Lander County, Nevada


Lander County is a county in the U.S. state of Nevada. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,734. Its county seat is Battle Mountain.

History

Lander County was created in 1862 as the result of a mining boom on the Reese River along the old pony express line, taking a considerable portion of Churchill and Humboldt counties with it. Named for Frederick W. Lander, 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 in 1862, which was moved to Austin in 1863, and finally Battle Mountain in 1979. Eventually, Lander County would be known as the "mother of counties", since three other counties in Nevada were later formed from it: Elko, White Pine, and Eureka.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of, of which is land and is water.
The summit of Bunker Hill, located in the Toiyabe Range near the Nye County border, is the highest point in the county; while the county's most topographically prominent peak is Mount Lewis.

Major highways

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 5,734. The median age was 38.7 years. 25.4% of residents were under the age of 18 and 15.7% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 103.8 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 105.6 males. 0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.
The racial makeup of the county was 74.7% White, 0.2% Black or African American, 4.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 9.3% from some other race, and 10.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 21.9% of the population.
There were 2,292 households in the county, of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 19.0% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.
There were 2,798 housing units, of which 18.1% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 74.4% were owner-occupied and 25.6% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.0% and the rental vacancy rate was 21.1%.

2010 census

At the 2010 census, there were 5,775 people, 2,213 households, and 1,545 families living in the county. The population density was. There were 2,575 housing units at an average density of. The 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. In terms of ancestry, 19.4% were German, 13.6% were English, 12.2% were Irish, and 12.0% were American.
Of the 2,213 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.
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.

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 5,794 people, 2,093 households, and 1,523 families living in the county. The population density was. There were 2,780 housing units at an average density of. The 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.
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.

Politics

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

Communities

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

Census-designated places

  • Austin
  • Battle Mountain
  • Kingston

    Unincorporated community

  • Pittsburg

    Ghost towns

  • Clifton
  • Galena