Esmeralda County

Esmeralda County, NV has a population of approximately 982 residents as of the 2020 Census. The racial makeup includes about 81.2% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 3.1% Native American, 0.9% Asian, and 10.6% from other races, with 2.4% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents constitute around 27.9% of the population. The median age is about 54 years. The county spans 3,582 sq mi, making it one of the least densely populated counties in the U.S., with a population density of approximately 0.3 people per square mile.

As of 2021, Esmeralda County, NV had an estimated median home value of around $60,000, significantly lower than the national average. There are limited housing units, approximately 1,200, with a high vacancy rate due to the rural nature of the county. Rent prices average around $530 per month. The population density is very low, contributing to affordable real estate. The housing market primarily consists of single-family homes, with very few new structures being built annually.

Esmeralda County, Nevada, is one of the least populated counties in the United States, with a population of around 900 people as of the latest census. Elections here typically see local government positions like County Commissioners, Sheriff, and other administrative roles being contested.

For county-level elections in recent years:

1. County Commissioners: Seats are contested every four years, with multiple candidates running. For example, in a recent election cycle, candidates included Ralph Keyes and Tim Hipp.
2. Sheriff: Incumbent Ken Elgan has held the position for multiple terms, securing re-election due to his longstanding community presence and experience.
3. Other local offices include positions like the County Clerk, Treasurer, and Assessor, often with one or two candidates running, sometimes running unopposed.

Due to the low population, voter turnout numbers are modest, often ranging from 200 to 400 voters, depending on the election year and positions up for election.

Esmeralda County, NV, has relatively low educational attainment compared to state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only about 79% of residents have at least a high school diploma, below the national average of 88% and Nevada's 83.2%. Around 7.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly less than the national average of 33.1% and Nevada's 24.2%. The county faces educational challenges, which impact workforce readiness and economic development relative to more educated regions.

As of the latest data, Esmeralda County, NV has an employment rate of around 55.8%. The labor force participation rate in the county is roughly 48.2%, lower than both the national average of approximately 63.1% and the Nevada state average of 62.3%.

Top industries in Esmeralda County include Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction, which employ about 16% of the workforce. Other significant sectors are Accommodation and Food Services (11%) and Construction (8%).

Nationally, top industries include Healthcare and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. Comparatively, Nevada’s leading industries are similarly aligned with the national trend but also heavily emphasize Tourism and Gaming, particularly in regions like Clark County.

The county’s focus on mining reflects its rich natural resources but also points to a more limited and specialized economic structure compared to broader, service-oriented state and national economies.

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Esmeralda County, Nevada, is approximately $46,000 per year. This is significantly lower compared to the national average household income, which is around $68,700, and the Nevada state average, which is approximately $64,000.

Statistics Table:

These numbers highlight that Esmeralda County's average income is notably lower both compared to the state and the national averages. Such discrepancies underscore the varied economic conditions within different regions of the same state and the country.

As of the most recent data, Esmeralda County, NV, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The rural nature of the county contributes to fewer instances of crime. The following table summarizes crime statistics for Esmeralda County for the latest year available:

These numbers reflect a significantly lower crime rate compared to urban areas, reinforcing Esmeralda County’s status as a relatively safe area. Always consult local law enforcement agencies for the most current data.