Nevada Counties. List Alphabetically (and by Population)

How many counties are there in Nevada? As of 2024, there are a total of 17 counties in the state of Nevada. Among them, Churchill County is the oldest one (established in 1861) while Carson City is the youngest (established in 1969).  With population of 2,204,079, Clark County is the most populated. The biggest county by land area is Nye County (47,001 km²) and the smallest is Carson City (373 km²).

Largest Counties in Nevada

1. Nye County

County Seat: Tonopah

  • Area: 18,159 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 51,591
  • Area Codes: 775
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.0680° N, 117.2298° W

Location and History

Nye County is the largest county in Nevada by area and one of the largest in the contiguous United States. Located in the southern part of the state, it was established in 1864 and named after James W. Nye, the first governor of the Nevada Territory. Tonopah, the county seat, rose to prominence during the silver boom in the early 20th century. Nye County is known for its vast, sparsely populated landscapes, encompassing parts of the Great Basin Desert, mountain ranges, and valleys. The county has a rich history tied to mining, particularly silver and gold, which has shaped its economic and cultural identity.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Nye County is traversed by several major highways, including U.S. Route 95, which runs north-south through the county, connecting Las Vegas and Reno, and U.S. Route 6, which runs east-west. Notable landmarks include the Nevada Test Site, a significant location for nuclear testing during the Cold War, and the Yucca Mountain, which was proposed as a site for nuclear waste storage. The county is also home to the Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada State Route 375), known for its proximity to the famed Area 51. In addition, the town of Pahrump serves as a gateway to Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest and driest places on Earth.

2. Elko County

County Seat: Elko

  • Area: 17,203 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 53,198
  • Area Codes: 775
  • Latitude and Longitude: 41.1616° N, 115.3558° W

Location and History

Elko County, located in the northeastern part of Nevada, is the second-largest county in the state by area. It was established in 1869, with Elko as its county seat, a town that grew rapidly with the arrival of the Central Pacific Railroad. The county is characterized by its rugged mountain ranges, expansive valleys, and rich history of mining and ranching. The area is deeply tied to the Western cowboy culture, with Elko being known as the “Heart of Northeast Nevada.” The Shoshone people have a significant presence in the county, and their cultural influence is evident throughout the region.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Elko County is served by Interstate 80, which runs east-west through the county, connecting it to Salt Lake City and Reno. U.S. Route 93 also runs through the county, providing north-south access. Notable landmarks include the Ruby Mountains, often referred to as the “Nevada Alps,” which offer stunning alpine scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and hunting. The county is also home to Lamoille Canyon, a scenic byway known for its glacial valleys and rugged terrain. Additionally, the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko celebrates the traditions and culture of the American West, attracting visitors from across the country.

3. Humboldt County

County Seat: Winnemucca

  • Area: 9,658 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 17,079
  • Area Codes: 775
  • Latitude and Longitude: 41.2506° N, 117.7357° W

Location and History

Humboldt County, located in north-central Nevada, is the third-largest county in the state. The county was established in 1856 and named after the Humboldt River, which flows through the region. Winnemucca, the county seat, has a rich history as a hub for mining and ranching. The county’s landscape is dominated by vast desert basins, mountain ranges, and the Humboldt River, making it a quintessential part of the Great Basin region. Humboldt County has a long history of mining, particularly for gold, silver, and other minerals, and it continues to play a significant role in the local economy.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Humboldt County is accessible via Interstate 80, which runs east-west through the county, connecting it to Reno and Salt Lake City. U.S. Route 95 also runs through the county, providing north-south access. Notable landmarks include the Black Rock Desert, famous for hosting the annual Burning Man festival, a large gathering that celebrates art, community, and self-expression. The county is also home to the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, which provides a habitat for pronghorn antelope, wild horses, and other wildlife. The historic Winnemucca Hotel, one of the oldest buildings in the county, offers a glimpse into the area’s pioneer past.

4. Lincoln County

County Seat: Pioche

  • Area: 10,637 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 5,183
  • Area Codes: 775
  • Latitude and Longitude: 37.7791° N, 114.5140° W

Location and History

Lincoln County is located in southeastern Nevada and is the fourth-largest county in the state by area. The county was established in 1866 and named after President Abraham Lincoln. Pioche, the county seat, was a booming mining town in the late 19th century, known for its rich silver deposits and lawlessness. Today, Lincoln County is known for its remote landscapes, rugged mountain ranges, and small, historic towns. The county’s economy has traditionally been based on mining and agriculture, with tourism becoming increasingly important due to its natural attractions and proximity to the Extraterrestrial Highway.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Lincoln County is accessible via U.S. Route 93, which runs north-south through the county, connecting it to Las Vegas and Ely. The Extraterrestrial Highway (Nevada State Route 375) is a popular route for tourists interested in the mysterious Area 51. Notable landmarks include Cathedral Gorge State Park, known for its dramatic, eroded cliffs and narrow canyons, and the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, which offers birdwatching and outdoor recreation along its lakes and wetlands. The historic mining town of Pioche is also a major attraction, with its well-preserved buildings and fascinating history of the Wild West.

5. White Pine County

County Seat: Ely

  • Area: 8,897 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 9,580
  • Area Codes: 775
  • Latitude and Longitude: 39.3819° N, 114.8910° W

Location and History

White Pine County is located in eastern Nevada and is the fifth-largest county in the state by area. The county was established in 1869 and named after the abundant white pine trees found in the region. Ely, the county seat, was established as a stagecoach station and later became a mining boomtown with the discovery of copper in the early 20th century. White Pine County is known for its mountainous terrain, rich mining history, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The county’s economy has been historically driven by mining, particularly for copper, gold, and silver, with tourism playing an increasingly important role.

Major Highways and Landmarks

White Pine County is served by U.S. Route 50, known as the “Loneliest Road in America,” which runs east-west through the county. U.S. Route 93 also runs through the county, providing north-south access. Notable landmarks include Great Basin National Park, home to the ancient Bristlecone Pines and the Lehman Caves, as well as Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the park. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely offers historic train rides and preserves the area’s rich railroad history. The Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park features beehive-shaped charcoal kilns used in the late 19th century for silver smelting, offering a glimpse into the county’s mining past.

6. Clark County

County Seat: Las Vegas

  • Area: 8,061 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,265,461
  • Area Codes: 702, 725
  • Latitude and Longitude: 36.0796° N, 115.0940° W

Location and History

Clark County, located in the southern tip of Nevada, is the most populous county in the state and includes the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The county was established in 1909 and named after William A. Clark, a U.S. Senator and railroad magnate. Las Vegas, the county seat, was founded in 1905 and quickly grew into a major city with the construction of the Hoover Dam and the legalization of gambling in Nevada. Today, Clark County is synonymous with Las Vegas, a global entertainment capital known for its casinos, nightlife, and tourism. The county’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, gaming, and conventions, making it one of the most economically significant regions in the United States.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Clark County is served by major highways such as Interstate 15, which runs through Las Vegas and connects it to Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. U.S. Route 95 and Interstate 215 also provide critical access within the region. Notable landmarks include the Las Vegas Strip, home to some of the most famous hotels and casinos in the world, and the Hoover Dam, a marvel of modern engineering located on the border between Nevada and Arizona. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers stunning desert landscapes and is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, formed by the Hoover Dam, is a major spot for boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

7. Lander County

County Seat: Battle Mountain

  • Area: 5,494 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 5,734
  • Area Codes: 775
  • Latitude and Longitude: 40.6405° N, 116.9339° W

Location and History

Lander County, located in north-central Nevada, was one of the original nine counties established when Nevada became a state in 1864. It was named after Frederick W. Lander, a transcontinental railroad surveyor. The county seat is Battle Mountain, a small town that has historically been a center for mining and transportation. Lander County is known for its rugged terrain, including mountain ranges, deserts, and wide-open spaces. The county has a rich mining history, with gold and silver being the primary minerals extracted. Today, mining remains a significant part of the local economy, alongside ranching and outdoor recreation.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Lander County is accessible via Interstate 80, which runs east-west through the county, connecting it to Reno and Salt Lake City. U.S. Route 50 also passes through the southern part of the county. Notable landmarks include the Toiyabe Range, which offers hiking and camping opportunities in a remote and scenic environment. The Reese River Valley is another important feature, known for its ranching and agricultural activities. The Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, located in the southern part of the county, preserves the remains of an ancient marine reptile and a historic mining town, offering a unique combination of natural history and Nevada’s mining heritage.

8. Eureka County

County Seat: Eureka

  • Area: 4,176 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,029
  • Area Codes: 775
  • Latitude and Longitude: 39.5117° N, 115.9608° W

Location and History

Eureka County is located in central Nevada and was established in 1873. The county was named after the Greek word “eureka,” meaning “I have found it,” which was exclaimed by miners who discovered rich silver deposits in the area. Eureka, the county seat, developed as a booming mining town in the late 19th century, with the population peaking during the silver rush. Today, Eureka County is sparsely populated, with a landscape dominated by mountain ranges, valleys, and desert basins. The county’s economy remains closely tied to mining, with gold being the primary resource extracted.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Eureka County is served by U.S. Route 50, often called the “Loneliest Road in America,” which runs east-west through the county. Nevada State Route 278 connects Eureka to Interstate 80 to the north. Notable landmarks include the historic town of Eureka, often referred to as the “Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road,” with well-preserved buildings such as the Eureka Opera House and the Jackson House Hotel. The county is also home to the Diamond Valley, known for its agricultural production, particularly alfalfa. The Ruby Hill Mine, located near Eureka, is one of the oldest and still active mining operations in the area, contributing to the county’s economy.

9. Washoe County

County Seat: Reno

  • Area: 6,542 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 486,492
  • Area Codes: 775
  • Latitude and Longitude: 39.5296° N, 119.8138° W

Location and History

Washoe County is located in the northwestern part of Nevada and is the second most populous county in the state. The county was established in 1861 and named after the Washoe people, who were the original inhabitants of the area. Reno, the county seat, is known as “The Biggest Little City in the World” and has a rich history as a center for gambling, entertainment, and tourism. The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the legalization of gambling in Nevada in 1931 spurred Reno’s growth as a major city. Today, Washoe County is a hub for tourism, education, and technology, with a diverse economy that includes gaming, outdoor recreation, and manufacturing.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Washoe County is served by major highways such as Interstate 80, which runs east-west through the county, connecting it to Sacramento and Salt Lake City, and U.S. Route 395, which provides north-south access. Notable landmarks include Lake Tahoe, a world-renowned destination for skiing, boating, and hiking, located on the border between Nevada and California. The Truckee River, which flows through Reno, is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. The county is also home to the University of Nevada, Reno, a major educational institution, and the National Automobile Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of vintage cars. The annual Reno Air Races and the Reno Rodeo are major events that draw visitors from across the country.

10. Lyon County

County Seat: Yerington

  • Area: 2,016 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 59,235
  • Area Codes: 775
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.9932° N, 119.1633° W

Location and History

Lyon County is located in western Nevada and was one of the original nine counties established when Nevada became a state in 1864. The county was named after Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general to be killed in the Civil War. Yerington, the county seat, developed as an agricultural center, with farming and ranching being key industries. The county’s history is closely tied to the Comstock Lode, one of the richest silver discoveries in American history, which spurred rapid growth in the nearby town of Virginia City. Today, Lyon County is known for its historic sites, agricultural production, and proximity to recreational areas.

Major Highways and Landmarks

Lyon County is served by U.S. Route 50, which runs east-west through the county, and U.S. Route 95A, which provides access to the southern parts of the county. Notable landmarks include Fort Churchill State Historic Park, which preserves the remains of a 19th-century U.S. Army fort built to protect settlers and travelers along the Pony Express route. The county is also home to the historic town of Dayton, one of Nevada’s oldest settlements, with a rich history linked to mining and the Comstock Lode. The Lahontan State Recreation Area, located near Silver Springs, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping along the Carson River and Lahontan Reservoir.

List of All Counties in Nevada Alphabetically

Below please see all Nevada counties which are listed in alphabetical order.

  1. Carson City, NV
  2. Churchill County, NV
  3. Clark County, NV
  4. Douglas County, NV
  5. Elko County, NV
  6. Esmeralda County, NV
  7. Eureka County, NV
  8. Humboldt County, NV
  9. Lander County, NV
  10. Lincoln County, NV
  11. Lyon County, NV
  12. Mineral County, NV
  13. Nye County, NV
  14. Pershing County, NV
  15. Storey County, NV
  16. Washoe County, NV
  17. White Pine County, NV

Map of Nevada Counties

Map of Nevada Counties