Cities and Towns in Washoe County, Nevada
Founded in 1861, Washoe County is one of 16 counties in the state of Nevada. Historically, Washoe County was one of the 7 original counties. The city of Reno is the county seat. With FIPS code of 31, Washoe County has a population of 493,392 and area of 6,342 square miles (16,426 km²).
List of all cities in Washoe County, NV alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Anderson Acres, NV | 89506 | 775 |
Black Springs, NV | 89506 | 775 |
Bordertown, NV | 89506 | 775 |
89508 | 775 | |
Branch #1, NV | 89704 | 775 |
Cannon International Airport, NV | 89510 | 775 |
Carson City, NV | 89704 | 775 |
Cold Springs, NV | 89508 | 775 |
Cottonwood Creek, NV | 89510 | 775 |
Crystal Bay, NV | 89402 | 775 |
Empire, NV | 89405 | 775 |
Galena, NV | 89511 | 775 |
Gerlach, NV | 89412 | 775 |
Golden Valley, NV | 89506 | 775 |
Grand Sierra Hotel, NV | 89595 | 775 |
Greenbrae, NV | 89431 | 775 |
Happy Valley, NV | 89431 | 775 |
Hidden Valley, NV | 89502 | 775 |
Incline Village, NV | 89450 | 775 |
89451 | 775 | |
89452 | 775 | |
J C Penney Co, NV | 89599 | 775 |
Lawton, NV | 89503 | 775 |
Lemmon Valley, NV | 89506 | 775 |
Lockwood, NV | 89434 | 775 |
McCarran, NV | 89434 | 775 |
Mogul, NV | 89523 | 775 |
Mustang, NV | 89434 | 775 |
Nixon, NV | 89424 | 775 |
Olinghouse, NV | 89442 | 775 |
Palomino Valley, NV | 89510 | 775 |
Panther Valley, NV | 89506 | 775 |
Parcel Return Reno, NV | 89555 | 775 |
Patrick, NV | 89434 | 775 |
Pleasant Valley, NV | 89511 | 775 |
Pyramid, NV | 89510 | 775 |
Rancho Haven, NV | 89506 | 775 |
Red Rock, NV | 89506 | 775 |
Reno, NV | 89501 | 775 |
89502 | 775 | |
89503 | 775 | |
89504 | 775 | |
89505 | 775 | |
89506 | 775 | |
89507 | 775 | |
89508 | 775 | |
89509 | 775 | |
89510 | 775 | |
89511 | 775 | |
89512 | 775 | |
89513 | 775 | |
89515 | 775 | |
89519 | 775 | |
89520 | 775 | |
89521 | 775 | |
89523 | 775 | |
89533 | 775 | |
89555 | 775 | |
89557 | 775 | |
89570 | 775 | |
89595 | 775 | |
89599 | 775 | |
Sand Pass, NV | 89510 | 775 |
Sierra, NV | 89506 | 775 |
Silver Knolls, NV | 89506 | 775 |
89508 | 775 | |
Smoke Creek, NV | 89412 | 775 |
Somersett, NV | 89523 | 775 |
Spanish Springs, NV | 89436 | 775 |
89441 | 775 | |
Sparks, NV | 89431 | 775 |
89432 | 775 | |
89433 | 775 | |
89434 | 775 | |
89435 | 775 | |
89436 | 775 | |
89441 | 775 | |
Stead, NV | 89506 | 775 |
Steamboat, NV | 89511 | 775 |
Sun Valley, NV | 89431 | 775 |
89433 | 775 | |
Sutcliffe, NV | 89510 | 775 |
Tracy-Clark, NV | 89434 | 775 |
University, NV | 89507 | 775 |
UNR, NV | 89557 | 775 |
VC Highlands, NV | 89521 | 775 |
Verdi, NV | 89439 | 775 |
Virginia Foothills, NV | 89511 | 775 |
Wadsworth, NV | 89442 | 775 |
Washoe Valley, NV | 89704 | 775 |
Major Cities and Towns in Washoe County, Nevada
Washoe County, located in the northwestern part of Nevada, encompasses a diverse range of communities, from large urban centers to small rural towns. This region, rich in history and natural beauty, is home to the vibrant city of Reno, as well as other notable towns such as Sparks and Verdi. Below are some of the key cities and towns in Washoe County, with details about their history, landmarks, schools, and other important information.
Reno
Location and History
Reno, known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” is the county seat of Washoe County and the largest city in the region. Located along the Truckee River at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Reno’s origins can be traced back to 1868, when it was founded as a railroad town. It quickly grew as a key stop for transcontinental railroads and became a bustling trade and transport hub. By the early 20th century, Reno became famous for its casinos, earning its nickname during the Great Depression when it became a legal center for divorce in the state. This led to a boom in tourism and gambling, which still shapes the city’s economy today. Reno also has a rich history tied to mining, agriculture, and military installations. The city continued to expand with the growth of tech and innovation sectors in the 21st century, particularly after the establishment of the Tesla Gigafactory and the tech corridor in northern Nevada.
Major Schools
Reno is home to a range of public and private schools, as well as a major university. The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is a flagship public research university and a major center for higher education in the region. The Washoe County School District serves the public school system, which includes high schools like Reno High School and Wooster High School, middle schools, and a number of elementary schools.
Major Landmarks
Reno offers a wide variety of landmarks and attractions, both natural and man-made. One of the city’s iconic landmarks is the Reno Arch, a large, illuminated sign that spans Virginia Street, marking the gateway to the city’s historic downtown district. Reno is also known for its thriving casino industry and entertainment venues, such as the Silver Legacy Resort and Casino and the Eldorado. For outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains provide opportunities for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Nearby Lake Tahoe, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery, is a major destination for visitors year-round.
City Stats:
- Area: 166.5 square miles
- Population: 268,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89501-89512
- Latitude: 39.5296° N
- Longitude: 119.8138° W
Sparks
Location and History
Sparks is a city located immediately to the east of Reno, in Washoe County, Nevada. Founded in 1904 as a railroad town, Sparks was named after the president of the Southern Pacific Railroad, John Sparks. The city grew rapidly in the early 20th century due to its proximity to Reno and the increasing importance of the railroad in the region’s economy. Sparks quickly became an industrial hub, with key industries including railroads, mining, and manufacturing. The city continued to develop in the post-World War II era, with the construction of major infrastructure and the growth of the retail and service sectors. Over the decades, Sparks became known for its family-friendly atmosphere and close-knit community, while still maintaining strong ties to its industrial roots.
Major Schools
Sparks is served by the Washoe County School District, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools in the city. Notable schools include Sparks High School, a public high school, and Marvin Moss Elementary School. For higher education, Sparks residents often attend the University of Nevada, Reno, or nearby Truckee Meadows Community College.
Major Landmarks
Sparks is home to several key landmarks and attractions. The Nugget Casino Resort is one of the most famous landmarks, drawing visitors from around the world for its gaming, dining, and entertainment options. Sparks is also known for its annual “Best in the West” Nugget Rib Cook-Off, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The city is home to a number of parks, such as Victorian Square, which features a blend of historic architecture and modern shopping and dining, as well as the Sparks Marina Park, which offers outdoor recreational activities like boating and picnicking.
City Stats:
- Area: 24.9 square miles
- Population: 108,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89431-89434
- Latitude: 39.5349° N
- Longitude: 119.7520° W
Sun Valley
Location and History
Sun Valley is a census-designated place (CDP) located just north of Reno, in Washoe County. Originally established in the 1950s as a suburban development for workers moving to the Reno area, Sun Valley has grown into a small but tight-knit community. Historically, it served as an affordable housing area for people employed in nearby industries, including the mining and railroad sectors. Over time, Sun Valley has continued to grow, with the development of more residential areas and local businesses. Though Sun Valley does not have a downtown area, it is an important part of the Reno metropolitan area, offering easy access to Reno and nearby outdoor recreational activities in the Sierra Nevada.
Major Schools
Sun Valley is served by the Washoe County School District, which operates several schools in the area. The main public schools include Sun Valley Elementary School, Sky Ranch Middle School, and the nearby Hug High School in Reno. Sun Valley also benefits from close proximity to the University of Nevada, Reno, which is a major educational and cultural institution in the region.
Major Landmarks
Sun Valley is a primarily residential area, so it doesn’t have many major tourist attractions. However, the surrounding natural environment is a key draw. The nearby Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center offers significant commercial activity, including Tesla’s Gigafactory, which is a major employer for the region. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy the nearby Truckee River and access to numerous hiking and biking trails in the nearby mountains.
City Stats:
- Area: 8.3 square miles
- Population: 23,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89433
- Latitude: 39.5920° N
- Longitude: 119.7766° W
Verdi
Location and History
Verdi is a small unincorporated town located on the western edge of Washoe County, near the California border. The town sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a scenic and strategic location for transportation and trade. Verdi was originally established as a trading post during the 1860s when the Central Pacific Railroad extended its tracks through the area. Over time, Verdi became a small community with ties to both agriculture and the railroad. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Verdi saw some development, particularly with the growth of residential and recreational areas. The town remains largely rural but is growing due to its proximity to both Reno and the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Major Schools
Verdi students typically attend schools in the Washoe County School District, with several schools located in nearby Reno. Public schools in the area include Verdi Elementary School, which serves younger students in the town. Older students typically attend middle and high schools in Reno, including schools like Billinghurst Middle School and Reno High School.
Major Landmarks
Verdi is known for its picturesque mountain views and proximity to the Truckee River. The town is a gateway for visitors heading to Lake Tahoe or other parts of the Sierra Nevada. It is home to several recreational parks and outdoor venues, such as the Verdi Volunteer Fire Department Park and nearby hiking trails that attract visitors who enjoy outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and birdwatching. Additionally, the historic Truckee River Railway Depot is an important landmark tied to the area’s history as a transportation hub.
City Stats:
- Area: 4.1 square miles
- Population: 2,000 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89439
- Latitude: 39.5375° N
- Longitude: 119.9777° W