Pershing County
countyPershing County, located in northern Nevada, is characterized by its vast open spaces, rugged mountain ranges, and a resilient spirit rooted in mining, ranching, and the railroad. As of 2020, the population was 6,650, making it a sparsely populated area with a close-knit community. The county seat is Lovelock, the only incorporated city in the county. The economy of Pershing County is historically based on agriculture and mining, with a growing mix of other industries benefiting from affordable land and accessible transportation corridors. Interstate 80 and U.S. Highway 95 provide crucial connections to major markets like Reno, Salt Lake City, and Northern California. The county also boasts unique institutions such as the Lovelock Cave, an archaeological site of significant historical importance. Pershing County is distinctive for its blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Humboldt River, which guided pioneers along the California Trail, meanders through the county. The Black Rock Desert, partially located in Pershing County, hosts the annual Burning Man festival, contrasting the county's past with modern counterculture. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound, from exploring the Humboldt Range to visiting the Rye Patch State Recreation Area.
Pershing County, Nevada
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 32-027
- Country
- United States
- County
- County
- Region
- Great Basin
- Total Area
- 6,067 sq mi
- Land Area
- 6,037 sq mi
- Water Area
- 31 sq mi
- Latitude
- 40.45
- Longitude
- -118.4
- Climate
- High desert climate
- Notable Features
- Star Peak · Humboldt River · Black Rock Desert · Lovelock Cave
- Neighboring Areas
- Washoe County · Humboldt County · Lander County · Churchill County
- Population (2020)
- 6,650
- Est. Population (2025)
- 6,672
- Median Age
- 40.9
- Median Income
- $72,007
- Poverty Rate
- 5.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 74.3%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The largest racial/ethnic groups are White (64.6%) followed by Hispanic (23.3%) and Black (4.2%).
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Pershing County Commissioners
- School District
- Pershing County School District
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.5%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Mining · Residential
- Employment Sectors
- Metal Ore Mining · Education and Hospitals (Local Government) · Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals
- Schools
- 4
- Students
- 656
- Teachers
- 52
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13:1
- Graduation Rate
- 100%
- School Districts
- Pershing County School District
- Transportation
- Interstate 80 · U.S. Highway 95 · Nevada Short Line Railway (historical)
- Major Facilities
- Pershing County Courthouse in Lovelock
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Rye Patch State Recreation Area · Humboldt Range · Black Rock Desert
- Founded
- 1919
- Named After
- General John J. Pershing
- Historical Significance
- Pershing County was the last county to be established in Nevada and played a role in westward expansion and mining history.
- Key Events
- Humboldt Trail passed through the area · Mining boom in the 1860s · Establishment of the Humboldt Mining District
