Esmeralda County, Nevada Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in Nevada
The population of Esmeralda County, Nevada is 962 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in Nevada. The median household income is -, the median home value is $102,500, and the median age is 55.8.
The population of Esmeralda County has declined 8.0% since 2010 (783 → 720), a -0.60% annualized rate.
962
Population
-0.60%
Annual growth
0
People / sq mi
-
Median Income
$102,500
Median Home Value
Esmeralda County covers 3,582 sq mi of land at 0.3 people per square mile.
About Esmeralda County, NV
Esmeralda County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 70.1% of the population. Esmeralda County is a county in Nevada with a population of 962. It ranks #17 among counties in Nevada by population.
Very few residents live in poverty — 2.4%, below the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $102,500, with typical rent around $1,319.
Roughly 24.1% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 13.8% of workers primarily work from home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Esmeralda County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Esmeralda County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Esmeralda County had a population of 783 in 2010 and 720 in 2024, a -8.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 870 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.46%.
720
Population (2024)
783
Population (2010)
870
Peak (2019)
-0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 783 |
| 2011 | 770 |
| 2012 | 791 |
| 2013 | 847 |
| 2014 | 834 |
| 2015 | 847 |
| 2016 | 839 |
| 2017 | 858 |
| 2018 | 827 |
| 2019 | 870 |
| 2020 | 736 |
| 2021 | 738 |
| 2022 | 744 |
| 2023 | 725 |
| 2024 | 720 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
55.8
Median Age
44.2%
Female
55.8%
Male
26.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 7.5% · Seniors (65+): 26.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | - |
| Mean household income | $59,957 |
| Per-capita income | $31,096 |
| Poverty rate | 2.4%-6.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Esmeralda County is agriculture, accounting for 30.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
9.5%
Carpool
71.4%
Public transit
13.8%
Work from home
14.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$102,500$-303,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,319
Median rent
47.7%
Homeownership rate
727
Total housing units
67.8%
Occupied
32.2%
Vacant
52.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.1%
With health insurance
97.6%
With broadband internet
70.1%
Foreign-born
11.7%
Veterans (18+)
30.3%
With a disability
88.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
77.3%
High School+
24.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Nevada
Other counties in Nevada
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Esmeralda County, Nevada has a population of 962 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in Nevada. Population density is 0 people per square mile.
The population of Esmeralda County has declined 8.0% since 2010 (783 → 720), a -0.60% annualized rate.
The median household income in Esmeralda County, Nevada is -, with mean (average) household income of $59,957 and per-capita income of $31,096. 2.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Esmeralda County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (88.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.0%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Esmeralda County, Nevada is 55.8 years. Residents are 44.2% female and 55.8% male.
The median home value in Esmeralda County is $102,500 and median monthly rent is $1,319. 47.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 727 total housing units, 32.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Esmeralda County, Nevada is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 30.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.2%.
Las Vegas is among the largest cities associated with Esmeralda County, Nevada, with a population of 650,873.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Nevada
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.