Moving to Tonopah, Nevada

by btobers · Published June 21, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Tonopah is an unincorporated town in Nye County, Nevada. With a population of around 2,500 people, Tonopah is the county seat and the largest community in the area. Tonopah is located in central Nevada, approximately halfway between Reno and Las Vegas. The town sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet above sea level and enjoys a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Tonopah’s history dates back to 1900 when Jim Butler discovered silver ore near what is now known as the Tonopah Mining Park. After that discovery, miners flocked to the area for fortune. The town quickly grew up around the mine and soon became a bustling mining town with saloons, stores, banks, and churches. In 1905 it was officially incorporated as a city with a mayor-council government system.

The economy of Tonopah relies mainly on tourism from visitors who come to explore its rich mining history or take advantage of its recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities. Additionally, it serves as an important service center for local ranches and mines scattered throughout Central Nevada.

The Nye County School District serves the educational needs of students in Tonopah with two elementary schools—one public school (Tonopah Elementary School) and one private school (St Joseph’s Catholic School). There are also two high schools—one public (Tonopah High School) and one private (Mountain View Academy).

Some notable landmarks in Tonopah include the Central Nevada Museum which displays artifacts from its mining past as well as old photographs; The Mizpah Hotel which was once owned by infamous mobster Bugsy Siegel; The Belvada Casino which was built in 1906; And Jim Butler’s grave which can be found at the cemetery just outside of town.

Population: 2,627
Males: 1,366 (52.0%), Females: 1,261 (48.0%)

Nye County

Zip code: 89049

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.7 years
Median household income: $37,401
Median house value: $78,200

Population by Race

Races in Tonopah:

White Non-Hispanic (88.2%)
Hispanic (6.2%)
Two or more races (3.0%)
American Indian (3.0%)
Other race (2.8%)
Black (0.8%)

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

Ancestries: United States (22.3%), German (15.7%), English (13.2%), Irish (10.0%), Italian (5.9%), Norwegian (3.3%).

Elevation: 6030 feet

Land area: 16.2 square miles

Population by Education

Tonopah, Nevada is a small town located in Nye County, in the middle of the state. As of 2018, the population of Tonopah was estimated to be around 2,478 people. The town has seen a steady population growth since its founding in 1901. The majority of Tonopah’s population is between 18 and 65 years old, with a median age of 38.5 years old.

The cost of living in Tonopah is below average compared to other towns and cities in Nevada and throughout the United States. Housing costs are especially low, with median home prices around $112,000 and average monthly rent at $912. Groceries are also relatively inexpensive at an estimated 8% lower than the national average. Utilities such as electricity and water are fairly priced as well, with the average electric bill coming out to just over $100 per month. Gasoline prices are also lower than most other places in Nevada and across the country. All these factors make Tonopah an attractive place for those looking for affordable living expenses without sacrificing quality of life or amenities.

For population 25 years and over in Tonopah

High school or higher: 81.2%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.0%
Graduate or professional degree: 3.2%
Unemployed: 7.5%
Mean travel time to work: 20.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Tonopah CDP

Never married: 17.7%
Now married: 60.7%
Separated: 2.5%
Widowed: 6.1%
Divorced: 12.9%

3.3% Foreign born (1.4% Europe, 0.9% Latin America, 0.8% Asia).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Tonopah:

NYE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (825 ERIE MAIN ST)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Tonopah:

NORTHERN INYO HOSPITAL (about 97 miles; BISHOP, CA)
MT GRANT GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 107 miles; HAWTHORNE, NV)
MAMOTH HOSPITAL (about 118 miles; MAMMOTH LAKES, CA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Tonopah:

TONOPAH TEST RANGE (about 38 miles; TONOPAH, NV; Abbreviation: TNX)
MAMMOTH YOSEMITE (about 116 miles; MAMMOTH LAKES, CA; Abbreviation: MMH)
ELY ARPT /YELLAND FLD/ (about 186 miles; ELY, NV; Abbreviation: ELY)

Other public-use airports nearest to Tonopah:

TONOPAH (about 11 miles; TONOPAH, NV; Abbreviation: TPH)
GOLDFIELD (about 25 miles; GOLDFIELD, NV; Abbreviation: 0L5)
LIDA JUNCTION (about 41 miles; GOLDFIELD, NV; Abbreviation: 0L4)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Tonopah:

CERRO COSO COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 173 miles; RIDGECREST, CA; Full-time enrollment: 2,347)
REEDLEY COLLEGE (about 183 miles; REEDLEY, CA; Full-time enrollment: 5,344)
PORTERVILLE COLLEGE (about 186 miles; PORTERVILLE, CA; Full-time enrollment: 2,288)
COLLEGE OF THE SEQUOIAS (about 189 miles; VISALIA, CA; Full-time enrollment: 6,295)
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY-FRESNO (about 190 miles; FRESNO, CA; Full-time enrollment: 16,035)
FRESNO CITY COLLEGE (about 190 miles; FRESNO, CA; Full-time enrollment: 10,741)
WESTERN NEVADA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 193 miles; Carson City, NV; Full-time enrollment: 2,167)

Schools

Public high school in Tonopah:

TONOPAH HS (Students: 149; Location: 2001 TENNANT DRIVE; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Tonopah:

TONOPAH ELEM (Students: 209; Location: 1220 IDAHO CR; Grades: PK – 08)
SILVER RIM ELEM (Students: 102; Location: 881 SMOKEY VALLEY ROAD; Grades: PK – 05)

Libraries

Library in Tonopah:

TONOPAH LIBRARY DISTIRCT (Operating income: $92,723; Location: P.O. BOX 449; 12,489 books; 590 audio materials; 358 video materials; 10 serial subscriptions)