List of Counties in Nevada
Nevada has 17 counties, including the independent Carson City. The most populous counties are Clark County (Las Vegas), Washoe County (Reno), Carson City, Lyon County, Elko County, Douglas County, Nye County, Churchill County, Humboldt County, and White Pine County. Clark County is by far the largest, encompassing Las Vegas, which is a major global hub for tourism and entertainment. Washoe County, home to Reno, is also highly populated and growing rapidly.
List of All Counties in Nevada
- Carson City, Nevada
- Churchill County, Nevada
- Clark County, Nevada
- Douglas County, Nevada
- Elko County, Nevada
- Esmeralda County, Nevada
- Eureka County, Nevada
- Humboldt County, Nevada
- Lander County, Nevada
- Lincoln County, Nevada
- Lyon County, Nevada
- Mineral County, Nevada
- Nye County, Nevada
- Pershing County, Nevada
- Storey County, Nevada
- Washoe County, Nevada
- White Pine County, Nevada
Largest Counties in Nevada
1. Nye County
Overview
Nye County is the largest county in Nevada and the third-largest county by area in the contiguous United States, covering 18,159 square miles. It is located in the southern part of the state and is bordered by Esmeralda County to the west, Clark County to the southeast, and Lincoln County to the east. Established in 1864, the county was named after James W. Nye, the first governor of the Nevada Territory. The county seat is Tonopah, a former silver mining town. Nye County’s economy has historically been tied to mining, and it is home to the Nevada National Security Site, a key location for nuclear testing. Today, the county’s economy includes tourism, government employment, and mining. Its vast desert landscapes include portions of Death Valley and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 51,000
- County Seat: Tonopah
- Major Airports: None (McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas serves the region)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 95, U.S. Highway 6, State Route 160
2. Elko County
Overview
Elko County, located in the northeastern part of Nevada, spans 17,203 square miles. It is bordered by Idaho to the north, Utah to the east, and Eureka County to the south. Established in 1869, the county was named after the town of Elko, which was a key stop on the Central Pacific Railroad. The county seat is Elko, a city known for its ties to the cattle ranching industry and as a center for gold mining. Elko County is one of the largest gold-producing areas in the world. The Ruby Mountains, a popular destination for outdoor recreation, are located in the county. The economy is driven by mining, agriculture, and tourism, with ranching also playing a significant role.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 55,000
- County Seat: Elko
- Major Airports: Elko Regional Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 93, U.S. Highway 50
3. Clark County
Overview
Clark County is located in southern Nevada and covers 8,061 square miles. It is bordered by California to the west, Arizona to the east, and Nye County to the north. Established in 1909, the county was named after William A. Clark, a U.S. Senator and railroad magnate. The county seat is Las Vegas, one of the most famous cities in the world, known for its entertainment, tourism, and gaming industries. Clark County is the most populous county in Nevada and is home to more than two-thirds of the state’s residents. The economy is dominated by tourism, hospitality, and the gaming industry, with the Las Vegas Strip serving as the focal point. The county is also a gateway to natural attractions like the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, and Lake Mead.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 2.3 million
- County Seat: Las Vegas
- Major Airports: McCarran International Airport (now Harry Reid International Airport)
- Major Highways: Interstate 15, U.S. Highway 93, U.S. Highway 95
4. Humboldt County
Overview
Humboldt County is located in northwestern Nevada and covers 9,658 square miles. It is bordered by Oregon to the north, Pershing County to the south, and Elko County to the east. The county was established in 1856 and named after the Humboldt River, which flows through the area. The county seat is Winnemucca, a city known for its historic ties to mining and ranching. Humboldt County’s economy is centered around agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, and mining, with gold, silver, and lithium being key resources. The county’s remote and rugged landscape attracts visitors interested in outdoor activities like hunting and hiking. The Black Rock Desert, where the annual Burning Man festival is held, is located in the southern part of the county.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 17,000
- County Seat: Winnemucca
- Major Airports: Winnemucca Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 95, State Route 140
5. Washoe County
Overview
Washoe County is located in the western part of Nevada and spans 6,551 square miles. It is bordered by California to the west, Storey County to the south, and Humboldt County to the north. Established in 1861, Washoe County was named after the Washoe people, Native Americans who inhabited the region. The county seat is Reno, known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” which has grown into a major hub for tourism, gaming, and education. The economy of Washoe County is driven by gaming, tourism, manufacturing, and logistics, with the Reno-Tahoe area becoming a key destination for visitors and businesses alike. The county is also home to the University of Nevada, Reno, and beautiful Lake Tahoe, which offers year-round outdoor recreation.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 490,000
- County Seat: Reno
- Major Airports: Reno-Tahoe International Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 80, Interstate 580, U.S. Highway 395
6. White Pine County
Overview
White Pine County is located in eastern Nevada, covering 8,897 square miles. It is bordered by Utah to the east, Elko County to the north, and Eureka County to the west. The county was established in 1869 and named after the white pine trees found in the region. The county seat is Ely, a city that developed as a copper mining hub during the early 20th century. Today, the economy of White Pine County is still largely tied to mining, with copper and molybdenum being major resources. Tourism also plays an important role, with Great Basin National Park located in the county, drawing visitors to its ancient bristlecone pines and Lehman Caves.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 9,000
- County Seat: Ely
- Major Airports: Ely Airport/Yelland Field
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 6, U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 93
7. Lincoln County
Overview
Lincoln County is located in southeastern Nevada, covering 10,637 square miles. It is bordered by Utah to the east, Clark County to the south, and Nye County to the west. The county was established in 1866 and named after President Abraham Lincoln. The county seat is Pioche, a historic mining town that flourished during the late 19th century. Lincoln County’s economy has traditionally been based on mining and ranching, though it is now also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities. The county’s rugged terrain includes desert landscapes, mountains, and canyons. Popular attractions include Cathedral Gorge State Park and Echo Canyon State Park, which offer hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 5,000
- County Seat: Pioche
- Major Airports: None (Nearest major airport: McCarran International Airport)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 93, State Route 375 (Extraterrestrial Highway), State Route 318
8. Lander County
Overview
Lander County is located in north-central Nevada and covers 5,519 square miles. It is bordered by Eureka County to the east, Humboldt County to the north, and Churchill County to the west. The county was established in 1862 and named after Frederick W. Lander, a civil engineer and Union general. The county seat is Battle Mountain, which has historically been a mining and ranching town. Lander County’s economy is driven by gold mining and agriculture, with cattle ranching playing a significant role. The county’s remote, mountainous terrain offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, hiking, and off-road adventures.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 6,000
- County Seat: Battle Mountain
- Major Airports: Battle Mountain Airport
- Major Highways: Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 93
9. Eureka County
Overview
Eureka County is located in central Nevada, covering 4,176 square miles. It is bordered by Lander County to the west, White Pine County to the east, and Nye County to the south. The county was established in 1873 and named after the Greek word “Eureka,” meaning “I have found it,” a phrase commonly associated with mining discoveries. The county seat is Eureka, a small town that developed during Nevada’s silver mining boom. Mining remains a critical part of Eureka County’s economy, with significant gold production. The county’s rugged landscape includes mountains, valleys, and desert areas, and it is sparsely populated, offering wide-open spaces for outdoor activities.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 2,000
- County Seat: Eureka
- Major Airports: None (Nearest major airport: Elko Regional Airport)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 50, U.S. Highway 278
10. Esmeralda County
Overview
Esmeralda County is located in southwestern Nevada, covering 3,589 square miles. It is bordered by California to the west, Nye County to the east, and Mineral County to the north. Established in 1861, Esmeralda County was named after the Spanish and Portuguese word for “emerald.” The county seat is Goldfield, a once-thriving gold mining town that was the largest city in Nevada during the early 1900s. Today, Esmeralda County is one of the least populous counties in the United States, with a small population primarily involved in ranching and mining. Its vast desert landscapes offer a remote, tranquil environment, attracting visitors for off-road exploration and photography.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 1,000
- County Seat: Goldfield
- Major Airports: None (Nearest major airport: McCarran International Airport)
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 95, State Route 264, State Route 266