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Wells, Nevada Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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Wells, Nevada is a small town located in northeastern Nevada, close to the Oregon border. With a population of just over 1,300 people, Wells is the largest city in Elko County. The town was founded in 1868 and named after the founder’s brother-in-law, Captain Henry M. Wells.

The town of Wells was built to service travelers on the Central Pacific Railroad and the Pony Express. Today, it serves as an important stop for travelers along Interstate 80 who are en route to Salt Lake City or Reno. The town has become known for its rich silver mining past and has been designated as an official Nevada Silver Trails community.

Wells is home to several historic sites including the historic Cottage Hotel and Restaurant which was built in 1910 and is still in operation today. There are also several vintage buildings that have been preserved from the 19th century including a former blacksmith shop, bank, livery stable, and saloon all located on Main Street.

In addition to its historic sites, Wells offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy such as camping at nearby Angel Lake or fishing at any one of the area’s many lakes including Wild Horse Reservoir and Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. There are also many hiking trails throughout the area offering spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and deep canyons as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, antelope, elk and more.

The city of Wells hosts several events throughout the year including its annual Western Days celebration which features live entertainment such as rodeos and country music performances alongside traditional cowboy games like calf roping and barrel racing competitions. Other popular events include a car show each summer with classic cars from all eras on display along with food vendors plus art shows featuring local artists displaying their work for sale during most weekends throughout summer months at nearby Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway.

Wells may be small but it has plenty of charm that makes it worth visiting whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or just want to take in some history while exploring this unique part of Nevada’s high desert landscape.

Population: 1,346. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,295 (-3.8% change)
Males: 698 (51.9%), Females: 648 (48.1%)

Elko County

Zip code: 89835

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.7 years
Median household income: $35,870
Median house value: $85,900

Population by Race

Races in Wells:

  • White Non-Hispanic (71.8%)
  • Hispanic (19.5%)
  • Other race (9.1%)
  • American Indian (8.2%)
  • Two or more races (3.5%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: German (15.2%), English (13.3%), Irish (10.5%), United States (5.7%), Swedish (4.8%), Italian (4.2%).

Elevation: 5630 feet

Land area: 6.9 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Wells

  • High school or higher: 78.7%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.0%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.8%
  • Unemployed: 5.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 14.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Wells city

  • Never married: 20.0%
  • Now married: 58.7%
  • Separated: 1.8%
  • Widowed: 7.1%
  • Divorced: 12.4%

11.8% Foreign born (10.2% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +195 (+16.9%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Wells:

  • NORTHEASTERN NV REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 57 miles; ELKO, NV)
  • OWYHEE COMMUNITY HEALTH FACILITY (about 102 miles; OWYHEE, NV)
  • MAGIC VALLEY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 104 miles; TWIN FALLS, ID)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Wells:

  • ELKO REGIONAL (about 60 miles; ELKO, NV; Abbreviation: EKO)
  • WENDOVER (about 72 miles; WENDOVER, UT; Abbreviation: ENV)
  • JOSLIN FIELD – MAGIC VALLEY RGNL (about 100 miles; TWIN FALLS, ID; Abbreviation: TWF)

Other public-use airports nearest to Wells:

  • WELLS MUNICIPAL/HARRIET FIELD (about 4 miles; WELLS, NV; Abbreviation: LWL)
  • JACKPOT/HAYDEN FIELD (about 63 miles; JACKPOT, NV; Abbreviation: 06U)
  • STEVENS-CROSBY (about 67 miles; NORTH FORK, NV; Abbreviation: 08U)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Wells:

  • COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO (about 104 miles; TWIN FALLS, ID; Full-time enrollment: 3,433)
  • BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 184 miles; BOISE, ID; Full-time enrollment: 12,033)
  • WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY (about 209 miles; OGDEN, UT; Full-time enrollment: 12,112)
  • IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY (about 212 miles; POCATELLO, ID; Full-time enrollment: 10,057)
  • UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX-UTAH CAMPUS (about 213 miles; SALT LAKE CITY, UT; Full-time enrollment: 2,021)
  • SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 214 miles; SALT LAKE CITY, UT; Full-time enrollment: 11,896)
  • UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY (about 216 miles; LOGAN, UT; Full-time enrollment: 16,384)

Schools

Public high school in Wells:

  • WELLS HS (Students: 211; Location: 1129 LAKE AVE.; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Wells:

  • WELLS ELEM (Students: 164; Location: 1129 LAKE AVE.; Grades: KG – 06)
  • RUBY VALLEY ELEM (Students: 15; Location: ARTHUR ROUTE; Grades: KG – 08)

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