Cities and Towns in Nye County, Nevada
Founded in 1864, Nye County is one of 16 counties in the state of Nevada. Historically, Nye County was formed from Esmeralda County. The city of Tonopah is the county seat. With FIPS code of 23, Nye County has a population of 53,450 and area of 18,147 square miles (47,001 km²).
List of all cities in Nye County, NV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Amargosa Valley, NV | 89020 | 775 |
| Beatty, NV | 89003 | 775 |
| Carvers, NV | 89045 | 775 |
| Coaldale, NV | 89049 | 775 |
| Crystal, NV | 89041 | 775 |
| 89048 | 775 | |
| Gabbs, NV | 89409 | 775 |
| Jackass Flats, NV | 89023 | 775 |
| Johnnie, NV | 89041 | 775 |
| 89048 | 775 | |
| Lathrop Wells, NV | 89020 | 775 |
| Manhattan, NV | 89022 | 775 |
| Mercury, NV | 89023 | 775 |
| Pahrump, NV | 89041 | 775 |
| 89048 | 775 | |
| 89060 | 775 | |
| 89061 | 775 | |
| Rhyolite, NV | 89003 | 775 |
| Round Mountain, NV | 89045 | 775 |
| Tonopah, NV | 89049 | 775 |
| Warm Springs, NV | 89049 | 775 |
Major Cities and Towns in Nye County, Nevada
Nye County is one of the largest counties in Nevada, spanning vast desert landscapes, rugged mountain ranges, and small towns with deep ties to mining, ranching, and nuclear history. The county is home to several notable towns, each with its own unique history and attractions. Below are some of the major cities and towns in Nye County, along with their key features, schools, and landmarks.
Pahrump
Location and History
Pahrump, the largest town in Nye County, is located in the southern part of the county, approximately 60 miles west of Las Vegas, near the California border. The area was originally inhabited by the Southern Paiute people, and the name “Pahrump” is derived from a Southern Paiute term meaning “water rock” or “rock water,” referring to the area’s springs. European settlers arrived in the region in the mid-19th century, and Pahrump became a station for travelers along the Old Spanish Trail. Pahrump’s economy was traditionally centered around farming, especially grapes, as the area’s desert climate and irrigation systems made it suitable for vineyards. In the 1950s and 1960s, Pahrump gained attention due to its proximity to the Nevada Test Site, where nuclear weapons were tested. This association with the atomic age contributed to its growth, especially in the 1980s when Las Vegas residents started moving to Pahrump for its lower cost of living and proximity to the city.
Major Schools
Pahrump is part of the Nye County School District, which serves the town with several public schools, including Pahrump Valley High School, which is the town’s main secondary school. The district also includes several elementary and middle schools, such as Manse Elementary and Rosemary Clarke Middle School. For higher education, residents typically travel to Las Vegas, where the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and the College of Southern Nevada offer a wide range of programs.
Major Landmarks
Pahrump is home to several notable landmarks, including the Pahrump Valley Museum, which provides a comprehensive look at the region’s history, including its Native American heritage, early settlement, and atomic history. Another key site is the Pahrump Valley Speedway, which hosts motorsport events and draws racing fans from across the region. The town is also known for its proximity to Death Valley National Park to the west, a major tourist destination for hiking, sightseeing, and stargazing. The nearby Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch is a high-end racing facility that attracts driving enthusiasts. Pahrump is also recognized for its vineyards and wineries, making it a part of Nevada’s growing wine industry.
City Stats:
- Area: 324.4 square miles
- Population: 44,733 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89041-89060
- Latitude: 36.2325° N
- Longitude: 115.9840° W
Tonopah
Location and History
Tonopah is located in western Nye County, about halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, making it a historic crossroads for travelers in Nevada. Founded in 1900, the town sprang up after the discovery of silver in the area, which led to the establishment of several mining operations. Tonopah’s silver rush made it one of Nevada’s most prosperous towns during the early 20th century, and it quickly became a vital center of mining, commerce, and transportation. At its peak, Tonopah had a population of over 10,000 people, and it was known for its rich mining output. The town’s prosperity dwindled when the silver veins were exhausted, and many businesses moved away, but Tonopah has retained its historic charm and serves as a reminder of Nevada’s mining past. It is often referred to as the “Queen of the Silver Camps” due to its significance during the silver boom.
Major Schools
Tonopah is part of the Nye County School District, which serves the area with Tonopah High School, along with Tonopah Middle School and several elementary schools. Despite its small size, Tonopah High School offers a broad curriculum for students in grades 6 through 12. For higher education, many residents travel to nearby cities such as Reno or Las Vegas for access to larger colleges and universities.
Major Landmarks
Tonopah’s most famous landmark is the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, which showcases the town’s mining history with original mining equipment, restored buildings, and exhibits that highlight the silver rush and the daily life of miners. The Tonopah Cemetery, which contains the graves of many of the town’s early residents, offers a glimpse into the town’s history. Another well-known site is the Clown Motel, a quirky and eccentric motel that has become an infamous destination due to its vast collection of clown-themed memorabilia and its location next to the Tonopah Cemetery. The nearby Tonopah Test Range is a former military testing site that is sometimes open to the public for tours, offering a unique look at Nevada’s nuclear and aviation history.
City Stats:
- Area: 3.4 square miles
- Population: 2,478 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89049
- Latitude: 38.0674° N
- Longitude: 118.1493° W
Beatty
Location and History
Beatty, located in the southern part of Nye County, near the Nevada-California border, is often referred to as the “Gateway to Death Valley” due to its proximity to the national park. The town was established in the early 1900s as a supply hub for miners working in the surrounding desert and mountain areas, particularly those involved in gold mining. Beatty was initially a small mining town, but it grew in the 1920s and 1930s due to its role as a transportation stop for travelers heading to the nearby mines. The town is also associated with the nearby Rhyolite ghost town, one of the most famous mining ghost towns in Nevada. As mining operations dwindled, Beatty transitioned to a service-oriented economy, catering to tourists visiting Death Valley National Park and the surrounding area.
Major Schools
Beatty is served by the Nye County School District, which operates the Beatty High School, serving students from grades 6 through 12. The district also includes Beatty Elementary School, which serves the younger population. Due to the small size of the community, Beatty’s educational options are more limited compared to larger towns, and residents often travel to other areas for higher education opportunities.
Major Landmarks
Beatty’s biggest landmark is its proximity to Death Valley National Park, where visitors can explore the stunning desert landscapes, salt flats, and the lowest point in North America at Badwater Basin. The nearby Rhyolite Ghost Town is a popular destination for those interested in the region’s mining history, featuring the remains of old buildings and structures from the town’s brief but prosperous mining days in the early 20th century. Beatty is also home to the Beatty Museum and Historical Society, which showcases exhibits on the town’s history, including its mining and railroad heritage. The Titus Canyon and Golden Canyon are popular hiking spots near Beatty, offering stunning desert scenery and geological formations.
City Stats:
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: 1,000 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 89003
- Latitude: 36.9337° N
- Longitude: 116.5240° W
Amargosa Valley
Location and History
Amargosa Valley is located in the southernmost part of Nye County, near the Nevada-California border. The valley itself was historically home to Native American tribes, particularly the Southern Paiutes, who used the land for hunting and gathering. European settlers arrived in the area in the mid-1800s, but the valley’s development was slow due to its remote location and arid climate. The town of Amargosa Valley was officially founded in the early 20th century as a small agricultural community, primarily focused on farming and ranching. Today, it is known for its proximity to the Amargosa Opera House and Death Valley Junction, where the famous opera house and surrounding historic buildings are located.
Major Schools
Amargosa Valley is served by the Nye County School District. The town’s primary educational institution is Amargosa Valley Elementary School, which serves students in the region. Secondary school students attend Beatty High School, located in nearby Beatty. For higher education, residents typically travel to larger cities such as Las Vegas or Reno.
Major Landmarks
Amargosa Valley is primarily known for its proximity to Death Valley National Park, offering visitors easy access to one of the most unique and extreme landscapes in the U.S. The Amargosa Opera House in nearby Death Valley Junction is a historic site, famous for its association with the artist Marta Becket, who turned the former theater into a hub for live performances, art, and cultural events. The surrounding desert provides opportunities for hiking, stargazing, and photography, making it a prime location for nature enthusiasts.
City Stats:
- Area: 91.2 square miles
- Population: 1,200 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 89020
- Latitude: 36.6057° N
- Longitude: 116.4710° W