Fernley, NV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,225
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,517/yr
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,141
3.0% year-over-year change

Fernley population

How many people live in Fernley

Fernley is home to 24,225 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Fernley locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
24,225
2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
12,428
Female
48.7%
11,797
Value Percent YoY change
Male 12,428 51.3% 3.4%
Female 11,797 48.7% 1.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Fernley is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.6% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32% of the population, while another 21.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.6%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
32%
45 to 64
21.6%
Over 65
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,744 19.6% -2.7%
15 to 24 2,843 11.7% -2.2%
25 to 44 7,746 32% 4.0%
45 to 64 5,237 21.6% 3.3%
Over 65 3,655 15.1% 9.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Fernley, 90.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. Another 1.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 9.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 14% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.8%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 22,023 90.9% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,418 5.8% 42.7%
Non-citizens 784 3.2% 1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
72.4%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.3%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
14%
Other
9.1%
Value Percent
White 17,536 72.4%
Black or African American 248 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 315 1.3%
Asian 479 2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 52 0.2%
Two or more races 3,397 14%
Other 2,198 9.1%

Households in Fernley

A peek inside Fernley households

Fernley has 8,789 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74.6% are families, while the remaining 25.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,789
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,235
Family households
6,554
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,235 25.4% -2.9%
Family households 6,554 74.6% 4.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Fernley

The housing landscape of Fernley

Fernley's housing consists of 9,141 units, with 76.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 9.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,141
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,004 76.6%
1 unit, attached 163 1.8%
2 units 235 2.6%
3 or 4 units 389 4.3%
5 to 9 units 349 3.8%
10 to 19 units 18 0.2%
20 to 49 units 59 0.6%
50 or more units 57 0.6%
Mobile home 860 9.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
295
51.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fernley

In Fernley, the median construction year is 2001. About 0.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 41.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 30 0.3% 11.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 56 0.6% -5.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 82 0.9% 24.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 336 3.7% 3.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 788 8.6% 0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 943 10.3% -14.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,848 20.2% 1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,828 41.9% 0.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 935 10.2% 38.1%
Built in 2020 or later 295 3.2% 51.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Fernley occupancy rates

Out of the 8,789 occupied housing units in Fernley, 72% are owner-occupied, while 28% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,789
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,458
Owner occupied
6,331
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,458 28% -0.3%
Owner occupied 6,331 72% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
3.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Fernley housing costs

Housing costs in Fernley come to a median of $1,592 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,570.

Median housing costs per month
$1,592/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Fernley
$1,570/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Fernley

Fernley education at a glance

About 44.4% of the population in Fernley went to high school, while 26.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 11.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 652 3.5% 6.5%
High school diploma 8,204 44.4% 6.1%
College diploma 4,920 26.6% -2.1%
Associate degree 1,914 10.4% 4.6%
Bachelor's degree 2,091 11.3% 13.8%
Graduate degree 718 3.9% 2.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Fernley

How much people earn in Fernley

The average annual household income in Fernley was $101,320 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,517, reflecting a +1.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fernley
$101,320/year
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fernley
$89,517/year
1.7% year-over-year change

Fernley income by age

In Fernley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $99,725. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,688 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $52,286, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,553 in earnings. Overall, 87.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $52,286 6.2%
25 - 44 $99,725 0.5%
45 - 64 $93,688 -0.1%
Over 65 $62,553 1.2%
Above poverty level
20,695
Below poverty level
3,033
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,695 87.2% 0.7%
Below poverty level 3,033 12.8% 15.9%

Average renter income in Fernley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fernley, their median household income was $59,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$59,000
Rent-to-income ratio
31.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Fernley

Workforce and job types in Fernley

The job market in Fernley is powered by 11,572 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 76.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
11,572
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
7,760
Blue collar
3,812
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,760 67.1% 1.4%
Blue collar 3,812 32.9% -4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
76.9%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 886 7.7% 57.6%
Private companies 8,896 76.9% -2.8%
Governmental workers 1,481 12.8% -9.5%
Not for profit companies 309 2.7% 1.6%
Unemployment rate
5.5%
24.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fernley stands at 5.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Fernley

How people get around in Fernley

In Fernley, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-2.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,244 88.6% -1.8%
Bus or trolleybus 177 1.5% -36.1%
Motorcycle 33 0.3% -5.7%
Bicycle 42 0.4% -39.1%
Walk 258 2.2% 116.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Fernley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
89408 24,564 8,870 $89,552 $101,082

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FAQs about Fernley demographics 

What is the total population of Fernley?

Fernley has a total population of 24,225 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fernley?

The gender ratio in Fernley is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (12,428 residents)
  • 48.7% females (11,797 residents)

What is the median age in Fernley?

The median age in Fernley is 36.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fernley?

The age distribution in Fernley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.6% (4,744 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (2,843 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32% (7,746 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.6% (5,237 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.1% (3,655 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fernley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fernley is as follows:
  • White: 72.4% (17,536 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (248 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.3% (315 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (479 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (52 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14% (3,397 residents)
  • Other: 9.1% (2,198 residents)

What percentage of the population in Fernley are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.9% of the population in Fernley.

How many housing units are there in Fernley?

There are 9,141 housing units in Fernley, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Fernley and what is the average household size?

Fernley has a total of 8,789 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fernley?

Fernley has a median household income of $89,517, representing a +1.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fernley?

The employment rate is 94.5% in Fernley, with a workforce of 11,572 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.1% (7,760 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.9% (3,812 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (886 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.9% (8,896 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (1,481 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.7% (309 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025