Elko County
Elko County is one of the largest counties in the continental United States by area, located in the northeastern part of Nevada. It spans more than 17,000 square miles—larger than the entire state of Massachusetts—and is known for its wide-open spaces and rugged terrain.[1]
Despite its size, the population remains relatively small, with an estimated 55,000 residents as of 2023.[2] The county was established in 1869 during a period of western expansion and named after the city of Elko, its county seat.[3]
The city of Elko serves as a regional hub for the area’s dominant industries—ranching, mining, and rail freight.[4] Culturally, it's known for the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a weeklong celebration of Western storytelling and heritage that draws visitors from around the world.[5]
Beyond the city limits, Elko County includes several other communities such as Wells, Carlin, and West Wendover, as well as multiple tribal lands and reservations.[6] The landscape is part of the Great Basin—dry, remote, and ecologically diverse. Popular natural attractions include the Ruby Mountains, often called the “Swiss Alps of Nevada,” which offer hiking, climbing, and backcountry skiing opportunities.[7]
References
- ↑ Elko County Official Website. About Elko County. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.elkocountynv.net
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: Elko County, Nevada. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/elkocountynevada
- ↑ Nevada State Library and Archives. Nevada Historical Records: County Formation. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://nsla.nv.gov
- ↑ Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. Elko County Economic Overview. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://detr.nv.gov
- ↑ Western Folklife Center. National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.westernfolklife.org
- ↑ Elko Convention & Visitors Authority. Communities of Elko County. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://exploreelko.com
- ↑ U.S. Forest Service. Ruby Mountains Ranger District. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.fs.usda.gov