Elko County, Nevada

Elko County at a glance.

Elko County had an estimated 54,363 residents in July 2024, the sixth most populous of Nevada's 17 counties, up 1.2% since the 2020 census. Of those, 40,446 are 18 or older, the voting-age population, and 13.9% are 65 or older. It covers 17,173 square miles of land (3.2 people per square mile), and 47.4% of residents live outside any incorporated city or town.

The largest cities and towns are Elko (20,822), West Wendover (4,528), Carlin (2,000) and Wells (1,242). The American Community Survey (2020-2024) puts it at a median age of 35.7, a median household income of $86,487, 17.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 71.4% of occupied homes owned by the people living in them. In 2024, 22,465 votes were cast for president, about 55.5% of the voting-age population; the Democratic ticket took 20.6% and the Republican ticket 77.2%.

The two-party margin moved from R+40.4 in 2008 to R+56.6 in 2024.

Population (2024 estimate)

54,363

Population (2020 census base)

53,703

Voting-age population (18+)

40,446

Residents 65 and older

13.9%

People per square mile

3.2

Living outside incorporated places

47.4%

Land area

17,173 sq mi

Median age

35.7

Median household income

$86,487

Adults 25+ with a bachelor's degree

17.8%

Owner-occupied homes

71.4%

Largest cities and towns

1. Elko 20,822
2. West Wendover 4,528
3. Carlin 2,000
4. Wells 1,242

Presidential vote, 2008–2024

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 population estimates and 2024 Gazetteer; American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates; certified county presidential returns. Growth, density and turnout are simple arithmetic on those figures.