Nevada has had over a century of continuous population growth, creating a unique set of challenges in the housing space. Since 2010, Nevada has experienced a 17% increase in residents, outpacing national trends. The cost of living has increased exponentially, with the average home price in Nevada increasing by $148,000 over the past five years. 

While our urban areas have experienced explosive growth, our rural counties have lost residents and are dealing with challenges in retaining their younger residents.  

At USDA Rural Development, we are proud to invest in rural prosperity by helping rural residents achieve the American dream of homeownership. USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Division assists moderate and low income Nevadans in buying a home in rural Nevada, which helps secure their roots in communities to thrive long term. 

USDA Rural Development’s housing programs support homeownership in rural communities across the nation by offering a variety of financing options to give qualifying individuals and families some flexibility to achieve homeownership. In Nevada, our dedicated team in the Single Family Housing programs offers guidance and direction to make sure the process is clear and transparent.

Darlene Davis in Laughlin shared her story about how USDA RD helped her purchase her forever home. After the 2008 recession combined with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, Darlene unfortunately lost her home in Arizona and was ill for several years. In 2021 she moved to Nevada and hoped to buy a house again. She applied to USDA Rural Development for a home loan in February 2024. 

“I had a wonderful conversation with two representatives from USDA who explained everything,” Darlene said. “Then I had to wait until there were funds available. I was in contact with my USDA representative the entire time. I had many questions.”

The process worked -- seven months later, Darlene was notified by USDA Nevada that she could start looking for a home. After a few weeks she found the right one, made an offer, and closed on the loan, rising from hardship and making her a homeowner in the Battle Born state.

Darlene shared, “It’s been a long journey to get here and it would not have happened if not for USDA…I am so grateful to everyone involved in making this dream happen. Thank you, USDA!”

Danielle Toral had a similar experience. “I was pretty nervous about buying my first home,” she explained. “I didn't know what to expect with the whole process as I am sure this is very common for first time home buyers.” With help from Michele Joe, a local USDA representative in Nevada’s Las Vegas office, Danielle and her family purchased a home in Fernley, Nevada in February of 2025. “My experience went pretty well…I want to say thank you Michele Joe for giving me that peace of mind, for your help, and dedication.”

A third new homeowner recently expressed her appreciation for USDA’s programs and help. Joyce DeZam in Elko, Nevada worked with USDA to purchase a home in January 2025 after a friend encouraged her to apply.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that I would be buying a home or able to afford one,” Joyce shared. “I am so grateful for this journey to homeownership and want to shout it out to the world for others like me to participate in this program.”

USDA Rural Development Nevada is here to help. Home means Nevada, and we are proud to be the agency that helps Nevadans find their forever homes. 

If you have questions about location, income, or other eligibilities, visit us at USDA Rural Development, Nevada to see what’s available in your area.