Orovada
Orovada is a small unincorporated agricultural community and census-designated place (CDP) in northern Humboldt County, Nevada, located along U.S. Route 95 approximately 45 miles north of Winnemucca. As of the 2020 Census, Orovada had a population of around 120 residents.[1]
The area was first settled in the early 20th century and named for the Spanish word "oro" (gold) and the Nevada suffix, hinting at its location in the state’s mineral-rich north. Orovada has remained a tight-knit farming and ranching community, surrounded by the scenic expanses of the Great Basin and high desert valleys.[2]
Quick Facts
- **Status:** Unincorporated
- **County:** Humboldt County
- **Population:** ~120
- **ZIP Code:** 89425
- **Elevation:** ~4,200 ft
- **Highway Access:** U.S. Route 95
Local Economy
Orovada’s economy centers around:
- **Agriculture** – Especially alfalfa, hay, and livestock
- **Ranching operations** in the surrounding valleys
- **Local services** and seasonal labor
- Hunting, off-road travel, and outdoor recreation in surrounding public lands
Education
Orovada is served by the Humboldt County School District through:
- Orovada Elementary School (K–8)
- High school students typically attend schools in Winnemucca
Community Features
- Small general store and local post office
- Volunteer fire department
- Nearby access to Kings River, Santa Rosa Range, and BLM lands
- Quiet, rural lifestyle with deep ties to traditional Nevada ranching
Governance and Services
Orovada is governed at the county level by the Humboldt County Commission. Services such as law enforcement, emergency response, and infrastructure are coordinated with regional support from Winnemucca.
Related Pages
References
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: Orovada CDP, Nevada. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/orovadacdpnevada
- ↑ Nevada State Library and Archives. Rural Nevada Community Histories. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://nsla.nv.gov