Cities and Towns in Lyon County, Nevada
Founded in 1861, Lyon County is one of 16 counties in the state of Nevada. Historically, Lyon County was one of the 7 original counties. The city of Yerington is the county seat. With FIPS code of 19, Lyon County has a population of 60,903 and area of 1,994 square miles (5,164 km²).
List of all cities in Lyon County, NV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Aurora, NV | 89444 | 775 |
| Central Valley, NV | 89430 | 775 |
| Dayton, NV | 89403 | 775 |
| Fernley, NV | 89408 | 775 |
| Hazen, NV | 89408 | 775 |
| Mason, NV | 89447 | 775 |
| Pizen Switch, NV | 89447 | 775 |
| Silver City, NV | 89428 | 775 |
| Silver Springs, NV | 89429 | 775 |
| Simpson, NV | 89444 | 775 |
| Smith, NV | 89430 | 775 |
| Stagecoach, NV | 89429 | 775 |
| Sweetwater, NV | 89444 | 775 |
| Topaz Ranch Estates, NV | 89444 | 775 |
| Wabuska, NV | 89447 | 775 |
| Weed Heights, NV | 89447 | 775 |
| Wellington, NV | 89444 | 775 |
| Yerington, NV | 89447 | 775 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lyon County, Nevada
Yerington
Location and History
Yerington is the county seat of Lyon County, located in the western part of Nevada, about 25 miles southeast of Lake Tahoe. The town was originally settled by European Americans in the mid-19th century, and it grew from a small trading post to a bustling center for ranching and mining. Yerington was established as a town in 1861, named after the Yerington family, early settlers who were influential in the development of the region. The discovery of silver and other minerals in the area helped fuel its growth, and the town became an important point for the nearby mines. However, as mining declined, Yerington transitioned into an agricultural town, focusing on ranching and farming, particularly the cultivation of alfalfa and potatoes. Today, Yerington remains a small town, known for its historical significance and its role as a service center for the surrounding rural areas.
Major Schools
Yerington is served by the Lyon County School District, with key schools including Yerington High School and Yerington Middle School. The town also has several elementary schools, such as Broadway Elementary School and Yerington Elementary School. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby cities like Reno or Carson City for colleges and universities, including the University of Nevada, Reno.
Major Landmarks
Yerington is home to several important landmarks, including the Yerington City Park, which features picnic areas, sports fields, and walking paths. The Walker River, which flows nearby, provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The Pond Lily Marsh, located just outside the town, is known for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with an abundance of migratory species passing through. Yerington also features the Lyon County Museum, which offers exhibits about the town’s early history, including its Native American roots, pioneer settlement, and mining heritage. Additionally, the surrounding rural areas are home to several historic ranches and scenic desert landscapes, making Yerington a popular stop for those exploring Nevada’s western regions.
City Stats:
- Area: 5.7 square miles
- Population: 3,000 (estimated, 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89447
- Latitude: 38.9677° N
- Longitude: 119.1480° W
Fernley
Location and History
Fernley is located in the western part of Lyon County, approximately 30 miles east of Reno and 20 miles north of the Carson City area. The town was founded in the early 1900s, primarily as an agricultural hub, and it grew in prominence due to the construction of the Fernley and Lassen Railway in the 1910s. Initially, Fernley was a railroad stop and farming community that provided goods and services to the surrounding areas. The town’s economy was based on agriculture, with a particular focus on the cultivation of crops such as alfalfa and wheat. As Fernley grew, it became a key location for regional transport and trade. The completion of the Truckee Canal in the early 20th century, which brought water to the area, helped solidify Fernley’s agricultural economy. In recent decades, Fernley has experienced rapid population growth, spurred by its proximity to Reno and the economic opportunities in northern Nevada. Today, it is considered one of the fastest-growing towns in the state.
Major Schools
Fernley is served by the Lyon County School District, which operates several schools in the area, including Fernley High School, Fernley Intermediate School, and Fernley Elementary School. The town also has multiple elementary and middle schools to serve its growing population. For higher education, many residents travel to Reno to attend institutions such as the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) or the Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC).
Major Landmarks
Fernley features several notable landmarks and attractions. The Fernley Raceway is a well-known venue for motorsports enthusiasts, hosting events for cars, trucks, and dirt bikes. Another key site is Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. The nearby Pyramid Lake is another natural attraction, renowned for its stunning desert landscapes and its significance to Native American history. Fernley is also home to several parks, including Pioneer Park and Lyon County Park, which offer recreational activities like picnicking, sports, and walking trails. The Fernley Museum provides exhibits on the town’s history, focusing on its development as a farming and railroad town. Fernley’s proximity to the Truckee River makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities like rafting and fishing.
City Stats:
- Area: 21.5 square miles
- Population: 21,000 (estimated, 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89408
- Latitude: 39.6020° N
- Longitude: 119.2479° W
Silver Springs
Location and History
Silver Springs is located in the southeastern part of Lyon County, along U.S. Route 50, also known as the “Loneliest Road in America.” The town’s history dates back to the 1850s, when it was established as a stagecoach stop during the westward expansion. It was named after a nearby spring that was used by travelers and settlers. The town experienced a brief mining boom in the 1860s, when silver was discovered in the surrounding areas, but it never became a major mining center. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Silver Springs became a small agricultural community, with settlers focusing on farming, ranching, and raising livestock. The town remained relatively small until the late 20th century when it began to attract new residents due to its affordable living and proximity to the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. Today, Silver Springs remains a quiet, rural community with a mix of agricultural and residential development.
Major Schools
Silver Springs is served by the Lyon County School District, which operates several schools in the area, including Silver Springs Elementary School and Silver Stage High School. The town’s schools provide K-12 education to the local population. For higher education, residents often travel to nearby Reno, where they can access a variety of colleges and universities such as the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC).
Major Landmarks
Silver Springs is known for its proximity to Lake Lahontan State Recreation Area, which is a popular site for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The town is also located near the Fort Churchill State Historic Park, which preserves the remains of a military fort built in the 1860s. The fort played an important role during the Indian Wars and is now a popular tourist destination for those interested in Nevada’s military history. Other landmarks in the area include Lyon County Museum, which showcases artifacts from the region’s early settlement and agricultural past. Silver Springs is also part of the Pyramid Lake region, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
City Stats:
- Area: 17.6 square miles
- Population: 6,000 (estimated, 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89429
- Latitude: 39.4353° N
- Longitude: 119.2204° W
Dayton
Location and History
Dayton is one of the oldest communities in Nevada, located in the western part of Lyon County, about 12 miles east of Carson City. The town was founded in 1851 and is considered the first permanent settlement in the western part of the state. Dayton’s early growth was fueled by the discovery of gold and silver in the nearby mountains, and the town quickly became an important mining hub. The town also served as a stagecoach stop for travelers along the California Trail. The mining boom in Dayton eventually subsided, but the town continued to thrive as a farming and ranching community. In the 20th century, Dayton experienced growth as part of the greater Reno-Carson City metropolitan area. Today, it is a small but growing town that offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
Major Schools
Dayton is part of the Lyon County School District, with Dayton High School, Dayton Intermediate School, and Dayton Elementary School serving the community. The schools offer a variety of programs and extracurricular activities for students. For higher education, Dayton residents often commute to nearby Carson City or Reno to attend larger institutions like the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) or Western Nevada College.
Major Landmarks
Dayton is home to several historic landmarks, including the Dayton Historic District, which preserves several 19th-century buildings from the town’s early mining days. The St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church, built in the 1860s, is one of the town’s oldest structures. The Dayton Valley Golf Club is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, offering a scenic course set against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. The nearby Fort Churchill State Historic Park is another key attraction, with the ruins of an 1860s-era fort and exhibits on the area’s military history. Dayton is also a gateway for outdoor activities in the surrounding Sierra Nevada and Pyramid Lake areas, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
City Stats:
- Area: 16.1 square miles
- Population: 9,500 (estimated, 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89403
- Latitude: 39.2440° N
- Longitude: 119.5846° W
