Panaca
Panaca is an unincorporated town and census-designated place (CDP) in eastern Lincoln County, Nevada. Located near the Utah border and just a few miles from Caliente, Panaca had a population of approximately 870 as of the 2020 Census.[1]
Founded in 1864 by Mormon settlers, Panaca is one of Nevada’s oldest permanent settlements and remains one of only two towns in the state where gambling is prohibited. It developed as an agricultural hub in the fertile Meadow Valley and continues to serve as a quiet, family-centered community rooted in its pioneer heritage.[2]
Quick Facts
- **Status:** Unincorporated
- **County:** Lincoln County
- **Population:** ~870
- **ZIP Code:** 89042
- **Elevation:** ~4,700 ft
- **Founded:** 1864
- **Nearby Routes:** U.S. Route 93 and State Route 319
Local Economy
Panaca’s economy is based on:
- **Farming and ranching** – hay, livestock, and crop production
- **Education and public services**
- **Tourism and local events**
- Support services for nearby Cathedral Gorge State Park
Community Features
- Historic Panaca Ward Chapel (built in 1867)
- Lincoln County Fairgrounds and 4-H programs
- Access to Cathedral Gorge State Park – camping, hiking, geology
- Annual Pioneer Day and Homecoming celebrations
Education
Panaca is served by the Lincoln County School District, including:
- Lincoln County High School
- Panaca Elementary School
- District offices are located nearby in Caliente
Governance and Services
Panaca is governed by the Lincoln County Commission with support from a local Town Advisory Board. Public services include fire protection, public works, and utilities operated through county departments and community partnerships.
Related Pages
References
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: Panaca CDP, Nevada. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/panacacdpnevada
- ↑ Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. Panaca and Early Mormon Colonies. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://shpo.nv.gov