RANK #226 / 996 · POP 53,600 · NV
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.9%
Elko County, Nevada, is a vast expanse in the northeastern part of the state, known for its dramatic Ruby Mountains, often called the "Alps of Nevada." These glacially carved peaks offer year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking to alpine lakes, fishing in numerous streams and reservoirs, and winter sports like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The county seat, Elko, is approximately 240 miles west of Salt Lake City and 300 miles east of Reno, with Interstate 80 providing a direct route. The community maintains a distinct Western heritage, evident in events like the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
Life in Elko County offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and access to outdoor activities. The Elko County School District serves nearly 10,000 students across 22 schools. Public transportation, known as GET My Ride, operates in Elko, Spring Creek, and other communities, offering demand-response services. The economy is largely driven by the gold mining industry, with major companies having a presence in the region. Beyond mining, the county has seen recent investment in technology sectors, including data storage facilities. Ranching and tourism also contribute to the local economy.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
BluSky Wells Data Center
BluSky AI
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Amazon Delivery Station
Amazon
|
$50M | Planned |
|
New Residential Construction (Multiple Developments)
Various (e.g., Koinonia Construction Inc., Beck Built Homes)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Elko County has a Boom Town Index score of 77/100, ranking #226 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.9% and a median household income of $87,755, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Elko County is $274,200 with median rent at $1,077/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.32, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.9%. Home values changed +1.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.91% of Elko County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.