Elko County
Elko County is one of the largest counties in the continental United States by area, located in the northeastern part of Nevada. Covering more than 17,000 square miles, it's larger than some U.S. states—yet it's sparsely populated, with around 55,000 residents as of 2023.[1]
The county was established in 1869 and named after the city of Elko, which serves as its county seat and largest community. Elko is a regional hub for ranching, mining, and rail transport, and it’s also home to the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a unique celebration of Western culture.
Outside of Elko, the county includes small towns like Wells, Carlin, West Wendover, and several tribal communities. Much of the land is rugged and remote, part of the vast Great Basin region. Elko County is also rich in outdoor opportunities—from hiking in the Ruby Mountains to exploring ancient petroglyphs and high desert valleys.
References
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: Elko County, Nevada. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/elkocountynevada