Elko, Nevada

Elko
Downtown Elko
Motto: 
The Heart of Northeast Nevada
Location of Elko, Nevada
Elko
Location in Nevada
Elko
Elko (the United States)
Coordinates: 40°50′20″N 115°44′25″W / 40.83889°N 115.74028°W / 40.83889; -115.74028
Country United States
State Nevada
CountyElko
First settled1868
Designated county seat1869
Incorporated (city)1917
Government
 • MayorReece Keener
 • SenatePete Goicoechea (R)
 • AssemblyJohn Ellison (R)
 • U.S. CongressMark Amodei (R)
Area
 • Total
17.85 sq mi (46.22 km2)
 • Land17.85 sq mi (46.22 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
5,112 ft (1,558 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
20,564
 • Density1,152.3/sq mi (444.92/km2)
Time zoneUTC−08:00 (Pacific (PST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−07:00 (PDT)
ZIP Codes
89801-89803
Area code775
FIPS code32-22500
GNIS feature ID2410428
Websiteelkocity.com
Reference no.106

Elko is a city in and the county seat of Elko County, Nevada, United States. As of the 2020 census, Elko had a population of 20,564. Elko serves as the center of the Ruby Valley, a region with a population of over 55,000. Elko is 21 miles (34 km) from Lamoille Canyon and the Ruby Mountains, providing year-round access to recreation, including hiking, skiing, hunting, and more than 20 alpine lakes. The city straddles the Humboldt River. Spring Creek, Nevada, serves as a bedroom community 6 miles (10 km) from the city with a population of 13,805.

Elko is the principal city of the Elko Micropolitan Statistical Area, a micropolitan area that covers Elko and Eureka counties. Although a small city, Elko is the largest city for over 130 miles (210 km) in each direction until Twin Falls, Idaho; the city motto states it is "The Heart of Northeast Nevada."

Elko is home to Great Basin College, as well as to the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, serving most of northern and central Nevada.