Beatty. If you have any information about a crime that isn’t a crime in progress, send a tip to Crimestoppers of Nevada through the sheriff’s office website or call (702)385-5555. If you see any dead horses or people trying to hurt horses, call the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at 1-800-521-6501. Visiting the background of Death Valley National Park requires a permit. Review all the risks on that form, and don’t sign it unless you’re comfortable with those risks. You will need to carry the permit with you. Rhyolite is not part of Death Valley National Park. It’s managed by the BLM. A paved road takes you to the different landmarks in this ghost town, but there are gravel roads that spawn out in different directions once you’ve seen the main skeletons. Do not pick or take any wildflowers. It’s against the law. It might help to know that some of those wildflowers will only bloom for a few hours or days anyway, so picking them won’t do you much good. More than 800 wild burros roam in and around Beatty. It’s part of the charm. These animals won’t attack or hurt you, but give them space and the right of way. Don’t feed a burro for your own safety and because it’s illegal. Also, a burro is the same thing as a donkey, just a little smaller. Download the NPS app to stay aware of trail and road conditions. All alerts are posted at the top of the digital platform. Snow and mud can cause closures well into spring, and flooding can make the roads collapse and cause rock slides. About 13 miles west of Beatty, you’ll cross into California before you get to Death Valley. The time zones won’t change, but you’ll need to have both CalTrans and Nevada 511 apps available to check road conditions outside the park. Bring paper maps or pre-downloaded maps and use GPS when you’re out of mobile service range. Most parts of this area can’t get service. Make sure your car is topped off with fluids, bring extra water, and never walk away from your car if you break down. Just wait for someone to pass.

So… How Safe Is Beatty Really?

With fewer than 900 people, it would be hard to say that Beatty is unsafe in any way.

While we don’t get exact crime data for Beatty since law enforcement comes from the county, I’ve researched years of news stories.

The wild burros here are much more at risk than you are.

You do need to keep in mind that it’s a heavily traveled tourist area, so you never know who’s at the pump next to you.

For that reason alone, I’d use extra caution.

The roads can be dangerous, too, whether it’s distracted driving, drunk driving, weather-related, or freak accidents.

In 2005, a beloved Las Vegas news anchor was killed in a crash the day after Easter while driving to see Death Valley wildflowers.

Several incidents in recent years led to the road between Beatty and Death Valley being closed.

Even Death Valley’s NPS website states that single-car accidents are the main cause of death in the park.

Then there’s the weather.

You’d assume Death Valley is always dry, but when storms do happen, intense flash floods can wash over the roads and even destroy the roads.

That happened in 2022.

The town of Beatty struggled financially as tourism was cut off since the road was gone.

Some people couldn’t get to their homes without a long detour.

Overall, Beatty is safe, but all the common sense and situational awareness that is important elsewhere is critical here.

How Does Beatty Compare?

Useful Information

Visas International guests need a valid passport that isn’t within six months of expiring. Either a visa or visa waiver will be required, but the right one for you depends on your home country. You will go through an International Terminal at the Las Vegas airport, and processing can take several hours. Be patient and prepared. Currency The U.S. Dollar is the only currency accepted here (though if you strike gold, you can always sell it for more cash). Don’t wait until you’re in Beatty to exchange currency. There are several locations available at the airport through Travelex. Weather Beatty will get near triple digits in the summer and below-freezing in the winter. You can also get hot, sunny weather during the day and plunging cold temps at night. Bring layers of clothing and slather on sunscreen every couple of hours. Hiking boots are a must, and bring ones that are already worn in and support your ankle. That’s good for safety steps and snake bites. Sunglasses, several hat options, and UV-protected clothing will come in very handy. Airports You’ll be about two hours from Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International), but add on some extra time if you’ll be driving through Las Vegas during peak travel hours. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is just smart when visiting such a tough climate. You do want to get protection against cancelations and delays, but health insurance is also important here. Even a bad sunburn could cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket if you need urgent care.

Beatty Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 6° C Feb 8° C Mar 11° C Apr 14° C May 19° C Jun 24° C Jul 27° C Aug 26° C Sep 23° C Oct 17° C Nov 10° C Dec 6° C Choose Temperature Unit Celsius Fahrenheit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High

°C 13 15 19 23 28 34 37 36 32 26 18 13 Low

°C -1 1 2 5 10 14 17 16 13 7 2 -2 High

°F 55 59 66 73 82 93 99 97 90 79 64 55 Low

°F 30 34 36 41 50 57 63 61 55 45 36 28

Nevada – Safety by City

Pahrump, an unincorporated town in Southern Nye County, was named the worst place to live in Nevada in a study published by 24/7 Wall St. The study ranked the worst place to live in every state based on 22 factors including poverty rates, deaths because of substance abuse disorders and median household income.

Here’s a deeper look at why 24/7 Wall St. named Pahrump as Nevada’s worst town and some pros to living in Pahrump as well.

Why does 24/7 Wall St. say Pahrump is the worst town in Nevada?

The factors included how many residents experience poverty, lack of access to affordable housing and rates of substance abuse disorders and crime. 24/7 Wall St., which authored the article, pulled data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pahrump’s poverty rate is 14.4 percent, 2.1 percentage points above the statewide average rate of 12.5 percent.

Pahrump also experiences 32.4 deaths per 100,000 residents because of substance abuse disorders compared to 27.4 deaths per 100,000 throughout Nevada.

The median household value is $215,100, while statewide it’s $315,900.

Pahrump’s median household income is $53,743, compared to $65,686 statewide.

Where is Pahrump, Nevada?

Pahrump, a town just shy of 45,000 residents, is 60 miles west of Las Vegas, on the border with California. It’s 60 miles east of Death Valley.

Are there good things about Pahrump, Nevada?

Sure! Every community has its plusses and minuses. Travel Nevada, the state agency that promotes tourism to every corner of the Silver State, had this to say:

“Although it’s only an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, this small city on the southern edge of Nye County is just far enough from the hustle and bustle to feel like a world unto itself. …

“All within range of Pahrump’s amenity-packed casinos, hotels and palatial RV resorts (are) the Lower 48’s largest, most infamous national park — the hottest, lowest, and driest place on the continent — the world’s rarest fish and the planet’s oldest trees; rugged, no-BS biker bars; elegant award-winning wineries and more.”

The worst cities in every state according to 24/7 Wall St.

Here are the worst places to live in every state with their poverty rates:

Pahrump, Nevada, has been named Zillow’s top retirement destination in the U.S., ranking above all other cities based on housing trends and retiree demographics.

Despite this recognition, Nevada — and much of the Western U.S. — was absent from other major Zillow rankings for 2024, including the most popular city overall.

Here’s why Pahrump took the top spot and how it compares nationally:

Why was Pahrump, Nevada, named the most popular retirement city?

A warm climate and the fact that more than one-third of its residents are 65 or older make Pahrump an ideal community for retirees, according to Zillow.

Zillow defined retirement towns as areas where at least 33% of the population is over 65, with no relatives or children living with them other than a spouse.

Not everyone agrees: 24/7 Wall Street had an entirely different take on Pahrump

Where is Pahrump, Nevada?

Pahrump, a city just shy of 45,000 residents, is 60 miles west of Las Vegas, on the border with California. It’s 60 miles east of Death Valley.

What’s great about Pahrump, Nevada?

Travel Nevada, the state agency that promotes tourism to every corner of the Silver State, had this to say:”Although it’s only an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, this small city on the southern edge of Nye County is just far enough from the hustle and bustle to feel like a world unto itself. …”All within range of Pahrump’s amenity-packed casinos, hotels and palatial RV resorts (are) the Lower 48’s largest, most infamous national park — the hottest, lowest, and driest place on the continent — the world’s rarest fish and the planet’s oldest trees; rugged, no-BS biker bars; elegant award-winning wineries and more.”

What is the most popular city in the US for 2024, according to Zillow?

For the second consecutive year, Manchester, New Hampshire, topped the list.

The Northeast dominated among Zillow’s users, with many favoring smaller communities beyond the suburbs but still within commuting distance of major metros.

Hybrid work schedules likely played a role in the trend, Zillow said.

Only one West Coast city made it on the list. Cities had to have a population of at least 100,000 to qualify.

Here are the top 10 most popular cities:

A travel initiative created by Governor Joe Lombardo seeks to lure tourists to the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, Goldfield Ghost Town and other destinations.

Travel Nevada With its dark skies, stargazing is always a popular activity at Cathedral Gorge National Park.

A travel initiative created by Governor Joe Lombardo seeks to lure tourists to the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, Goldfield Ghost Town and other destinations.

Lombardo recently proclaimed October as “Get a Little Out There” Month in an effort to spotlight the Silver State’s “hidden treasures, natural beauty and pioneering spirit.”

As stated in a news release, Lombardo said tourism remains a key driver of Nevada’s economy and plays a major role in enhancing the quality of life for all Nevadans.

“This official proclamation serves to reinforce and celebrate the Silver State as a destination brimming with extraordinary experiences,” he noted. “We encourage all travelers to discover the multiple facets of the Silver State that they have yet to explore.”

The proclamation went on to note that be it stargazing at some of the country’s darkest skies at Great Basin National Park, hiking through the Black Rock Desert or visiting ghost towns dotted throughout the state, the “Get a Little Out There” proclamation encourages everyone to go off Nevada’s beaten path.

The Wild West

As stated on the Travel Nevada website, the Silver State is wide open and seemingly endless.

“Nevada’s 60 million acres of public land are brimming with adventure and extraordinary experiences waiting to be discovered, so it shouldn’t surprise you to hear that the places to go and things to do in Nevada are pretty much infinite,” the agency stated.

Additionally, Travel Nevada CEO Rafael Villanueva said the agency’s mission is to showcase the true spirit of Nevada’s passion, pride, land and people to the world.

Places to go, people to see

“We are so grateful to Governor Lombardo for honoring the state’s tourism industry with this proclamation, which reinforces the endless array of transformative travel experiences in Nevada and encourages adventure and exploration beyond the usual paths,” Villanueva stated.

“This is where you’ll discover some of the most diverse landscapes, exhilarating outdoor activities, a rich history and hidden treasures. We invite everyone to do what we in Nevada do, and Get a Little Out There.”

Road trips

Additional destinations Travel Nevada suggests visiting are the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, which spans over 5,000 acres and Cathedral Gorge State Park, located near Pioche.

The gorge is home to slot canyons, spires and other erosional features which are the result of millions of years of geologic activity.

“October is an ideal time to wander and marvel at the park’s cathedral-like rock formations,” according to Travel Nevada.

The Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, Lamoille Canyon, the Ruby Mountains and Death Valley National Park were also recommended as destinations of interest according to Travel Nevada.