Editing Lander County, Nevada

{{Short description|County in Nevada, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
 | county               = Lander County
 | state                = Nevada
 | image_flag           = Flag of Lander County, Nevada.svg
 | seal                 = 
 | founded              = {{Start date and age|1862}}
 | named for            = [[Frederick W. Lander]]
 | type                 = [[County (United States)|County]]
 | seat wl              = Battle Mountain
 | largest city wl      = Battle Mountain
 | city type            = community
 | area_total_sq_mi     = 5519
 | area_land_sq_mi      = 5490
 | area_water_sq_mi     = 29
 | area percentage      = 0.5
 | population_as_of     = 2020
 | population_total     = 5,734
 | pop_est_as_of        = 
 | population_est       = 
 | population_density_sq_mi = auto
 | district             = 2nd
 | time zone            = Pacific
 | web                  = http://landercountynv.org/
 | ex image             = Lander county nevada courthouse.jpg
 | ex image size        = 240
 | ex image cap         = Lander County Courthouse in Battle Mountain
}}

'''Lander County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Nevada]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 5,734.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/32/32015.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 23, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606144420/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/32/32015.html|archive-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[Battle Mountain, Nevada|Battle Mountain]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://explorer.naco.org/|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=County Explorer|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref>

==History==
Lander County was created in 1862 as the result of a mining boom on the [[Reese River]] along the old [[Pony Express|pony express]] line, taking a considerable portion of [[Churchill County, Nevada|Churchill]] and [[Humboldt County, Nevada|Humboldt]] counties with it. Named for [[Frederick W. Lander]],<ref>{{cite book | url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ | title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States | publisher=[[United States Government Publishing Office|Government Printing Office]] | author=Gannett, Henry | year=1905 | page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_9V1IAAAAMAAJ/page/n179 180] | access-date=January 1, 2016}}</ref> chief engineer of a federal wagon route and Special Indian Agent in the area, it was one of the original 11 counties of Nevada when statehood was granted in 1864. Its first county seat was [[Jacob's Spring, Nevada|Jacob's Spring]] in 1862, which was moved to [[Austin, Nevada|Austin]] in 1863, and finally [[Battle Mountain, Nevada|Battle Mountain]] in 1979. Eventually, Lander County would be known as the "mother of counties",{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} since three other counties in Nevada were later formed from it: Elko, White Pine, and Eureka.

==Geography==
[[File:A352, Reese River Valley, Nevada, USA, abandoned shack, 2011.JPG|thumb|Derelict building off [[Nevada State Route 305|State Route 305]] in the [[Reese River]] Valley with the [[Shoshone Range]] in the distance]]
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|5519|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|5490|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|29|sqmi}} (0.5%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_32.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 20, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files}}</ref>

The {{convert|11477|ft|m|abbr=on}} summit of [[Bunker Hill (Nevada)|Bunker Hill]], located in the [[Toiyabe Range]] near the [[Nye County, Nevada|Nye County]] border, is the highest point in the county;<ref name="pb">{{cite peakbagger |pid=3491 |name=Bunker Hill, Nevada |access-date=October 12, 2014}}</ref> while the county's most topographically prominent peak is [[Mount Lewis (Nevada)|Mount Lewis]].

===Major highways===
{{div col}}
* [[File:I-80 (NV).svg|20px]] [[Interstate 80 in Nevada|Interstate 80]]
* [[File:Business Loop 80.svg|20px]] [[Nevada State Route 304|Interstate 80 Business (Battle Mountain)]]
* [[File:US 50.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 50 in Nevada|U.S. Route 50]]
* [[File:Nevada 304.svg|20px]] [[Nevada State Route 304|State Route 304]]
* [[File:Nevada 305.svg|20px]] [[Nevada State Route 305|State Route 305]]
* [[File:Nevada 306.svg|20px]] [[Nevada State Route 306|State Route 306]]
* [[File:Nevada 376.svg|20px]] [[Nevada State Route 376|State Route 376]]
* [[File:Nevada 722.svg|20px]] [[Nevada State Route 722|State Route 722]]
* [[File:Nevada 806.svg|20px]] [[Nevada State Route 806|State Route 806]]
{{div col end}}

===Adjacent counties===
* [[Elko County, Nevada|Elko County]] - north
* [[Eureka County, Nevada|Eureka County]] - east
* [[Nye County, Nevada|Nye County]] - south
* [[Churchill County, Nevada|Churchill County]] - west
* [[Pershing County, Nevada|Pershing County]] - west
* [[Humboldt County, Nevada|Humboldt County]] - northwest

===National protected area===
* [[Toiyabe National Forest]] (part)

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1870= 2815
|1880= 3624
|1890= 2266
|1900= 1534
|1910= 1786
|1920= 1484
|1930= 1714
|1940= 1745
|1950= 1850
|1960= 1566
|1970= 2666
|1980= 4076
|1990= 6266
|2000= 5794
|2010= 5775
|2020= 5734
|estyear=2024
|estimate=5785
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2024">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-counties-total.html|title=County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 15, 2025}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 20, 2014}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=December 20, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/nv190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 20, 2014}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 20, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2020<ref name="QF"/>
}}

===2000 census===
At the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]], there were 5,794 people, 2,093 households, and 1,523 families living in the county. The population density was {{convert|1|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|person&nbsp;|person|}}. There were 2,780 housing units at an average density of {{convert|0|/mi2|/km2|adj=pre|units&nbsp;}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2000 census|racial makeup]] of the county was 84.41% White, 0.21% Black or African American, 3.99% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 8.66% from other races, and 2.35% from two or more races. 18.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
Of the 2,093 households 39.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.70% were married couples living together, 8.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.20% were non-families. 22.30% of households were one person and 5.00% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.23.

The age distribution was 32.20% under the age of 18, 6.80% from 18 to 24, 29.00% from 25 to 44, 25.00% from 45 to 64, and 7.00% 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 105.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.50 males.

The median household income was $46,067 and the median family income was $51,538. Males had a median income of $45,375 versus $22,197 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,998. About 8.60% of families and 12.50% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 13.50% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over.

===2010 census===
At the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], there were 5,775 people, 2,213 households, and 1,545 families living in the county.<ref name="census-dp1">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US32015
  |title=DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data
  |access-date=January 21, 2016
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213035139/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US32015
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
  |url-status=dead
  }}</ref> The population density was {{convert|1.1|PD/sqmi}}. There were 2,575 housing units at an average density of {{convert|0.5|/sqmi}}.<ref name="census-density">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US32015
  |access-date=January 21, 2016
  |title=Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213190619/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US32015
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
  |url-status=dead
  }}</ref> The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2010 census|racial makeup]] of the county was 84.0% white, 4.2% American Indian, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% black or African American, 8.6% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 21.1% of the population.<ref name="census-dp1"/> In terms of ancestry, 19.4% were [[Germans|German]], 13.6% were [[English people|English]], 12.2% were [[Irish people|Irish]], and 12.0% were [[Americans|American]].<ref name="census-dp2">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US32015
  |title=DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
  |access-date=January 21, 2016
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213021350/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US32015
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
  |url-status=dead
  }}</ref>

Of the 2,213&nbsp;households, 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.5% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.2% were non-families, and 25.6% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.14. The median age was 37.1 years.<ref name="census-dp1"/>

The median household income was $66,525 and the median family income was $67,157. Males had a median income of $62,932 versus $33,056 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,287. About 11.7% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 17.0% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="census-dp3">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US32015
  |title=DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
  |access-date=January 21, 2016
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213025645/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US32015
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
  |url-status=dead
  }}</ref>

==Politics==
Lander County is heavily Republican, having not supported a Democrat since the 1964 election.

{{PresHead|place=Lander County, Nevada|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=April 12, 2018}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|2,180|482|63|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|2,198|496|71|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|1,828|403|182|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|1,580|534|51|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|1,466|577|59|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|1,602|414|37|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|1,619|395|105|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1996|Republican|1,107|660|448|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1992|Republican|885|423|684|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|1,214|439|61|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|1,222|301|38|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|935|361|129|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|561|518|44|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|798|468|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|461|301|147|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|338|391|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|383|391|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|540|283|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|501|237|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|397|298|9|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|425|383|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|393|475|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|237|585|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|272|536|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|456|314|0|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|254|138|153|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|416|254|39|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|321|473|137|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1912|Progressive|68|197|253|Nevada}}
{{PresRow|1908|Democratic|257|276|41|Nevada}}
{{PresFoot|1904|Republican|227|93|47|Nevada}}
{{U.S. SenHead|place=Lander County, Nevada|Seat=1|source=<ref>{{cite news |title=2024 Senate Election (Official Returns) |website=Commonwealth of Nevada by county |date=November 5, 2024 |access-date=December 5, 2024 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-elections/nevada-senate-results}}</ref>}}
<!-- U.S. SenRow should be {{U.S. SenRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{U.S. SenRow|2024|Republican|1,924|538|249|Nevada}}
{{U.S. SenFoot}}
{{clear}}

==Communities==
Lander County has no incorporated communities. The following places are located in Lander County:

===Census-designated places===
*[[Austin, Nevada|Austin]]
*[[Battle Mountain, Nevada|Battle Mountain]] (county seat)
*[[Kingston, Nevada|Kingston]]

===Unincorporated community===
*[[Pittsburg, Nevada|Pittsburg]]

===Ghost towns===
*[[Clifton, Nevada|Clifton]]
*[[Galena, Lander County, Nevada|Galena]]

==See also==
{{Portal|Nevada}}
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Lander County, Nevada]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*Theodore, T.G. and G.M. Jones. (1992). ''Geochemistry and geology of gold in jasperoid, Elephant Head area, Lander County, Nevada'' [U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 2009]. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://landercountynv.org/}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141222070902/http://www.shopbattlemountain.com/ Battle Mountain Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://austinnevada.com/ Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080913235540/http://www.elkocountylibrary.org/austin.htm Austin Branch Library]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080518044018/http://www.elkocountylibrary.org/battle.htm Battle Mountain Branch Library]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110718104555/http://www.nevada-railways.net/ Nevada Central Narrow Gauge]}}
 
{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Lander County, Nevada
|North     = [[Elko County, Nevada|Elko County]]
|Northeast = 
|East      = [[Eureka County, Nevada|Eureka County]]
|Southeast = 
|South     = [[Nye County, Nevada|Nye County]]
|Southwest = 
|West      = [[Churchill County, Nevada|Churchill County]] and [[Pershing County, Nevada|Pershing County]]
|Northwest = [[Humboldt County, Nevada|Humboldt County]]
}}

{{Lander County, Nevada}}
{{Nevada}}

{{coord|39.95|-117.03|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-NV_source:UScensus1990}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Lander County, Nevada| ]]
[[Category:1861 establishments in Nevada Territory]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1861]]