Lincoln County
countyLincoln County, located in southeastern Nevada, is a vast and sparsely populated area known for its rugged beauty and rich history. As of 2020, the population was 4,499, making it the fourth-least populous county in the state. The county seat is Pioche, a town that retains its Wild West character. Lincoln County offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, historical sites, and a glimpse into Nevada's frontier past. Historically, Lincoln County's economy was based on mining and agriculture. Today, the service industry and government employment are major sectors. Tourism is also a significant contributor, with attractions like state parks, the Extraterrestrial Highway, and the Area 51. The county is also recognized for its renewable energy potential, particularly solar energy. What sets Lincoln County apart is its blend of natural wonders and quirky attractions. Cathedral Gorge State Park offers otherworldly landscapes, while the Nevada State Route 375, also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway, draws UFO enthusiasts. The county's remote location and vast open spaces provide a sense of escape and a chance to experience the quiet beauty of the Nevada desert.
Lincoln County, Nevada
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 32-017
- Country
- United States
- County
- Lincoln County
- Region
- Southeastern Nevada
- Elevation
- 10,640 ft
- Total Area
- 10,637 sq mi
- Land Area
- 10,633 sq mi
- Water Area
- 3.8 sq mi
- Latitude
- 37.64
- Longitude
- -114.88
- Climate
- Mostly desert and semi-arid climate regions. Long, cold winters in the northern areas and short, mild winters in the southern part of the county. Scarce precipitation throughout the year.
- Notable Features
- Mount Rummel · Cathedral Gorge State Park · Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge · Rainbow Canyon · Meadow Valley
- Neighboring Areas
- White Pine County (North) · Millard County, Utah (Northeast) · Beaver County, Utah (East) · Iron County, Utah (East) · Washington County, Utah (East) · Mohave County, Arizona (Southeast) · Clark County, Nevada (South) · Nye County, Nevada (West)
- Population (2020)
- 4,499
- Est. Population (2026)
- 4,187
- Median Age
- 45.4
- Median Income
- $69,496
- Poverty Rate
- 5.04%
- Owner-Occupied
- 73.7%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2023, the racial makeup of the county was 84.7% White (Non-Hispanic), 4.18% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 3.57% American Indian & Alaska Native (Non-Hispanic), and 5.28% Hispanic or Latino.
- Government Type
- Board of Commissioners
- Governing Body
- Board of Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Lincoln County School District
- Municipal Services
- Fire Protection District · Sheriff's Office · Planning Department · Building Department · Road Department · Emergency Management
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.84%
- Economic Profile
- Rural · Mining · Tourism · Ranching & Agriculture · Local government & public services
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Accommodation & Food Services · Construction · Education and Hospitals · Local Government · State Government
- Schools
- 8
- Students
- 959
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21:1
- School Districts
- Lincoln County School District
- Transportation
- U.S. Highway 93 · Nevada State Route 375 · Nevada State Route 319
- Utilities
- Lincoln County Power District #1
- Major Facilities
- Lincoln County Courthouse in Pioche
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Cathedral Gorge State Park · Beaver Dam State Park · Echo Canyon State Park · Spring Valley State Park · Kershaw-Ryan State Park · Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
- Parks & Trails
- Silver State OHV Trail · Juniper Draw Trail · Ash Canyon Trail · Overlook Trail
- Founded
- 1866
- Named After
- Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States
- Historical Significance
- Historically significant for its mining past and role in Nevada's statehood. The county's early economy centered on mining booms in Pioche, famously known as “The Roughest Town in the Old West.”
- Key Events
- Establishment after Congress enlarged Nevada · Mining booms in Pioche · Creation of Clark County from southern portion in 1909
