RANK #293 / 996 NAT · POP 53,600
1YR FORECAST: +1.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +29%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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.
With a Boom Town Index score of 70/100, Elko County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. and median household income stands at $87,755 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in NV.
Housing in Elko County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $274,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $1,077/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Elko County are both close to flat — population +0.3% YoY and jobs -0.9%. Home values shifted +1.2% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.91% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Elko County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.