Agricultural / Farm Buyers
- Newlands Project irrigation water rights
- Alfalfa, dairy, or specialty crop operations
- Large acreage at $260K–$500K+
- Churchill County agricultural zoning

Nevada Real Estate Group — your Northern Nevada team for Stillwater real estate. Search rural acreage, ranch homes, and farm parcels for sale in Churchill County's Lahontan Valley near the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge.
MEDIAN LIST PRICE
$360K
LVR / GLVAR via Repliers, as of September 18, 2026
DAYS ON MARKET
64
LVR / GLVAR via Repliers, as of September 18, 2026
TO FALLON
20 min
via Stillwater Rd & US-50
WILDLIFE REFUGE
79,000 ac
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Property research
Verify for your address
Confirm current school assignments, association documents, parcel taxes, and insurance with the applicable sources.
Last updated
June 24, 2026
Individual data periods may differ from the page update date.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Churchill County holds roughly 26,000 residents — Stillwater is a small rural area northeast of Fallon with a $360,000 median and homes averaging 49 days on market per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS. Five takeaways below show what those numbers mean for buyers considering this agricultural Lahontan Valley community.
Last updated September 2026 · Sources: RSAR, U.S. Census, Churchill County Assessor
Stillwater and rural Churchill County carry 20–40 active listings in mid-2026 per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS data, ranging from modest rural homes near $260K to working farm-and-ranch properties above $500K. The eight newest listings appear below, refreshed daily; the full Fallon-area rural inventory is searchable in our live MLS portal.
PRICE DISTRIBUTION
The Stillwater median list price sits near $360K per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS September 2026 NNRMLS data, with inventory spread from modest rural homes under $300K to working farm properties above $500K. Each card below shows current active-listing counts by price range.
Stillwater's active listings break down primarily into rural residential homes on acreage, working farm-and-ranch properties, and raw agricultural land — each link opens our live MLS search pre-filtered for that slice, with counts updated daily from Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS data.
Tap an area to see current listings, price ranges, and what daily life looks like.
Updated daily · 205 active listings · MLS data
STAY AHEAD OF THE MARKET
Custom alerts by acreage, price, property type, and water-rights features — no spam, unsubscribe anytime. With Stillwater properties averaging 49 days on market per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS data, the best agricultural parcels still attract multiple buyers — especially well-priced rural homes under $380K where demand from NAS Fallon households and outdoor-lifestyle buyers is strongest.
Before choosing a home, request address-specific school assignments for the intended school year from the district. Confirm grade levels, program eligibility, enrollment requirements and any boundary changes. Use the exact property address, including any unit number, and ask the district to confirm the assignment before making a purchase decision.
Find your school district · View Nevada Report Card
Compare each school’s programs and published results for the same reporting year. Proximity to a school does not guarantee admission; contact charter, magnet and private schools about their application and enrollment requirements.
CRIME DATA
Review reports from the law-enforcement agency serving the address. Check the reporting period, area covered, offense definitions and completeness before comparing locations. When requesting local information, provide the property address and ask which agency and geographic boundary each report represents, along with any known reporting gaps.
The FBI publishes crime and law-enforcement statistics through its Crime Data Explorer. Its guidance cautions against using crime totals alone to rank communities: reporting practices and local conditions affect comparisons.
A citywide statistic does not establish conditions at a particular home. Ask the local agency about current reports for the area and gaps in the available data. Missing records do not mean zero crime, and a gated entrance does not establish a safety rating.
FBI crime data resources · FBI guidance on comparing communities
Stillwater delivers open agricultural living in the Lahontan Valley — rural acreage near the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, 20-minute access to Fallon services, and a $360K median. The Churchill County agricultural heritage anchors the area with Newlands Project water rights, alfalfa and ranch operations, and the Pacific Flyway birding and hunting that define Stillwater's identity.
Stillwater is known as one of Nevada's earliest irrigated agricultural districts — settled in the 1860s and once the Churchill County seat. Today it is synonymous with the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, a 79,000-acre Pacific Flyway hotspot, and with Newlands Project water rights that define agricultural land value in the Lahontan Valley.
Stillwater fits agricultural buyers who want working farm or ranch land with water rights, hunters and birders who want NWR access at the doorstep, buyers seeking genuine rural Nevada living at value prices, and NAS Fallon households who want acreage and can tolerate a 25-30 minute commute to the gate.
Daily life in Stillwater runs at a genuine agricultural pace — morning chores on the farm or ranch, seasonal irrigation management, wildlife watching at the adjacent NWR, and a 20-minute drive west to Fallon for shopping, schools, and services. Reno is 80 minutes via US-50 and I-80 for major medical, airport, and urban amenity needs.
Stillwater sits in the Lahontan Valley in Churchill County, Nevada, about 15 miles northeast of Fallon on Stillwater Road. ZIP code 89406. The Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge borders the area to the east and north.
Quick Answer
Stillwater is one of Northern Nevada's most distinctive rural living options — genuine Lahontan Valley agricultural land with Newlands Project water rights, the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge at the doorstep, and a $360K median that delivers multi-acre parcels for what California buyers would pay for a suburban lot. Nevada's zero state income tax and Churchill County's low property-tax rate add five-figure annual savings versus California agricultural county baselines. For buyers who want authentic rural Nevada life with world-class hunting and birding access, Stillwater delivers at a value point unavailable anywhere in the American West.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Churchill County holds roughly 26,000 residents with a $55,000 median household income. Stillwater itself is very low density — primarily farming and ranching families, NAS Fallon households seeking rural space, and outdoor enthusiasts drawn by the NWR. The median age countywide is approximately 37, reflecting the mix of agricultural workers, military families, and retirees.
Stillwater's population skews toward long-established agricultural families who have worked the Lahontan Valley for generations, and a newer layer of rural lifestyle buyers and remote workers seeking Nevada's tax advantage and open land at prices unavailable in California. The area's primary economic anchor is Churchill County agriculture and NAS Fallon, with a seasonal influx of hunters and birders during fall migration at the wildlife refuge.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS estimates · Updated
POPULATION & GROWTH
Stillwater's rural population remains small and stable — growth is measured in individual parcel sales rather than subdivision phases. The area's fundamental attractiveness for agricultural buyers and outdoor enthusiasts remains steady, and rural Nevada land values have appreciated quietly as Northern Nevada's overall population has grown. Churchill County's agricultural base provides stability rather than rapid expansion.
Growth in Stillwater is driven by individual acreage-parcel purchases rather than subdivision expansion. Agricultural land values have appreciated alongside broader Northern Nevada population growth and increased interest in rural lifestyle properties. The Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge adjacency is a permanent amenity that sustains long-term buyer interest.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and Churchill County. Rural population estimates are approximations; projection reflects modest growth in rural parcel demand. Last updated June 2026.
MARKET TRENDS · LAST 12 MONTHS
Median list price, days on market, and active listings from Northern Nevada Regional MLS data updated monthly. Stillwater rural properties have held near a $360K median while inventory turns slowly — the charts below show the past twelve months for Churchill County rural properties.
Median List Price
+1.7% YoY (May 2025 → May 2026)
Source: Las Vegas REALTORS
Days on Market
42 → 49 days YoY — rural inventory moderately rising
vs September 2025
Source: Las Vegas REALTORS
Active Listings
~5–10 closings/month, steady seasonal pattern
vs September 2025
Source: Las Vegas REALTORS
HOMES AVAILABLE NOW
Market Competitiveness
Stillwater is a slow-paced rural market — properties average about 49 days on market per Northern Nevada Regional MLS data, with the specialized buyer pool for agricultural parcels, water rights, and rural acreage keeping competition moderate to low. Well-priced modest homes move in 30-45 days; working farms and larger parcels can sit 90+ days as buyers conduct agricultural due diligence.
Stillwater is not for every buyer — it is specifically suited to households that want genuine agricultural land, wildlife refuge access, and rural Nevada living, and who can live without urban amenities 20-80 minutes away. Six buyer profiles below match lifestyles to what Stillwater specifically offers.
Ready to explore rural properties in Stillwater? Nevada Real Estate Group knows Churchill County's agricultural market — from Newlands Project water-rights review to NAS Fallon relocation packages and rural parcel due diligence.
Start Your Stillwater SearchArea Comparison
A side-by-side comparison of Stillwater and neighboring Churchill County communities — median price, lifestyle fit, and inventory — using active-listing data refreshed monthly via Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS. Each serves distinct buyer profiles defined by agricultural use, NWR access, and commute tolerance.
| Submarket | Median Price | $ / Sq Ft | Days on Market | Active Listings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stillwater Agricultural Core | $380,000 | ~$170 | 55 | 15 | Farm & Ranch · Water Rights · NWR Access |
| Stillwater NWR Vicinity | $345,000 | ~$160 | 60 | 8 | Wildlife Access · Hunting · Rural Privacy |
| Rural Churchill County Outlying | $320,000 | ~$155 | 65 | 7 | Large Lots · Value · Agricultural |
| Lahontan Valley Estates | $340,000 | ~$162 | 50 | 12 | Value · Rural Residential · Fallon Access |
| Old Town Fallon | $375,000 | ~$175 | 50 | 28 | Historic Character · In-Town · NAS Fallon |
| Fallon City General | $360,000 | ~$168 | 48 | 22 | In-Town Convenience · Services · Schools |
Source: Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS data, June 2026. Median prices based on active listings; days on market from closed sales.
Area Deep Dive
Submarket 1
The heart of the Stillwater area — working alfalfa farms, ranch properties, and custom homes on 2-10+ acre parcels with Newlands Project irrigation rights. The Stillwater NWR borders these parcels, providing immediate waterfowl and birding access that defines the area's lifestyle identity.
Browse Stillwater Agricultural Core homes →Submarket 2
Rural residential parcels on the edge of the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge — smaller homes on acreage with direct NWR adjacency for hunting and birding. This is the most wildlife-immersive residential area in Churchill County, priced slightly below the agricultural core.
Browse Stillwater NWR Vicinity homes →Submarket 3
Rural parcels on Churchill County roads outside Fallon and Stillwater proper — larger lots at the lowest prices in the county, ideal for buyers who want maximum acreage per dollar and do not need NWR adjacency.
Browse Rural Churchill County Outlying homes →Submarket 4
Residential parcels in the Lahontan Valley between Fallon and the surrounding rural area — more residential than agricultural, offering acreage at value pricing within closer proximity to Fallon services.
Browse Lahontan Valley Estates homes →Submarket 5
The historic Maine Street district at the heart of Fallon — character-rich in-town homes near NAS Fallon without the agricultural complexity. Best for buyers who want Fallon-area value and NAS proximity without rural infrastructure management.
Browse Old Town Fallon homes →Submarket 6
Standard Fallon city residential inventory outside the historic core — practical in-town homes near schools, shopping, and NAS Fallon with no rural infrastructure complexity. Buyers who want Fallon pricing without agricultural-parcel due diligence start here.
Browse Fallon City General homes →Submarket 7
The 79,000-acre Stillwater NWR is a critical Pacific Flyway staging area — hundreds of thousands of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds concentrate in the Lahontan Valley wetlands seasonally. Stillwater residential properties border the refuge directly, providing immediate hunting and birding access that no other Northern Nevada community can match.
Browse Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge (adjacent to Stillwater, NV) homes →Stillwater sits in the open Lahontan Valley about 15 miles northeast of Fallon on Stillwater Road, Churchill County. The Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge borders the area to the east and north. ZIP code 89406 covers Stillwater, Fallon, and the surrounding Churchill County agricultural area.
STILL DECIDING?
BY ZIP CODE
Stillwater is served by ZIP code 89406, which covers Fallon, Stillwater, and the surrounding Churchill County agricultural area. The table below shows the current market snapshot for that ZIP — median price $360K, 49 days on market, 30 active listings — benchmarking Stillwater rural property values against broader Northern Nevada and Churchill County communities.
| ZIP | Primary Area | Median Price | $ / Sq Ft | Days on Market | Active | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89406 | Stillwater · Fallon · Churchill County | $360K | ~$165 | 49 | 30 | +1.7% |
Source: Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS. Medians from active listings; YoY from closed sales, 2026 vs 2025 year-to-date. Per-sqft figures approximate. ZIP boundaries per Churchill County GIS.
New Construction & Rural Development
Stillwater is primarily an established agricultural area — new construction is limited to custom homes built on individual rural parcels. There are no active subdivision builders in Stillwater itself. Buyers interested in new construction have options in nearby Fallon or Fernley.
Custom Rural Residential
Local contractors specializing in custom home builds on agricultural parcels with water rights
Value & First-Time
Active in the broader Fallon market with entry-level and first-time-buyer floor plans
Entry-Level & First-Time
Affordable new construction when available in the Churchill County market
Family & Move-Up
Northern Nevada regional builder with occasional Churchill County presence
First-Time & Family
Customizable Personal Plans — availability in Fallon market varies by phase
Affordable Rural
HUD-code manufactured homes on owned land — a common rural Churchill County option for budget-focused buyers
Family & Value
Western regional builder with occasional NV rural market presence
Family & Move-Up
Life-tested floor plans — limited direct Churchill County availability
Outdoor Recreation
Stillwater anchors some of the best outdoor recreation in Northern Nevada — the 79,000-acre Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge next door, Lahontan Reservoir 45 minutes south, and Sand Mountain BLM Recreation Area 35 minutes east. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manages the refuge as one of the most critical Pacific Flyway staging areas in the American West.
10 MIN E
One of the most important migratory bird staging areas on the Pacific Flyway — hundreds of thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds concentrate in the Stillwater wetlands seasonally, making this a world-class birding and waterfowl hunting destination literally next door.
45 MIN S
Northern Nevada's largest high-desert reservoir — sandy beaches, bass and trout fishing, and year-round camping at Lahontan State Recreation Area, 45 minutes south of Stillwater.
35 MIN E
A massive sand dune rising 600 feet above the desert floor — a popular OHV and camping destination 35 minutes east of Stillwater on US-50.
ALL AROUND
Bureau of Land Management public land surrounds the Lahontan Valley — open to OHV use, hiking, horseback riding, and hunting with appropriate Nevada licenses.
20 MIN W
The City of Fallon's community aquatic facility — lap lanes, youth programs, and family recreation 20 minutes west in Fallon.
20 MIN W
The Churchill County Fairgrounds host the annual Churchill County Fair, rodeo events, and community gatherings that anchor the local event calendar in Fallon.
VALLEY WIDE
Multiple Wildlife Management Units encompass the Lahontan Valley and surrounding ranges — open for big-game, upland bird, and waterfowl hunting with appropriate Nevada Department of Wildlife licenses.
80 MIN W
Truckee River Riverwalk, Galena Creek Recreation Area, and I-80 access to Sierra ski resorts — 80 minutes west, making Stillwater a viable base for weekend mountain and river recreation.
The Stillwater Lifestyle
Morning at the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge watching Pacific Flyway migrants, afternoon OHV riding at Sand Mountain, evening on the farm at dusk — all within 35 minutes of your front door per the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Stillwater residents trade metro density for agricultural authenticity and the outdoor access that no Reno suburb can match at any price.
THIS WEEKEND'S OPEN HOUSES
Stillwater and rural Churchill County sellers occasionally run open houses on weekends, though rural properties often use appointment-only showings given the agricultural character of most parcels. At 49 median days on market the pace is deliberate — agricultural-parcel buyers typically need multiple visits and due diligence time. Set alerts or browse all active Churchill County rural inventory now.
Build a budget around the particular home and your circumstances. Obtain current financing terms, property records and service quotes before comparing the cost of a move. A community average cannot establish your tax bill, insurance premium, association charges or savings.
Ask a tax adviser to review income sources, residency dates and any continuing connections to another state. California-source income can remain taxable after a move; the Franchise Tax Board explains part-year and nonresident rules. A headline tax-rate comparison does not calculate your savings.
Get the exact parcel's current tax bill and assessment record from its county. Confirm the property's abatement status and any effect of new construction, a change in use or your circumstances with the assessor. Do not apply a community-wide percentage to a purchase price or assume a tax cap is automatic.
Use lender estimates, insurance quotes, association documents and utility information for the exact address. Include maintenance, moving expenses and any special assessments in the comparison. Renting and buying involve different costs and obligations; future equity or resale gains are not assured.
Check school assignments for the enrollment year and ask about choice-program applications. Investigate parcel-specific hazards and permitted uses with the responsible agencies. Review travel routes and the features that matter to you instead of relying on a broad safety score or a neighborhood recommendation based on household type.
Discuss the homes, budget and timing you want to evaluate with the team.
Explore relocation planningRELOCATION TIMELINE
Plan the purchase and move around your circumstances and the property's verified requirements. Coordinate the transaction, possession and moving arrangements with the relevant parties. For license and vehicle questions, consult the Nevada DMV new-resident guide. Confirm your own deadlines and any exemptions directly with the agency.
Compare homes using your budget, accessibility needs, desired features and travel routes. Evaluate the particular property and surroundings using your own priorities; a neighborhood label does not establish its suitability.
Ask a lender for terms based on your circumstances and the property. Obtain the parcel tax record, insurance quotes, association charges and other recurring costs; a community-wide estimate cannot establish your payment or approval.
Discuss services, compensation, communication and touring arrangements with the agent. Confirm the details in the applicable agreement before relying on a promised service or access to a property.
Check school assignments with the district for the enrollment year and ask about separate program applications. Review parcel-specific flood, wildfire, utility, zoning and intended-use questions with the relevant agencies and service providers.
Discuss price, deposit, contingencies and the proposed schedule with your agent and lender. The signed contract determines the transaction deadlines; market averages do not promise when an offer will be accepted or a purchase will close.
Arrange appropriate inspections and review disclosures, title information, association documents and financing conditions. Investigate unresolved findings with the relevant specialist before the contractual decision deadlines.
Verify which utilities serve the address, what deposits or appointments are required, and when service can begin. Coordinate access and the moving date with the agreed possession terms and any building or association requirements.
Confirm completion and possession with the closing parties before arranging access. Consult the Nevada DMV's current new-resident guide for license, registration, documentation and exemption requirements that apply to you.
ECONOMY & JOBS
Stillwater's economy runs on Lahontan Valley agriculture — alfalfa, dairy, and specialty crops sustained by the Newlands Project — and NAS Fallon (Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center), 25-30 minutes west. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Reno-Sparks MSA unemployment is near historic lows, and NAS Fallon insulates the local economy from private-industry cycles.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau. Last updated June 2026.
CITY COMPARISON
Deciding between Stillwater and other Northern Nevada or California options? This covers the metrics buyers care about most. Stillwater leads on acreage and wildlife access, Old Town Fallon on in-town amenities, Fernley on Reno commute — and all three beat Sacramento on total cost. Sources are RSAR, the U.S. Census, and BLS Reno-Sparks MSA.
| Metric | Stillwater | Old Town Fallon | Fernley | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median List Price | $360K | $375K | $360K | $550K–$650K |
| Price / Sq Ft | ~$165 | ~$175 | ~$195 | $320–$380 |
| Days on Market | 49 | 50 | 45 | 25 |
| Typical Lot Size | 2+ acres | City lots | City/suburban | City lots |
| State Income Tax | None | None | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Median Household Income | ~$55,000 | $52,000 | $65,000 | $76,000 |
| To Reno | 80 min | 60 min | 35 min | N/A |
| To NAS Fallon | 30 min | 10 min | 30 min | N/A |
| Wildlife Refuge Access | Adjacent — 79,000 ac NWR | 10 min (Stillwater NWR) | 90+ min | N/A |
| Best For | Agriculture · NWR access · Rural acreage | NAS Fallon · Historic character | TRI Center · I-80 commuters | Urban amenities (CA tax) |
Sources: Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS, U.S. Census ACS. Last updated June 2026.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Stillwater Road connects the area 20 minutes west to Fallon and US-50 — the primary corridor for all destinations. NAS Fallon is about 30 minutes west, Reno is 80 minutes via US-50 and I-80. Per U.S. Census ACS data, rural Churchill County households are fully car-dependent with virtually no transit options.
Drive times based on average non-rush-hour conditions. Sources: Google Maps traffic data, RTC Washoe.
Quick Answer
Most Stillwater rural purchases close in 45–60 days — longer than in-town Fallon due to water-rights verification, well testing, and rural-property appraisal. Cash offers on agricultural land close in 14–21 days. VA loans for NAS Fallon buyers add a VA appraisal step; budget 60 days on any parcel with active Newlands Project irrigation rights.
Quick Answer
Conventional loans require 620+ for standard rural properties; USDA Rural Development guaranteed loans require 640+ for Churchill County rural areas; VA loans have no formal minimum but most lenders look for 620 for NAS Fallon buyers; FHA allows 580+ with 3.5% down. Stillwater's $360K median keeps most purchases within conforming loan limits — standard qualification applies. USDA loans are particularly relevant here: eligible rural Churchill County buyers may qualify for 0% down with competitive rates under the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed program, which requires 640 credit and income within area limits. The Churchill County area qualifies as a rural area for USDA purposes, expanding loan options beyond what in-town Fallon or Reno buyers access.
Stillwater FAQ — 18 Answers
Stillwater median prices run about $360,000 per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS and NNRMLS data — reflecting the wide range between modest rural homes and working farm-and-ranch properties. Entry-level rural homes start near $260K while acreage parcels with water rights and improvements can reach $500K–$700K+. Most buyers budget $300K–$500K for a well-improved single-family home on a usable agricultural lot.
Stillwater is known as one of Nevada's earliest irrigated agricultural districts — settled in the 1860s and once the Churchill County seat before Fallon rose to prominence. Today it is synonymous with the nearly 80,000-acre Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, a critical Pacific Flyway staging area for hundreds of thousands of migratory waterfowl. The area is prized by hunters, birders, and buyers seeking large agricultural parcels with Newlands Project water rights in the open Lahontan Valley.
Stillwater is rural open country about 15 miles northeast of Fallon — not a neighborhood within the city but a distinct agricultural area on Stillwater Road. Where Fallon offers municipal services, schools, and the NAS Fallon employment base, Stillwater offers farm-and-ranch land, the adjacent National Wildlife Refuge, and the privacy of large acreage parcels. Buyers pay a median near $360,000 for rural acreage versus similar money for an in-town Fallon home — the value is land, water rights, and space, not walkable amenities.
Stillwater rural and agricultural properties average about 64 days on market from list to accepted offer, per Northern Nevada Regional MLS data — longer than in-town Fallon because the buyer pool for rural acreage and farm properties is smaller and more specialized. Well-priced modest homes on manageable lots move faster; working farms and larger agricultural parcels can sit 90+ days as buyers arrange financing, review water rights, and conduct agricultural-use due diligence.
Stillwater properties fall under Churchill County's property tax structure, with effective rates typically running about 0.5–0.8% of taxable value. Nevada caps annual primary-residence increases at 3% under Nevada Revised Statutes 361.471; the Churchill County Assessor sets assessed values at 35% of taxable value. Agricultural land with active farming status may qualify for lower assessed value under Nevada's agricultural use provisions. Annual bills on a median-priced rural Stillwater home typically run $1,500–$3,000 — very low by national rural-property standards.
Stillwater carries effectively no HOA. This is open agricultural Churchill County land — rural parcels, farms, and custom homes on acreage rarely carry HOA covenants. The entire character of the area is large-lot rural use with minimal deed restrictions, which is exactly why buyers seek it out. Verify CC&Rs on any specific parcel during escrow, but expect zero to minimal community fees. Agricultural covenants or easements tied to water rights or irrigation ditches may exist and require separate review.
Rural living in Stillwater runs at a very low total cost. Housing is the primary variable — a median near $360,000 for acreage-based homes, with Nevada's zero state income tax applying equally here as in Reno or Las Vegas. Day-to-day costs track the rural Churchill County average: no state income tax, low property taxes capped at 3% annual growth, and modest utility and grocery costs in the small-city Fallon market. The primary cost trade-off is infrastructure: well water, septic, and private road maintenance on rural parcels can add $500–$1,500/year in operating costs versus city-connected Fallon homes.
Stillwater sits within Churchill County School District. Churchill County High School serves grades 9-12; E.C. Best Elementary and Numa Elementary serve younger grades; Oasis Academy (charter K-12) offers a higher-rated alternative. The district is small and community-oriented. Families who want higher-rated campuses — 8-9/10 on GreatSchools — drive west to Washoe County schools via the 80-minute US-50 and I-80 corridor. The Churchill County School District (churchillcsd.com) website has current enrollment and boundary information.
Yes — for families who specifically want rural agricultural life. Stillwater offers large lots, outdoor access, and genuine agricultural land that suburban markets cannot match at any price. The Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge provides world-class nature education at the doorstep. Churchill County School District covers K-12 needs, and Fallon's services are 20 minutes west. The trade-off is the 80-minute Reno commute and limited local amenities — this market fits families who are committed to rural Lahontan Valley living rather than using the countryside as a commuter bedroom.
Rural Stillwater rental inventory is thin — most properties are owner-occupied farms and custom homes rather than rental stock. When rural Churchill County rentals do appear, single-family homes on small acreage run $1,000–$1,600/month per Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS regional data. Agricultural leases for working farm land are separate from residential rentals and are negotiated on a per-acre basis tied to water rights and irrigation. For buyers seeking investment rental yield, in-town Fallon offers a deeper pool than rural Stillwater.
Stillwater is a rural area with no commercial amenities of its own — it is open agricultural land adjacent to the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. Daily shopping, schools, medical care, the Fallon Library, and community services are a 20-minute drive west in Fallon on US-50. The refuge provides 79,000+ acres of wetland, waterfowl, and wildlife viewing at the doorstep. Sand Mountain BLM Recreation Area is about 35 minutes east on US-50. For urban amenity access — hospitals, major retail, restaurants — Reno is about 80 minutes west.
Stillwater sits about 15 miles northeast of Fallon on Stillwater Road — approximately 20 minutes to downtown Fallon and about 25-30 minutes to the NAS Fallon gate. Reno is roughly 80 minutes via US-50 and I-80. This is car-dependent rural territory; there is no transit and Stillwater Road is a two-lane rural highway. Buyers who work in Fallon or at NAS Fallon find the commute very manageable; buyers who need daily Reno access should factor the 80-minute round trip into their decision.
Yes. Stillwater's rural agricultural character and extremely low population density produce incident rates at or near the lowest in Churchill County. The low density of rural Nevada land means property crime is limited, and neighbor relationships in agricultural communities are typically close enough that unusual activity is noticed quickly. The Churchill County Sheriff provides law enforcement coverage. Standard rural-property precautions — secured outbuildings, motion lighting, and community familiarity — address most of the local risk profile.
Before buying in Stillwater, investigate water rights thoroughly — Newlands Project irrigation rights are tied to specific parcels and are critical to agricultural use value and future resale. Confirm whether the property is on well or irrigation water for domestic use, and have the well tested. Inspect roads for seasonal access and maintenance responsibility. Verify Churchill County zoning for intended agricultural or livestock use, and budget for well, septic, private road, and irrigation infrastructure costs that do not exist on in-town parcels. Full agricultural inspection beyond the standard residential inspection is strongly recommended.
Yes — Nevada Real Estate Group serves buyers and sellers across all of Northern Nevada, including Stillwater and rural Churchill County. Our agents handle everything from agricultural-parcel water-rights review to NAS Fallon relocation packages and Churchill County rural property due diligence. Call us at (775) 277-2120 for a rural Stillwater market consultation, a virtual tour of active listings, or guidance on any step of the process — from first offer to agricultural-use closing.
Most Stillwater buyers use conventional loans with 10–20% down on rural agricultural parcels — USDA Rural Development loans may also apply to eligible buyers, with 0% down for qualifying incomes in rural areas like Churchill County. FHA loans require 3.5% down with a 580 credit score but may have property-condition requirements that complicate older farm structures. VA loans work for NAS Fallon military and veteran buyers with 0% down. On a $360K rural Stillwater home, 10% down is $36,000; 20% is $72,000. Budget an extra $1,500–$3,000 for agricultural due diligence beyond a standard inspection.
Generally no — in-town Fallon is a better fit for most first-time buyers. Stillwater's lower median reflects rural land value, agricultural complexity (water rights, well, septic, private roads), and a thinner resale market that makes exit harder. First-time buyers without agricultural experience typically find in-town Old Town Fallon or Lahontan Valley Estates easier to finance, inspect, and eventually resell. Stillwater is best for buyers specifically seeking acreage and agricultural use, not buyers simply chasing the lowest possible price per bedroom.
Rural Stillwater purchases typically close in 45–60 days — longer than in-town Fallon due to agricultural-use due diligence, water-rights verification, well testing, and the more detailed underwriting that rural and farm-adjacent properties trigger. Cash offers on agricultural land can close in 14–21 days. USDA and VA loans add appraisal and eligibility steps. Budget at least 45 days for financed rural purchases and 60 days if water-rights research or agricultural zoning confirmation is needed. Work with a title company experienced in Churchill County agricultural parcels.
Updated September 2026
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Want more Nevada real estate answers like this in your Google results?
PEOPLE ALSO ASK
Eight questions Stillwater rural buyers and agricultural-parcel sellers most often search — each answered with verifiable numbers drawn from primary government and industry sources including the U.S. Census, RSAR and NNRMLS prices, BLS employment figures, Churchill County Assessor records, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Nevada Department of Taxation.
Yes — for the right buyer. Stillwater offers genuine agricultural land with Newlands Project water rights, the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge at the doorstep, and Nevada's zero state income tax at a $360K rural median. The trade-off is 20-80 minutes to any urban services and a specialized buyer pool that makes exit slower than in-town Fallon.
Agricultural land value and wildlife refuge access. Stillwater's $360K rural median delivers multi-acre Lahontan Valley parcels with Newlands Project irrigation rights — comparable California agricultural land starts $150K–$250K higher with a 13.3% state income tax. Hunters and birders choose Stillwater specifically for the NWR adjacency; agricultural buyers seek the water rights; rural lifestyle seekers want space and privacy.
The Stillwater NWR is a 79,000-acre federal wildlife refuge managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Churchill County, Nevada. It is a critical Pacific Flyway staging area where hundreds of thousands of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds concentrate seasonally. It offers free access for birding, wildlife photography, and — with appropriate Nevada licenses — waterfowl and other hunting.
The Newlands Project is one of the first federal irrigation projects in the American West, authorized in 1902 — it diverts water from the Carson and Truckee rivers to irrigate the Lahontan Valley through the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District (TCID). Water rights on Stillwater agricultural parcels entitle the landowner to a specified amount of irrigation water delivered seasonally. These rights have real monetary value and transfer with the land — they are a critical element of any agricultural-parcel due diligence.
About 80 miles from Stillwater to central Reno via Stillwater Road, US-50, and I-80 — approximately 80 minutes under normal conditions. Fernley is a midpoint at about 45 minutes. The US-50 highway can add time in winter conditions. For weekly Reno trips, Stillwater is manageable; for daily Reno commuters, the distance is a significant factor.
Yes — Stillwater is in Churchill County, Nevada. This distinction matters for school districts (Churchill County School District), property tax assessment (Churchill County Assessor), and agricultural zoning. Churchill County covers the Lahontan Valley including Fallon, Stillwater, and surrounding rural areas — not Washoe County or Lyon County.
Yes — Stillwater's agricultural Churchill County zoning permits horses, livestock, and farming operations on appropriately zoned parcels. This is one of the primary reasons buyers choose Stillwater over in-town Fallon or suburban Northern Nevada markets. Verify the specific parcel's zoning and any agricultural use restrictions in escrow, but expect full agricultural use rights on most Stillwater parcels.
Likely yes — Churchill County and the Stillwater rural area generally qualify as rural areas under USDA Rural Development guidelines, making eligible buyers eligible for the USDA Guaranteed Loan program with 0% down and competitive rates. Income limits apply and vary by household size. VA loans are also applicable for NAS Fallon military and veteran buyers. Confirm with a USDA-approved lender before relying on this program, as eligibility maps update periodically.
WHY NEVADA REAL ESTATE GROUP
9,061+ verified five-star reviews across Google, Zillow, and FastExpert; 9,600+ closed transactions; $4.85B+ in total sales volume since founding in 2011. Our agents cover Stillwater, rural Churchill County, Fallon, Fernley, Reno, and every Northern Nevada community — earning the #1 Nevada and #44 national ranking from RealTrends Verified.
WORK WITH THE BEST
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
Compare Stillwater with neighboring Northern Nevada cities. Each card pairs the drive time from Stillwater with median price — Old Town Fallon at $375K (20 min), Fernley at $360K (45 min), Reno at $575K (80 min) — so you can judge whether the rural lifestyle actually delivers more home and land for your money.
More Fallon communities
Shopping the whole city? Browse all Fallon homes for sale — live MLS listings updated daily.
A–Z INDEX
Every active neighborhood and area within Stillwater and the broader Fallon market (ZIP 89406), Churchill County. Each linked entry opens current NNRMLS listings and price data — from the Stillwater agricultural core priced from $300K to Old Town Fallon historic homes at $375K.
KEEP LEARNING
These guides cover what most Stillwater buyers research next — comparing Churchill County communities like Old Town Fallon and Lahontan Valley Estates by price, lifestyle, and commute; understanding USDA and VA loan options for rural Churchill County purchases; and exploring Fernley as an alternative with a shorter Reno commute.
GUIDE
Churchill County's most affordable in-town neighborhood — historic Maine Street district, NAS Fallon access, and a $375K median without rural infrastructure complexity.
Read →GUIDE
Everything Nevada Real Estate Group knows about Fallon, Churchill County — city-wide market data, neighborhoods, and buyer resources.
Read →MARKET REPORT
Statewide market data, city comparisons, and every Northern Nevada community page.
Read →RELOCATION GUIDE
The Northern Nevada move playbook — taxes, cost of living, and neighborhoods.
Read →LIVING GUIDE
Jobs, cost, weather, and lifestyle across Northern Nevada.
Read →Sources & Methodology
Every statistic on this page is sourced from a primary or government dataset, refreshed monthly. The organizations below — from the U.S. Census Bureau to the Churchill County Assessor and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — supply the underlying data; follow any link to verify a figure or pull deeper detail than we publish here.
Methodology: Listing data is sourced via Repliers IDX feed (Las Vegas MLS) and refreshed every 15 minutes. Demographic and economic data are pulled monthly via Census/BLS APIs. School data is refreshed quarterly. All comparisons are like-for-like (same metric, same time period).
Updated: September 2026 · Next update: October 15