First-Time Buyers
- Lennar’s Desert Rose at Traditions listed from $399,950 (Sept. 26, 2026)
- Older resale homes across ZIP 89403
- USDA rural loans may apply to some parcels — ask your lender
- 15 to 22 minutes to Carson City jobs
Dayton, Nevada
Dayton Homes For Sale
Nevada Real Estate Group — Northern Nevada specialists for Dayton real estate. Search homes for sale across Dayton Valley, Santa Maria Ranch, Riverpark and Lennar’s new Traditions neighborhoods, 15 to 22 minutes east of Carson City.
Where Can I Find Dayton Homes for Sale?
Dayton had 165 active listings in October 2026, all in ZIP 89403, per NREG’s MLS analysis of NNRMLS data — from vacant lots to new Lennar homes and custom homes above $1 million in Santa Maria Ranch. Listings appear below, refreshed throughout the day, and every active Dayton property is searchable in our live NNRMLS portal.
Homes for sale in Dayton
View 24 home listings
- $499,950192 Chandler Road, Unit Homesite 256Dayton 894035 bd · 3 ba · 2,629 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- $519,00010 Cottage CourtDayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 1,907 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of Dickson Realty - Caughlin
- $479,950182 Chandler Road, Unit Homesite 261Dayton 894035 bd · 3 ba · 2,486 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- $439,950159 Chandler Road, Unit Homesite 200Dayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 1,472 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- $469,950809 Camp Station Drive, Unit Homesite 201Dayton 894034 bd · 2 ba · 1,953 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- $699,000308 San Roma DriveDayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 2,312 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of Chase International-Damonte
- $532,000435 La Costa CircleDayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 2,107 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of Real Broker LLC
- $550,000214 Shady Grove LaneDayton 894034 bd · 2 ba · 2,155 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of Call It Closed International Realty
- $629,000359 Bayhill CircleDayton 894034 bd · 2 ba · 2,250 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of Ink Realty
- $535,000610 Union RoadDayton 894035 bd · 3 ba · 2,315 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of eXp Realty, LLC
- $309,90019 Stope RoadDayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 1,056 sq ft · Active Under ContractView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Carson
- $490,000111 Oakmont DriveDayton 894034 bd · 2 ba · 1,748 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of eXp Realty, LLC
- $569,900430 Sabino Canyon RoadDayton 894034 bd · 3 ba · 2,549 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Traditions
- $400,000552 Sugarloaf DriveDayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 1,394 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of Dickson Realty - Damonte Ranch
- $559,9502018 Warm Creek Way, Unit Homesite 53Dayton 894034 bd · 3 ba · 2,547 sq ft · Active Under ContractView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- $489,950196 Chandler Road, Unit Homesite 254Dayton 894035 bd · 3 ba · 2,629 sq ft · Active Under ContractView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- $519,000103 Rio Grande WayDayton 894034 bd · 3 ba · 2,103 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of Engel & Völkers Reno
- $498,000325 Bayhill CircleDayton 894034 bd · 2 ba · 1,976 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of Keller Williams Group One Inc.
- $409,900426 Keystone DriveDayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 1,344 sq ft · Active Under ContractView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Reno
- $399,900196 Gordon LaneDayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 1,152 sq ft · Active Under ContractView home detailsCourtesy of Sierra Nevada Properties-Frnly
- $540,000662 Saint Andrews DriveDayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 1,823 sq ft · Active Under ContractView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Professionals-Dayton
- $537,500832 Laca StreetDayton 894034 bd · 3 ba · 2,372 sq ftView home detailsCourtesy of eXp Realty, LLC
- $419,90045 Rose Peak RoadDayton 894033 bd · 2 ba · 1,680 sq ft · Active Under ContractView home detailsCourtesy of RE/MAX Realty Affiliates
- $520,990627 Fraser LoopDayton 894034 bd · 3 ba · 1,898 sq ft · Active Under ContractView home detailsCourtesy of D.R. Horton
Listing information is provided through the MLS Internet Data Exchange program and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Inventory checked Oct 30, 2026, 11:21 PM Pacific; availability and prices may change.
MEDIAN LIST PRICE
$499K
NREG analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, as of October 30, 2026
DAYS ON MARKET
68
NREG analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, as of October 30, 2026
TO CARSON CITY
15–22 min
About 12 miles west on US-50 (NREG road model)
TO SPOONER SUMMIT
28–35 min
Lake Tahoe’s east shore, about 24 miles via US-50
Property research
Verify for your address
Confirm current school assignments, association documents, parcel taxes, and insurance with the applicable sources.
Last updated
October 26, 2026
Individual data periods may differ from the page update date.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What Should You Know About Dayton at a Glance?
Dayton is an unincorporated Carson River town of about 15,781 residents — Lyon County’s largest community after Fernley — per the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, with a median list price of $499,000 across ZIP 89403 in October 2026 per NREG’s MLS analysis. Homes that closed in July 2026 sold for a median $490,470 after a median 49 days on market.
- Population: about 15,781 residents in the Dayton CDP (Census ACS 2020–2024), second in Lyon County only to the city of Fernley (26,214, Census 2025 estimate).
- Prices: a $499,000 median list price across ZIP 89403 (October 2026). July 2026 median sold prices: Dayton $490,470, Carson City $602,500, Reno $669,063, Fernley $415,000.
- Best for: buyers who want more space than Carson City or Reno at a lower median price and are comfortable driving for most services.
- Neighborhoods: Dayton Valley around the golf club; Santa Maria Ranch, a 954-acre master plan on the Carson River; Riverpark; and Lennar’s new Traditions neighborhoods.
- Why people move here: no state income tax, prices below Carson City and Reno, and a 15- to 22-minute drive to Carson City jobs.
Last updated October 2026 · Sources: NREG’s MLS analysis, U.S. Census ACS 2020–2024, Census 2025 estimates
Are you comparing a Dayton home or a land purchase?
Keep homes, manufactured housing and vacant parcels in separate comparisons. For land, a listing description cannot establish legal access, available utilities or permission to build.
- Verify parcel identity, legal access and zoning with county records.
- Confirm water, sewer or septic requirements and connection costs.
- For a home, compare condition, permitted improvements and closed sales of the same property type.
Laurie Souza’s notes for 132 Avalanche Drive. A property-specific example with the listing agent’s dated notes. Confirm the current status and underlying records; these statements do not replace an inspection.
PRICE DISTRIBUTION
How Many Dayton Homes Are for Sale in Each Price Range?
The median list price across ZIP 89403 was $499,000 in October 2026, per NREG’s MLS analysis of NNRMLS data. Each card shows the live count of active listings in that price range, so you can gauge competition in your budget before touring.
Browse Dayton Listings
How Can You Find a Dayton Home by Neighborhood & Price?
Dayton’s 165 active listings in October 2026 span Dayton Valley, Santa Maria Ranch, Riverpark, Lennar’s new neighborhoods and many smaller subdivisions. The links below open each neighborhood guide or our live NNRMLS search, with counts from NREG’s MLS analysis data.
Which Dayton Neighborhoods Should You Explore?
Tap a neighborhood for its guide. Counts are active NNRMLS listings recorded under that subdivision name on Sept. 26, 2026, lots included; price ranges cover homes among the newest listings.
By Price Range (Sept. 25, 2026)
By Neighborhood (Sept. 26, 2026)
165 active listings as of October 30, 2026 · MLS data
STAY AHEAD OF THE MARKET
How Can You Get New Dayton Listings First?
Custom alerts by neighborhood, price, beds and features — no spam, unsubscribe anytime. Dayton had 165 active listings in October 2026, and new builder homes post alongside resales, so an alert shows you new matches the day they list.
- Custom criteria — neighborhood, price, beds, baths, features
- Instant alerts — emailed within minutes of a new MLS listing
- 1,200+ buyers used NREG alerts last year
Create your alert
School planning
Which Schools Serve a Dayton Address?
Ask the district for the address-specific school assignment for the enrollment year, since boundaries change, and confirm it before you buy. Proximity to a school does not guarantee admission; charter, magnet and private schools set their own rules. Find your school district · Nevada Report Card
CRIME DATA
How Can You Check Reported Crime Near a Home?
Ask the law-enforcement agency that serves the address for its current reports, and compare places only across the same reporting period, boundary and offense definitions. Missing records do not mean zero crime, the FBI cautions against ranking communities on crime totals alone, and a citywide figure does not describe a particular street.
FBI crime data resources · FBI guidance on comparing communities
Living In
What's It Like Living in Dayton, NV?
The Answer
Dayton is a semi-rural Carson River town — a public golf course, open foothills and homes priced below Carson City and Reno, 15 to 22 minutes from the state capital. The Dayton census-designated place is unincorporated and governed by Lyon County rather than a city council, and Nevada has no state income tax.
What is Dayton known for?
Gold was first found in the area in 1849, near today’s Dayton State Park, according to Nevada State Parks. Today Dayton is a Carson River town of about 15,781 people with the Dayton Valley Golf Club, the Santa Maria Ranch master plan and an easy drive to Carson City.
Who should live in Dayton?
Dayton suits buyers who want more space and a lower median price than Carson City or Reno — California relocators, first-time buyers, remote workers and retirees — and who don’t mind driving for most services.
What is daily life like?
Most residents drive to work — the mean commute is 30.8 minutes (Census ACS 2020–2024) — mainly west to Carson City or north toward Reno and the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center. Errands run along US-50, and Lake Tahoe’s Spooner Summit is 28 to 35 minutes away.
Location
Where Is Dayton
Dayton sits in the Carson River valley of Lyon County along US-50, about 12 miles east of Carson City. Elevation is about 4,400 ft. Drive times are ranges from our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, from central Dayton, without traffic.
Carson City
15–22
Min
Reno
42–55
Min
Spooner Summit
28–35
Min
Fernley
40–48
Min
Dayton Valley GC
5–6
Min
Dayton
At a Glance$499,000
Median List Price
165
Active Listings
$490,470
Median Sold Price (Jul 2026)
68
Days on Market
Median, active-listing and days-on-market tiles: NREG analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, as of October 30, 2026.
- Population
- 15,781 (ACS 2020–2024)
- County
- Lyon County
- Elevation
- ~4,400 ft
- Primary ZIP
- 89403
- Golf
- Dayton Valley Golf Club (public)
- River
- Carson River
- To Carson City
- 15–22 min
- To Reno
- 42–55 min
- To Spooner Summit
- 28–35 min
- Schools
- Lyon County School District
- Government
- Unincorporated (Lyon County)
- Historic Site
- Rock Point Mill ruins, 1861
Quick Answer
Is Dayton, NV a good place to live?
For buyers who want space and a rural pace over urban convenience, often yes. Dayton’s September 2026 median list price of $499,950 across ZIP 89403 sits below the July 2026 median sold prices in Carson City and Reno, Nevada has no state income tax, and the golf course and Carson River are in town. The trade-offs: most services are in Carson City, and nearly everyone drives — the mean commute is 30.8 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024
Census Housing Data / Dayton
What Does the Census Show About Housing in Dayton?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 American Community Survey, the tiles below compare housing and population figures for Dayton and its surrounding area with the wider county. Each tile's label names the area it covers.
These are housing and population counts only. We don't describe who lives in a neighborhood or suggest which buyers it suits. Compare homes by their features, location, HOA terms and total cost, and use the Census source for the full tables.
15,781
vs Lyon County 61,680
$433,200
vs Lyon County $366,100
79.9%
vs Lyon County 76.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (Dayton CDP and Lyon County) · Updated
POPULATION & GROWTH
How Fast Is Dayton Growing?
The Census Bureau counted 8,964 people in the Dayton CDP in 2010 and 15,153 in 2020; the 2020–2024 survey estimate is 15,781. Lyon County grew from about 59,500 in 2020 to an estimated 65,088 in 2025. Dayton is Lyon County’s largest community after the city of Fernley, which the Census Bureau estimates at 26,214 for 2025.
15,781Dayton CDP, ACS 2020–2024
65,088Lyon County, 2025 estimate
26,214Fernley, 2025 estimate
Dayton CDP population, 2010 Census to the 2020–2024 ACS
Recent building includes Lennar’s Traditions neighborhoods and later phases of subdivisions such as Riverpark and Dayton Valley. Census-designated place boundaries can be redrawn between censuses, so compare the 2010 and 2020 counts with care. Businesses in unincorporated Lyon County, including Dayton, need a county business license.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 and Census Bureau 2025 population estimates. 2010 and 2020 figures are the decennial census counts for the Dayton CDP. Updated Sept. 26, 2026.
REPORTED MARKET SERIES
How Is the Dayton Real Estate Market Trending?
Median sold price, median days on market and closed sales for single-family homes in Dayton, by settled month from August 2025 to July 2026, from NREG’s Dayton market report (NNRMLS data via Repliers). A month is added about six weeks after it ends, once late-posting closings are in, so the figures do not restate.
Median Sold Price
$490,470 in July 2026 · +11.5% vs July 2025
Source: NREG analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data via Repliers
Median Days on Market
49 days in July 2026 · 17 days faster than July 2025
Source: NREG analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data via Repliers
Closed Sales per Month
385 closings, Aug 2025–Jul 2026 · about 32 a month
Source: NREG analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data via Repliers
#1
TEAM IN NEVADA
9,600+
HOMES SOLD SINCE 2011
9,097+
★★★★★ REVIEWS
< 1 hr
AVERAGE RESPONSE
MARKET SNAPSHOT
Get matched with a
Northern Nevada specialist.
Market Competitiveness
How Competitive Is Dayton Right Now?
Dayton homes that closed in July 2026 took a median 49 days to go under contract, and the monthly median ranged from 49 to 96 days over the past year, per NREG’s Dayton market report. That pace gives buyers room to negotiate, especially on unique or higher-priced homes. New Lennar homes add supply at $399,950 to $619,950.
- 49 daysMedian days on market (July 2026 closings)
- 49–96Monthly median DOM range (12 mo)
- $490,470Median sold price (July 2026)
- 165Active listings (October 30, 2026)
Before You Buy
What Should You Compare Before Buying a Home in Dayton?
Compare individual homes by the features, services, and total ownership costs that matter to you. The points below can help structure your property research before you make an offer.
Which Buyers Fit Dayton?
Golf-Course Buyers
- Public Dayton Valley Golf Club in the neighborhood
- Homes among its newest listings: $445K–$699K (Sept. 26, 2026)
- Two 2026-built homes on the market
- Carson City 15 to 22 minutes away
Space & Land Buyers
- Santa Maria Ranch — 954-acre master plan
- Lots from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres (developer)
- Carson River setting
- Custom and semi-custom home sites
Remote Workers
- Room for a home office on larger lots
- Carson City 15–22 minutes, Reno 42–55
- No Nevada income tax on wages
- Check broadband for the address on the FCC map
California Relocators
- No state income tax (California’s top rate is 13.3%)
- July 2026 median sold price $490,470 vs $602,500 in Carson City
- Larger lots in parts of town
- Carson City and Reno within about an hour
Best Fit For
- First-time buyers — new Lennar homes from $399,950 and older resales, with no state income tax.
- Golf-lifestyle buyers — a public golf course inside the Dayton Valley neighborhood.
- Space and land buyers — Santa Maria Ranch lots from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres.
- Remote and hybrid workers — larger homes and lots with Carson City 15 to 22 minutes away.
- California relocators — Nevada’s zero income tax with prices below Carson City and Reno.
Ready to explore homes in Dayton? Our Northern Nevada team can walk you through every Dayton neighborhood, price tier and Lyon County rule that affects a purchase.
Start Your Dayton Home SearchPros
- July 2026 median sold price below Carson City and Reno ($490,470 vs $602,500 and $669,063)
- Zero Nevada state income tax
- Public golf course and the Carson River in town
- New Lennar homes and custom lots in Santa Maria Ranch
- 15 to 22 minutes to Carson City jobs
- A 3% yearly cap on a primary residence’s tax bill once the owner claims it (NRS 361.4723)
Honest Considerations
- Larger retail, hospitals and specialists are in Carson City
- A slower market: homes that closed in July 2026 took a median 49 days to go under contract
- Car-dependent — mean commute 30.8 minutes (Census ACS 2020–2024)
- Reno is 42 to 55 minutes away by car
- School assignment depends on the address — confirm it with the Lyon County School District
Neighborhood Comparison
How Do Dayton’s Best-Known Neighborhoods Compare?
A snapshot of three Dayton neighborhoods from active NNRMLS listings on Sept. 26, 2026, found by subdivision name in our listings feed (NREG’s MLS analysis). Counts include vacant lots; price ranges cover homes among each neighborhood’s newest listings. Neighborhood medians and days on market are not shown because the samples are small.
| Submarket | Median Price | $ / Sq Ft | Days on Market | Active Listings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton Valley | — | — | — | 20 | Golf-course · Carson River |
| Santa Maria Ranch | $659,000 | — | — | 7 | Master plan · Custom lots · River |
| Riverpark | — | — | — | 14 | Multi-phase subdivision · River |
Source: NREG’s MLS analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers, Sept. 26, 2026. Santa Maria Ranch plan details from the developer’s website.
Neighborhood Deep Dive
What’s Inside Dayton’s Best-Known Neighborhoods?
Submarket 1
Dayton Valley
The subdivision around Dayton Valley Golf Club. Of its 20 active listings on Sept. 26, 2026 (lots included), the homes among the 12 newest were listed at $445,000 to $699,000, including two homes built in 2026.
Browse Dayton Valley homes →—Median Price
—Days on Market
20Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft
Submarket 2
Santa Maria Ranch
A 954-acre master plan on the Carson River, planned by its developer for 2,214 home sites in 13 phases, with lots from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres. Its 7 active listings on Sept. 26, 2026 were six homes at $615,000 to $1,325,000 and one lot.
Browse Santa Maria Ranch homes →$659KMedian Price
—Days on Market
7Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft
Submarket 3
Riverpark
A multi-phase subdivision east of central Dayton along the Carson River. Its 12 newest active listings on Sept. 26, 2026 ran $410,000 to $635,888 for homes of 1,502 to 2,770 sq ft built 2006–2025.
Browse Riverpark homes →—Median Price
—Days on Market
14Active Listings
—Price / Sq Ft
Submarket 4
New construction — Lennar in Dayton
Lennar lists four Dayton communities on its website: Desert Rose and Oro Hills at the Traditions master plan, plus Gold Sky and Sagebloom — $399,950 to $619,950 on Sept. 26, 2026.
Browse New construction — Lennar in Dayton homes →$399,950Lowest Lennar list price
4Lennar communities
2,214Santa Maria Ranch planned sites
954Santa Maria Ranch acres
Where Are Dayton’s Neighborhoods on the Map?
Three of Dayton’s best-known neighborhoods spread along the Carson River valley in ZIP 89403: Santa Maria Ranch on the west side, Dayton Valley around the golf club, and Riverpark to the east along the river. Pins are placed from the median location of each neighborhood’s active listings on Sept. 26, 2026.
#1
TEAM IN NEVADA
9,600+
HOMES SOLD SINCE 2011
9,097+
★★★★★ REVIEWS
< 1 hr
AVERAGE RESPONSE
STILL DECIDING?
Not sure which Dayton
neighborhood fits?
BY ZIP CODE
What Does the Dayton Market Look Like by ZIP Code?
Dayton is a single-ZIP market: every active listing in our Dayton feed is in 89403, so one row covers the town. For Carson City, Fernley and Reno, see the city comparison below, which uses the same July 2026 settled-month data.
| ZIP | Primary Area | Median Price | $ / Sq Ft | Days on Market | Active | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89403 | Dayton · Dayton Valley · Santa Maria Ranch · Riverpark | $490,470 | — | 49 | 164 | +11.5% |
Source: NREG’s MLS analysis of NNRMLS data via Repliers — single-family homes, July 2026 settled month; the last column is the change from July 2025. Monthly detail in the Dayton market report.
New Construction
Who Is Building New Homes in Dayton?
Lennar is the national builder with active Dayton communities on its website (checked September 26, 2026): Desert Rose and Oro Hills at the Traditions master plan, plus Gold Sky and Sagebloom. Santa Maria Ranch’s developer sells custom and semi-custom home sites. Builder prices, incentives and availability change often — confirm them before you visit.
Outdoor Recreation
What Outdoor Amenities Does Dayton Offer?
Dayton’s outdoor life centers on the Carson River and Dayton Valley Golf Club, with Lake Tahoe’s Spooner Summit about 24 miles west on US-50. Dayton State Park sits on the river at the edge of town, with the ruins of the 1861 Rock Point Mill.
IN TOWN
Dayton Valley Golf Club
18 holesGolf · DiningGreen fees
A public 18-hole course along the Carson River at the heart of the Dayton Valley neighborhood.
IN TOWN
Carson River
Runs through DaytonFishing · WalkingFree
The Carson River runs along the length of Dayton; access points vary, so check the land status before you fish or walk the bank.
2–3 MIN
Dayton State Park
160 acresHistory · Camping · Walking$5 day use (NV vehicles)
Nevada State Parks site on the Carson River with the 1861 Rock Point Mill ruins; the state parks agency notes the first gold find in the area, by Abner Blackburn, in 1849.
28–35 MIN
Lake Tahoe (Spooner Summit)
191 sq mi lakeBoating · Hiking · SkiingVaries
US-50 climbs over Spooner Summit to the lake’s east shore, about 24 miles from Dayton; Stateline and South Lake Tahoe are about 37 miles.
33–39 MIN E
Lahontan State Recreation Area
69 mi of shorelineBoating · Swimming · Camping$5 day use (NV vehicles)
Lahontan Reservoir on US-50 near Silver Springs, run by Nevada State Parks; the time is to Silver Springs Beach.
14–17 MIN N
Virginia City
Historic districtHistory · WalkingFree to walk
The Comstock-era mining town is about 11 miles from Dayton by road.
The Dayton Lifestyle
What Does a Weekend in Dayton Look Like?
A morning round at Dayton Valley Golf Club, an afternoon at Dayton State Park on the Carson River, and dinner in Carson City 15 to 22 minutes west — or a day trip to Lake Tahoe over Spooner Summit.
15–22 minTo Carson City
28–35 minTo Spooner Summit
1849First gold find in the area
$500KMedian List Price
THIS WEEKEND'S OPEN HOUSES
Can You Tour Dayton Homes This Weekend?
Resale open houses in Dayton are usually held on weekends, and builder models keep their own hours — check them with the builder. Set up instant alerts to hear about new listings and open houses in your price range as soon as they post.
Planning a move
What Should I Verify Before Moving to Dayton?
Budget around the specific home, not a community average. Before you compare the cost of a move to Dayton, get these in writing:
- The parcel's annual assessment, prior-year tax bill and abatement eligibility. A sale alone does not reset Nevada’s tax cap. Nevada tax-abatement rules
- Lender, insurance and utility quotes for the exact address, plus the association's resale documents and any special assessments.
- The school assignment for the enrollment year, confirmed with the district.
- Your tax situation, reviewed by an adviser — California-source income can remain taxable after a move (Franchise Tax Board).
- Qualifying new residents generally must obtain a Nevada driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days. Check the Nevada DMV’s requirements and exceptions for your circumstances.
The full step-by-step relocation checklist, from timeline to first-week setup, is in one place.
Open the relocation guideECONOMY & JOBS
What Drives Dayton’s Economy?
Dayton residents work locally in Lyon County and commute to state-government and healthcare jobs in Carson City, 15 to 22 minutes west. According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, unemployment in August 2026 was 3.9% in Lyon County, 3.4% in the Carson City metro and 3.5% in the Reno-Sparks metro. The Tesla Gigafactory at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center is 45 to 54 minutes away via US-50 and USA Parkway (SR-439), by our free-flow road model.
$102,819Median household incomeU.S. Census ACS 2020–2024, Dayton CDP
3.9%Lyon County unemploymentDETR, August 2026
15–22 minTo Carson City employersState government · Healthcare · Retail
30.8 minMean commuteU.S. Census ACS 2020–2024, Dayton CDP
Major Employers Within Commuting Range
- State of Nevada (Carson City)State agencies and offices 15 to 22 minutes west on US-50
- Lyon County School DistrictFive campuses in Dayton alone
- Tahoe-Reno Industrial CenterIndustrial park reached via US-50 and USA Parkway (SR-439)
- Lyon County governmentCounty offices and services
Sources: Nevada DETR, August 2026 sub-state release, U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024. Updated Sept. 26, 2026.
CITY COMPARISON
How Does Dayton Compare to Carson City, Fernley and Reno?
If you’re choosing between Dayton and its nearest alternatives — the state capital 15 to 22 minutes west, Lyon County’s largest city, or the Reno metro — this table uses July 2026 settled-month sales for single-family homes from NREG’s market reports, population from the Census Bureau and income from the 2020–2024 American Community Survey.
| Metric | Dayton | Carson City | Fernley | Reno |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sold Price (Jul 2026) | $490,470 | $602,500 | $415,000 | $669,063 |
| Median Days on Market (Jul 2026) | 49 | 48 | 55 | 53 |
| Homes Sold (Jul 2026) | 28 | 56 | 37 | 246 |
| Population | 15,781 (ACS) | 58,571 (2025 est.) | 26,214 (2025 est.) | 283,621 (2025 est.) |
| Median Household Income | $102,819 | $72,355 | — | $80,760 |
| State Income Tax | None | None | None | None |
| County | Lyon (unincorporated) | Carson City | Lyon | Washoe |
Sources: NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data (July 2026 settled month); Census Bureau 2025 population estimates; U.S. Census ACS 2020–2024. Updated Sept. 26, 2026.
Cost of Ownership
What Will a Dayton Home Cost You Each Month?
Build a property-specific budget using a lender quote, the parcel tax estimate, insurance quotes and association documents. The starting amounts below are editable illustrations, not current local rates or verified fees. Compare the result with your Loan Estimate, and budget separately for maintenance, utilities and closing costs.
Illustrative Payment Estimator
Estimate Your Dayton Payment
$3,781
Illustrative Monthly Payment
- Principal & Interest$2,994
- Property Tax$250
- Insurance$150
- HOA$200
- PMI$187
Inputs are assumptions, not a loan offer, insurance quote or parcel tax calculation. This simplified fixed-rate example applies the selected PMI rate below 20% down; actual mortgage-insurance eligibility, cost and cancellation depend on the loan. Maintenance, utilities, closing costs and special assessments are additional. Review the CFPB housing budget guide and confirm amounts with the relevant providers.
BUYING AND RENTING
How should you compare buying with renting?
Compare actual homes that meet the same needs over your expected time in the area. A purchase price and an advertised rent alone do not establish which option costs less. Use current quotes and separate monthly cash flow, upfront cash, and the amount you might recover when moving.
Purchase worksheet
Start with the down payment, lender and closing charges, and any immediate repairs. Add principal and interest, property taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance where applicable, association dues, utilities and ongoing maintenance. Identify expenses paid outside escrow so they are included in your household budget.
For a later sale, model the remaining loan balance and selling expenses. Appreciation is uncertain; compare unchanged-price and lower-price cases as well as any growth assumption. Principal repayment builds an ownership interest, but that does not guarantee a profit or make every cash payment recoverable.
Rental worksheet
Use an actual lease offer and confirm the term, deposit, renewal provisions, parking, pet charges, utilities and renter's insurance. Record which maintenance services are included and any costs or restrictions associated with an early move. An advertised starting rent may not include every required charge.
Keep the comparison consistent: use the same time period, household needs and moving assumptions. Include the cash that remains available when a down payment is not used, without assuming a guaranteed investment return. Your need for flexibility and responsibility for repairs also matter alongside the financial figures.
Use scenarios rather than a promised break-even date
There is no verified community-wide holding period or five-year equity gain shown here. Ask your lender to explain financing assumptions and have a tax professional assess any claimed tax benefit for your circumstances. Keep a copy of the quotes and dates so you can update the comparison before making an offer.
PROPERTY-SPECIFIC ASSOCIATION COSTS
Which HOA charges apply to this address?
A community name does not establish a property's current dues or all the associations that govern it. Obtain the applicable resale package, budget and governing documents for the exact address. Confirm the effective date and payment frequency of each fee with the association or its manager.
Recurring charges
Identify master and sub-association dues separately. Check whether utilities, exterior maintenance, insurance, amenities or club access are included, optional or billed separately. A listing's monthly figure may omit a quarterly or annual charge, and an advertised amenity does not establish membership rights.
Closing and special charges
Ask about transfer, document, capital-contribution and other transaction fees, as well as approved or proposed assessments. Confirm who pays each item under the contract. Review available reserve and budget information; historical dues are not a guarantee of future charges.
Rules and access
Verify the actual rules for leasing, pets, parking, property changes and amenity access. Age restrictions and gate staffing require their own current documentation. Do not assume neighboring subdivisions or similarly named communities have identical rules, services or fees.
COMMUTE & TRANSPORTATION
How Easy Is Getting Around from Dayton?
US-50 connects Dayton to Carson City in 15 to 22 minutes. Dayton is car-dependent — the mean commute is 30.8 minutes per the U.S. Census Bureau 2020–2024 American Community Survey for the Dayton CDP. Drive times below are ranges from our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, from central Dayton, without traffic (posted limits, then a slower run with signal delays).
Drive Times from Dayton
- 15–22 minCarson City (Capitol)US-50 west · about 12 miles
- 42–55 minReno (downtown)US-50 west to I-580 north · about 41 miles
- 38–47 minReno-Tahoe Intl AirportUS-50 west to I-580 north · about 38 miles
- 40–48 minFernleyVia US-50 east · about 38 miles
- 45–54 minTahoe-Reno Industrial CenterUS-50 east to USA Parkway (SR-439) · about 40 miles to the Tesla Gigafactory
- 28–35 minLake Tahoe (Spooner Summit)US-50 west · about 24 miles
- 14–17 minVirginia CitySR-341 · about 11 miles
- 55–64 minYerington (county seat)US-50 east, US-95A south · about 52 miles
Transportation Options
Drive times are typical off-peak estimates for the route named; check live traffic before you rely on one.
Quick Answer
How long does it take to close on a home in Dayton?
Most resale purchases close in about a month to six weeks; cash can close faster. New-construction timing depends on the builder’s schedule for the specific home. Nevada closes through escrow companies, not attorneys.
Quick Answer
What credit score do you need to buy a home in Dayton?
Conventional loans generally want 620+, FHA allows 580+ with 3.5% down, and VA has no official minimum though most lenders look for 620. USDA rural loans typically want 640+. A loan above $832,750 (the 2026 conforming limit) is a jumbo loan with stricter requirements. Ask your lender how your score changes the rate you are quoted.
Dayton FAQ — 16 Answers
What Do Dayton Buyers Most Frequently Ask?
Most AskedWhat is the median home price in Dayton?
The median list price across ZIP 89403 is about $499,000, per NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS listings. For homes that closed in July 2026, the median sold price was $490,470 across 28 sales, per NREG’s Dayton market report. Listings range from vacant lots to new Lennar homes and custom homes above $1 million in Santa Maria Ranch.
What are the best-known neighborhoods in Dayton?
Dayton Valley surrounds the public Dayton Valley Golf Club. Santa Maria Ranch is a 954-acre master plan on the Carson River, planned by its developer for 2,214 home sites with lots from about 1/4 acre to 11.54 acres. Riverpark is a multi-phase subdivision northeast of central Dayton. Lennar is building at the Traditions master plan and in Gold Sky and Sagebloom, and many smaller subdivisions fill in the rest of ZIP 89403.
How is Dayton different from Carson City and Reno?
Dayton is an unincorporated town governed by Lyon County, about 12 miles east of Carson City and 41 miles by road from downtown Reno. In July 2026 its median sold price for single-family homes was $490,470, compared with $602,500 in Carson City and $669,063 in Reno, per NREG’s market reports. Carson City is the state capital with more retail and healthcare; Reno, with 283,621 residents in the Census 2025 estimate, is the metro hub with the airport. None of the three has a state income tax.
How long do Dayton homes take to sell?
Across ZIP 89403 the median days on market is about 68, per NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data. Homes that closed in July 2026 took a median 49 days to go under contract, 17 days faster than a year earlier; over the past 12 settled months the monthly median ranged from 49 to 96 days.
What are property taxes like in Dayton?
Dayton-area parcels sit in the Central Lyon County Fire Protection District, where combined FY 2025-26 rates run about $3.40 to $3.49 per $100 of assessed value, per the Nevada Department of Taxation. Assessed value is 35% of taxable value, and taxable value is usually well below market value. Nevada’s cap limits a primary residence to a 3% yearly increase once the owner claims it; other property can rise up to 8% (NRS 361.4722 and 361.4723). Ask the Lyon County Assessor for the parcel’s current bill before you write an offer.
Are there HOA communities in Dayton?
Yes — Dayton has both HOA and non-HOA addresses, and dues vary by subdivision. Get the resale package, budget and CC&Rs for the exact address, and check the rules on rentals, RVs and animals before you buy.
What is the cost of living in Dayton?
Housing is the biggest difference: Dayton’s July 2026 median sold price of $490,470 was below Carson City’s $602,500 and Reno’s $669,063, though above Fernley’s $415,000, per NREG’s market reports. Nevada has no personal income tax. For your own budget, price the specific home, its tax bill, insurance and any HOA dues.
What schools serve Dayton?
Dayton’s public schools are run by the Lyon County School District, which lists five campuses in Dayton: Dayton Elementary, Riverview Elementary, Sutro Elementary, Dayton Intermediate School and Dayton High School. The assigned school depends on the address, so confirm it with the district before you buy.
What is the rental market like in Dayton?
NREG does not publish a Dayton rent survey. About 80% of Dayton households own their home (Census ACS 2020–2024), so rentals are a small share of the market; compare current lease listings with a purchase quote for the same home type.
Are there new construction homes in Dayton?
Yes. Lennar’s website lists four Dayton communities (checked September 26, 2026): Desert Rose at Traditions ($399,950 to $429,950), Oro Hills at Traditions ($459,950 to $519,950), Gold Sky ($459,950 to $519,950) and Sagebloom (from just under $500,000 to $619,950). Santa Maria Ranch’s developer sells custom and semi-custom home sites. Builder prices change often, so confirm them with the builder.
What amenities does Dayton offer?
Dayton Valley Golf Club is a public 18-hole course in town, the Carson River runs through Dayton, and Dayton State Park preserves the 1861 Rock Point Mill ruins on the river ($5 day use for Nevada vehicles). Carson City’s retail, dining and hospitals are 15 to 22 minutes west, and Lake Tahoe’s Spooner Summit is about 24 miles away.
How is the commute from Dayton?
Almost everyone drives: the Census Bureau’s 2020–2024 survey puts the mean commute for Dayton residents at 30.8 minutes. Carson City is about 12 miles and 15 to 22 minutes west on US-50. Downtown Reno is about 41 miles, 42 to 55 minutes via US-50 and I-580, by our free-flow road model without traffic. Lake Tahoe’s Spooner Summit is about 24 miles west, and Fernley about 38 miles by road.
What should I know before buying in Dayton?
Confirm the school assignment, any HOA dues and CC&Rs, and the parcel’s tax bill for the exact address. Larger retail, hospitals and specialist care are in Carson City. Businesses in unincorporated Lyon County need a county business license. Nevada closes through escrow companies, typically in about a month to six weeks.
What's the minimum down payment to buy a home in Dayton?
Conventional loans start at 3% down for qualified first-time buyers, FHA at 3.5% with a 580 credit score, and VA at 0% for eligible veterans and service members. On the $499,000 median list price across ZIP 89403 in October 2026, 3% is about $15,000 and 20% is about $99,800. USDA rural-development loans may apply to some Dayton parcels; your lender can check a specific address.
Is Dayton better than Carson City for relocating buyers?
It depends on what you value. In July 2026 Dayton’s median sold price was $490,470 against $602,500 in Carson City, per NREG’s market reports, and parts of Dayton offer larger lots. Carson City has more retail, dining, healthcare and services within city limits. Buyers who can accept a 15- to 22-minute drive for services often compare both.
How long does it take to close on a home in Dayton?
Most resale purchases close in about a month to six weeks; cash can close faster. New-construction timing depends on the builder’s schedule for the specific home. Nevada closes through escrow companies, not attorneys.
Updated October 2026
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PEOPLE ALSO ASK
What Else Do People Ask About Dayton, Nevada?
Short answers to common questions, with population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 and market figures from NREG’s analysis of NNRMLS data.
Is Dayton, NV a good place to live?
For buyers who want space and a rural pace, often yes: prices run below Carson City and Reno and Nevada has no state income tax. The trade-off is driving — most services are in Carson City, 15 to 22 minutes west.
What is Dayton, Nevada known for?
The area’s 1849 gold find, remembered at Dayton State Park with the 1861 Rock Point Mill ruins, and today the Dayton Valley Golf Club, the Carson River and the Santa Maria Ranch master plan.
Is Dayton Nevada growing?
The Census Bureau counted 8,964 people in the Dayton CDP in 2010 and 15,153 in 2020; its 2020–2024 survey estimate is 15,781. Lyon County reached an estimated 65,088 residents in 2025, and Lennar is building new homes in Dayton.
What county is Dayton Nevada in?
Lyon County. Dayton is an unincorporated census-designated place governed by Lyon County rather than a city council; the county seat is Yerington, about 52 miles away by road.
How far is Dayton NV from Reno?
About 41 miles to downtown Reno — 42 to 55 minutes via US-50 west and I-580 north, without traffic, by our free-flow road model. Reno-Tahoe International Airport is about 38 miles away.
Is Dayton NV a safe place to live?
NREG does not publish a crime rating. Ask the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office for recent calls around a specific address before you buy.
Does Dayton have new construction homes?
Yes. Lennar lists Desert Rose and Oro Hills at Traditions, Gold Sky and Sagebloom in Dayton, priced $399,950 to $619,950 on Sept. 26, 2026; Santa Maria Ranch sells custom home sites.
What school district is Dayton NV in?
The Lyon County School District, which lists five schools in Dayton: Dayton Elementary, Riverview Elementary, Sutro Elementary, Dayton Intermediate and Dayton High.
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Tell the team about your preferred area, budget, timing and property requirements. Ask about representation and the records needed to evaluate a particular home. Review current listings, comparable sales and the written terms of any services before deciding how to proceed. Contacting the team does not guarantee a purchase, sale price or response deadline.
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
Which Communities Are Within an Hour of Dayton?
Compare Dayton with neighboring Northern Nevada markets. Each card shows the median list price from that page’s own live MLS figure on September 25–26, 2026, and a drive-time range from central Dayton by our free-flow road model on OpenStreetMap data, without traffic.
A–Z INDEX
Which Dayton Neighborhoods Can You Explore A–Z?
Dayton has many subdivisions in ZIP 89403. The three below have their own guides; the others appear in the live listings search.
KEEP LEARNING
What Else Should You Read About Dayton and Northern Nevada?
These guides cover what most Dayton buyers research next — the Dayton neighborhoods with their own pages, nearby markets on the US-50 corridor, and NREG’s monthly market report.
NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Dayton Valley
The subdivision around the public Dayton Valley Golf Club.
Read →NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Santa Maria Ranch
A 954-acre master plan on the Carson River with custom home sites.
Read →NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Riverpark & Sutro
The Riverpark subdivision and the Sutro-area neighborhoods of Dayton.
Read →PROPERTY GUIDE
Carson River Estates Homes
Browse Carson River Estates listings in Dayton.
Read →GUIDE
Carson City Real Estate Guide
The state capital 15 to 22 minutes west — more services and inventory, and how Carson City prices compare with Dayton.
Read →GUIDE
Fernley Real Estate Guide
Lyon County’s largest city, on I-80 — prices, commute and lifestyle compared with Dayton.
Read →MARKET REPORT
Dayton Market Report
Monthly settled-month sold prices, days on market and closings for Dayton.
Read →Sources & Methodology
Where Does This Dayton Data Come From?
Each figure on this page names its source and date. Market figures are NREG’s own analysis of MLS data; population and household figures are Census Bureau estimates; builder prices come from the builders’ own websites on the date shown.
- NREG analysis of NNRMLS data (via Repliers) — Median list price, active listings, and settled-month sold prices, days on market and closings for Dayton (ZIP 89403). NREG Dayton market report
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 — Population, income, home value, age, households, education and commute for the Dayton CDP and Lyon County. Census Reporter — Dayton CDP
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates — City and county population estimates, 2020–2025 (Lyon County, Fernley, Carson City, Reno). sub-est2025.csv
- Nevada Department of Taxation — FY 2025-26 property tax rates by taxing district, including the Central Lyon County Fire Protection District. FY 2025-26 tax rates (PDF)
- Nevada Revised Statutes 361.4723 — The partial abatement (tax cap) on a primary residence and other property. NRS chapter 361
- Lyon County School District — Schools located in Dayton. lyoncsd.org — our schools
- Lennar — Dayton new-home communities and price ranges, checked Sept. 26, 2026. lennar.com — Dayton
- Santa Maria Ranch (developer) — Master-plan size, phases, home-site count and lot sizes. thesantamariaranch.com
- Nevada State Parks — Dayton State Park and Lahontan State Recreation Area facts and fees. parks.nv.gov — Dayton
- Nevada DETR — County and metro unemployment rates, August 2026. DETR sub-state release (PDF)
- Lyon County — Business licenses in unincorporated Lyon County. lyon-county.org — business licenses
- Freddie Mac PMMS — Weekly mortgage rate survey used as the calculator’s rate reference. freddiemac.com/pmms
- OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extracts — Road data for NREG’s free-flow drive-time model from central Dayton (Geofabrik Nevada and Northern California extracts of October 22, 2026), run October 26, 2026. openstreetmap.org/copyright
Methodology: Listing counts, prices and days on market are NREG's analysis of Northern Nevada Regional MLS data received through the Repliers feed; this page refreshes them about once a day, and each market figure carries its date or window. Census and BLS figures are the published vintage named beside them and change only when the agency releases new estimates. Confirm details for a specific home with its listing and the responsible agency.
Updated: October 2026 · Next update: November 15
