Storey County, Nevada

County in Nevada, United States

County in Nevada

Storey County

County

Storey County Courthouse in Virginia City

Flag

Location within the U.S. state of Nevada

Nevada's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 39°27′N 119°32′W﻿ / ﻿39.45°N 119.53°W﻿ / 39.45; -119.53
Country|  United States
State|  Nevada
Founded| 1861; 164 years ago (1861)
Named after| Edward Farris Storey
Seat| Virginia City
Largest community| Virginia City
Area

• Total

| 264 sq mi (680 km2)
• Land| 263 sq mi (680 km2)
• Water| 0.7 sq mi (2 km2)  0.3%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 4,104
• Density| 16/sq mi (6.0/km2)
Time zone| UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district| 2nd
Website| storeycounty.org

Storey County is a county located in the U.S. state of Nevada. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,104,[1] making it the third-least populous county, but one of the fastest-growing economies in Nevada. In 2018, over 18,000 people were employed in the county.[2] Its area is 264 square miles (680 square kilometers), making it the smallest county in Nevada in terms of area (though the independent city of Carson City is smaller). Its county seat is Virginia City.[3] Storey County is part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area.

## History

[edit]

Coat of arms of the Republic of Molossia

Storey County was created in 1861 and named for Captain Edward Farris Storey, who was killed in 1860 in the Pyramid Lake War. It was the most populous county in Nevada when organized in 1861. Virginia City is the county seat. It was originally to be named McClellan County after General George B. McClellan, who later ran unsuccessfully against Abraham Lincoln for president in the 1864 election. Storey County benefited from the discovery of Comstock Lode silver.

W. Frank Stewart was a silver-mining operator who served from 1876 to 1880 as a state senator for Storey County.[4]

The county population collapsed after the Comstock Lode was fully mined and hit a low of 568 in the 1960 census. Since then, its population has partially recovered because of its relative proximity to Reno.

## Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 264 square miles (680 km2), of which 263 square miles (680 km2) are land and 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km2) (0.3%) is covered by water.[5]

### Major highways

[edit]

* Interstate 80
* State Route 341
* State Route 342
* State Route 439

### Adjacent counties and city

[edit]

* Washoe County – north
* Lyon County – southeast
* Carson City – southwest

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1870| 11,359| | —
1880| 16,115| | 41.9%
1890| 8,806| | −45.4%
1900| 3,673| | −58.3%
1910| 3,045| | −17.1%
1920| 1,469| | −51.8%
1930| 667| | −54.6%
1940| 1,216| | 82.3%
1950| 671| | −44.8%
1960| 568| | −15.4%
1970| 695| | 22.4%
1980| 1,503| | 116.3%
1990| 2,526| | 68.1%
2000| 3,399| | 34.6%
2010| 4,010| | 18.0%
2020| 4,104| | 2.3%
2024 (est.)| 4,112| [6]| 0.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790–1960[8] 1900–1990[9]
1990–2000[10] 2010–2020[1]

### 2000 census

[edit]

At the 2000 census, 3,399 people, 1,462 households, and 969 families were living in the county. The population density was 13 people per square mile (5.0 people/km2). The 1,596 housing units averaged 6 units per square mile (2.3 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.0% White, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.4% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 1.7% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. About 5.1% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.[11]

Of the 1,462 households, 21.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 25.6% of households were one person and 6.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.32, and the average family size was 2.74.

In the county, the population was distributed as 19.7% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 35.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% 65 or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.1 males.

The median income for a household was $45,490 and for a family was $57,095. Males had a median income of $40,123 versus $26,417 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,642; 5.8% of the population and 2.5% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 4.2% were under the age of 18 and 4.8% were 65 or older.

### 2010 census

[edit]

At the 2010 census, 4,010 people, 1,742 households, and 1,141 families were living in the county.[12] The population density was 15.3 inhabitants per square mile (5.9/km2). The 1,990 housing units averaged 7.6 units per square mile (2.9 units/km2).[13] The racial makeup of the county was 92.1% White, 1.6% Asian, 1.6% American Indian, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 1.1% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 5.7% of the population.[12] In terms of ancestry, 20.9% were German, 20.1% were Irish, 11.5% were English, 7.2% were Italian, and 2.6% were American.[14]

Of the 1,742 households, 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.5% were non-families, and 26.0% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.76. The median age was 50.5 years.[12]

The median household income was $61,525 and the median family income was $65,121. Males had a median income of $53,936 versus $34,208 for females. The per capita income for the county was $31,079. About 0.4% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.6% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.[15]

## Communities

[edit]

No incorporated communities are in Storey County.

* Clark
* Gold Hill
* Lockwood
* Virginia City (county seat; a census-designated place)
* Virginia City Highlands

## Economy

[edit]

Technology, manufacturing and logistics are the main sectors.[16] In 2010, manufacturing jobs were less than 500, increasing to over 11,000 by 2019, many of them making battery storage.[17] Logistics jobs increased from 1,300 to 4,000 in the same period.[18] In 2014, 5,000 people were working in the county,[19] increasing to over 18,000 by 2018, mostly in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center.[16] The Tesla Gigafactory 1 had been constructed there.

Storey County has legal prostitution, which provided a significant portion of the tax base. The county is also trying to lure high-technology businesses.[20]

In May 2018, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had instructed his staff to accept a tract in the county as an opportunity zone under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, though it had not qualified as low-income.[21] Michael Milken, who had attended multiple events with and given a private flight to Mnuchin leading up to the designation, was already an investor in the tract.[21]

## Politics

[edit]

Storey County leans towards the Republican Party, with it voting for every Republican since 1980, with the exception being in 1992, when it voted for Independent Ross Perot.

United States presidential election results for Storey County, Nevada[22] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 2,108  | 68.55% | 913  | 29.69%  | 54  | 1.76%
2020 | 1,908  | 66.32% | 902  | 31.35%  | 67  | 2.33%
2016 | 1,616  | 63.17% | 752  | 29.40%  | 190  | 7.43%
2012 | 1,321  | 57.09% | 920  | 39.76%  | 73  | 3.15%
2008 | 1,247  | 51.57% | 1,102  | 45.57%  | 69  | 2.85%
2004 | 1,253  | 57.80% | 871  | 40.18%  | 44  | 2.03%
2000 | 1,014  | 56.40% | 666  | 37.04%  | 118  | 6.56%
1996 | 705  | 42.60% | 614  | 37.10%  | 336  | 20.30%
1992 | 458  | 30.15%  | 488  | 32.13%  | 573  | 37.72%
1988 | 651  | 56.36% | 432  | 37.40%  | 72  | 6.23%
1984 | 570  | 66.74% | 252  | 29.51%  | 32  | 3.75%
1980 | 460  | 58.75% | 222  | 28.35%  | 101  | 12.90%
1976 | 274  | 43.08%  | 310  | 48.74% | 52  | 8.18%
1972 | 508  | 69.21% | 226  | 30.79%  | 0  | 0.00%
1968 | 222  | 50.00% | 172  | 38.74%  | 50  | 11.26%
1964 | 172  | 39.72%  | 261  | 60.28% | 0  | 0.00%
1960 | 203  | 54.86% | 167  | 45.14%  | 0  | 0.00%
1956 | 226  | 60.11% | 150  | 39.89%  | 0  | 0.00%
1952 | 206  | 58.03% | 149  | 41.97%  | 0  | 0.00%
1948 | 187  | 48.20% | 184  | 47.42%  | 17  | 4.38%
1944 | 163  | 48.51%  | 173  | 51.49% | 0  | 0.00%
1940 | 224  | 36.96%  | 382  | 63.04% | 0  | 0.00%
1936 | 139  | 26.18%  | 392  | 73.82% | 0  | 0.00%
1932 | 124  | 33.42%  | 247  | 66.58% | 0  | 0.00%
1928 | 185  | 40.57%  | 271  | 59.43% | 0  | 0.00%
1924 | 283  | 37.19% | 209  | 27.46%  | 269  | 35.35%
1920 | 324  | 52.51% | 272  | 44.08%  | 21  | 3.40%
1916 | 403  | 45.80%  | 463  | 52.61% | 14  | 1.59%
1912 | 166  | 19.30%  | 400  | 46.51% | 294  | 34.19%
1908 | 447  | 48.85% | 402  | 43.93%  | 66  | 7.21%
1904 | 627  | 61.47% | 322  | 31.57%  | 71  | 6.96%
United States Senate election results for Storey County, Nevada1[23] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2024 | 1,964  | 64.22% | 919  | 30.05%  | 175  | 5.72%

## See also

[edit]

* Nevada portal

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Storey County, Nevada
* Republic of Molossia – a micronation in southern Storey County
* List of Nevada brothels – Storey County

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on October 23, 2015. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
2. ^ "County Employment and Wages in Nevada – Third Quarter 2018 : Western Information Office : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics". www.bls.gov.
3. ^ "County Explorer". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
4. ^ "Nevada legislators, 1861–2015" (PDF). leg.state.nv.us. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 9, 2011. Retrieved July 15, 2015.
5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
6. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
7. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
8. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
9. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
10. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
11. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
12. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
13. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
14. ^ "DP02 Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
15. ^ "DP03 Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
16. ^ a b "Economy Overview" (PDF). 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 28, 2022.
17. ^ "Nevada's Manufacturing Sector" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on September 1, 2022.
18. ^ "Nevada's Logistics and Operations Sector" (PDF).
19. ^ "County Employment and Wages in Nevada – Third Quarter 2014 : Western Information Office : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics". www.bls.gov.
20. ^ Fadel, Leila (February 27, 2019). "'Coming Forward Has Broke Me': #MeToo Movement Comes To Rural Nevada". NPR News. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
21. ^ a b Lipton, Eric; Drucker, Jesse (October 27, 2019). "Symbol of '80s Greed Stands to Profit From Trump Tax Break for Poor Areas". The New York Times. p. A1. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
22. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
23. ^ "2024 Senate Election (Official Returns)". Commonwealth of Nevada by county. November 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Places adjacent to Storey County, Nevada

|  | Washoe County |

|
|

|  |
Washoe County |

Storey County, Nevada

| Lyon County
|  |
City of Carson City | Lyon County |

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Storey County, Nevada, United States

County seat: Virginia City

CDP|

* Virginia City

Storey County map

Unincorporated
community|

* Clark‡
* Gilpin‡
* Gold Hill
* Lockwood
* Virginia City Highlands‡

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in adjacent county or counties.

* Nevada portal
* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

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39°27′N 119°32′W﻿ / ﻿39.45°N 119.53°W﻿ / 39.45; -119.53

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