Elko, Nevada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elko, Nevada
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Downtown Elko
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| Motto(s):
The Heart of Northeast Nevada
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Location of Elko, Nevada
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 Elko, Nevada
Location in Nevada
Elko, Nevada
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Nevada | |
| County | Elko | |
| First settled | 1868 | |
| Designated county seat | 1869 | |
| Incorporated (city) | 1917 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 17.85 sq mi (46.22 km2) | |
| • Land | 17.85 sq mi (46.22 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | |
| Elevation | 5,112 ft (1,558 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 20,564 | |
| • Density | 1,152.30/sq mi (444.92/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−08:00 (Pacific (PST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−07:00 (PDT) | |
| ZIP Codes |
89801-89803
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| Area code(s) | 775 | |
| FIPS code | 32-22500 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 2410428 | |
| Reference #: | 106 | |
Elko is a city in the state of Nevada, United States. It is the main city of Elko County. In 2020, about 20,564 people lived there. Elko is like the main hub for the Ruby Valley area, which has over 55,000 residents.
The city is located near the Ruby Mountains and Lamoille Canyon. This means people can enjoy outdoor activities all year. These activities include hiking, skiing, and hunting. There are also more than 20 alpine lakes nearby. The Humboldt River flows through Elko. A nearby town called Spring Creek, Nevada is a community where many people who work in Elko live.
Elko is the biggest city for more than 130 miles (209 km) in every direction. Its motto is "The Heart of Northeast Nevada." The city is also home to Great Basin College. The National Weather Service has an office here. This office helps forecast weather for much of northern and central Nevada.
Contents
History of Elko
Elko is on the path of the old California Trail. But it was first settled in 1868. This happened when the Central Pacific Railroad built tracks to the east. These tracks were part of the First Transcontinental Railroad. When the railroad workers moved on, Elko stayed. It became a center for ranching, mining, and supplies.
It is believed that Charles Crocker named Elko. He was a superintendent for the Central Pacific Railroad. He liked animal names and added "o" to "Elk." Even though there is no clear proof, this story is widely accepted.
The first Elko County Courthouse was built in 1869. Elko officially became a city in 1917.
Early Airmail Service
In 1925, a law called the Kelly Act was passed. It allowed the United States Postal Service to hire private airlines. These airlines would carry mail on smaller routes. The first commercial airmail flight in the U.S. happened on April 6, 1926. It flew from Pasco, Washington, to what is now Elko Regional Airport. The pilot was Leon D. Cuddeback.
The courthouse built in 1910 is on the National Register of Historic Places. The U.S. Post Office-Elko Main, built in 1933, is also listed.
Geography of Elko
Elko covers about 17.85 square miles (46.22 square kilometers) of land. The Humboldt River flows through the city. Sometimes, the river fills up its path.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 1,160 | — | |
| 1880 | 752 | −35.2% | |
| 1890 | 766 | 1.9% | |
| 1900 | 849 | 10.8% | |
| 1910 | 1,677 | 97.5% | |
| 1920 | 2,173 | 29.6% | |
| 1930 | 3,217 | 48.0% | |
| 1940 | 4,094 | 27.3% | |
| 1950 | 5,393 | 31.7% | |
| 1960 | 6,298 | 16.8% | |
| 1970 | 7,621 | 21.0% | |
| 1980 | 8,758 | 14.9% | |
| 1990 | 14,736 | 68.3% | |
| 2000 | 16,708 | 13.4% | |
| 2010 | 18,297 | 9.5% | |
| 2020 | 20,564 | 12.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 16,708 people living in Elko. There were 6,200 households. About 39.2% of these households had children under 18. The average household had 2.66 people.
The population was spread out by age. About 30.3% were under 18. The median age was 32 years old. For every 100 females, there were about 104.6 males.
Economy and Jobs
Elko's economy mainly depends on gold mining. Ranching, tourism, and casinos also provide many jobs. Elko is known as the capital of Nevada's goldbelt. Nevada produces a lot of gold. Most of this gold comes from mines near Elko.
This focus on gold means Elko's economy can change a lot. When gold prices go up, the town booms. When prices fall, it can be a "bust." For example, a gold boom in the 1980s ended in the late 1990s. This left many empty homes. Local governments struggled with less tax money. With a new boom starting around 2009, city leaders are saving money. They want to be ready for the next downturn.
Elko has tried to attract other types of businesses. But its remote location and the desert environment make this hard.
Arts, Culture, and Fun Things to Do
Yearly Events
Elko hosts the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This festival has been held every January since 1985. It is a week-long event that celebrates life in the American West. It features poetry, music, stories, films, and food.
Every July, Elko also holds the National Basque Festival. This festival started in 1963. It celebrates traditional Basque culture. The festival includes strongman contests, handball, and Basque dancing. There is also traditional food and wine.
Museums and Other Places to Visit
The Western Folklife Center is in Elko. It is a group that helps people understand the traditions of the American West. It is located downtown in the old Pioneer Hotel.
Elko has several casinos. These include Stockmen's Casino and Hotel and the Commercial Casino. The Commercial Casino is famous for its stuffed 10-foot-tall polar bear.
Natural Hot Springs
Several hot springs are found in Elko. The largest is the Elko Hot Hole. Travelers on the California Trail used these hot springs long ago. Later, settlers also used them.
Other popular places to visit near Elko include the Ruby Mountains. Lamoille Canyon is a well-known spot within these mountains. To the north, the Jarbidge Wilderness is one of the quietest wilderness areas in the U.S.
Education in Elko
The Elko County School District serves Elko. The city has one high school, Elko High School.
Great Basin College is also located in Elko.
Elko has a public library. It is part of the Elko-Lander-Eureka County Library System.
Media and News
Newspapers
- Elko Daily Free Press
- Elko Independent
Television
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- Elko Television District
- KENV-DT (TBD affiliate)
Radio Stations
Global One Media:
- KBGZ 103.9 FM - "BIG Country" (Country music)
- KHIX 96.7 FM - "Mix 96.7 FM" (Adult Contemporary music)
- KUOL 94.5 FM - "94.5 Kool FM" (Classic Hits)
- KBGZ-HD2 107.7 FM - "TalkRadio 107.7 FM" (News Talk)
- KBGZ-HD3 101.1 FM - "Coyote Rock 101.1 FM" (Classic Rock)
- KBGZ-HD4 100.5 FM - "True Country Classics 100.1 FM" (Country Classics)
Elko Broadcasting Company:
- KELK 1240 AM - (Adult Contemporary music)
- KELK 95.9 FM - (Adult Contemporary music)
- KLKO 93.7 FM - (Adult Hits)
- KRJC 95.3 FM - (Country music)
- KEAU 104.7 FM - (Sports)
Transportation and Roads
Elko is the largest city between Salt Lake City and Reno. It is located along Interstate 80. Nevada State Route 225 connects Elko to Owyhee and southern Idaho. Nevada State Route 227 goes southeast to Spring Creek and Lamoille.
Bus and Train Service
You can travel to Elko by bus using Greyhound Lines. Amtrak's California Zephyr train also stops daily at Elko Station.
Airport and Flights
SkyWest Airlines, working as Delta Connection, offers flights from Elko Regional Airport (EKO). These flights go nonstop to the Delta Air Lines hub in Salt Lake City (SLC).
Elko used to be home to an airline called Casino Express Airlines. This airline flew Boeing 737-200 jets to many U.S. cities. They offered charter flights to support the local casino industry. Casino Express later changed its name to Xtra Airways and moved its main office.
In the 1970s and early 1980s, United Airlines also had regular flights to Elko. They used Boeing 737-200 jets for daily flights. These flights connected Elko to San Francisco, Reno, Ely, and Salt Lake City. United stopped all flights to Elko after serving the airport for over 50 years.
Famous People from Elko
- Dirk Borgognone: A football player known for kicking a 68-yard field goal in high school. This is a record!
- Lewis R. Bradley: The second governor of Nevada, from 1871 to 1879. He lived in Elko.
- Mae Caine: A leader who worked for women's rights.
- Tim Gilligan: A football player.
- Morley Griswold: The 16th governor of Nevada, from 1934 to 1935. He was born in Elko.
- Dave Pratt: A radio host who grew up in Elko.
- Cy Sneed: A Major League Baseball pitcher who was born in Elko.
See also
In Spanish: Elko (Nevada) para niños
