Storey County is a county located in the U.S. state of Nevada. As of the 2020 census, the population was 4,104, making it the third-least populous county, but one of the fastest-growing economies in Nevada. In 2018, over 18,000 people were employed in the county. Its area is , making it the smallest county in Nevada in terms of area (though the independent city of Carson City is smaller). Its county seat is Virginia City. Storey County is part of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. The population of the county has fluctuated significantly throughout the years, from a high of 16,115 in 1880 to a low of 568 in 1960.

History

thumb|[[Coat of arms of the Republic of Molossia]]

Storey County was created in 1861 and named for Captain Edward Farris Storey, who was killed in 1860 in the Pyramid Lake War. It was the most populous county in Nevada when organized in 1861. Virginia City is the county seat. It was originally to be named McClellan County after General George B. McClellan, who later ran unsuccessfully against Abraham Lincoln for president in the 1864 election. Storey County benefited from the discovery of Comstock Lode silver.

W. Frank Stewart was a silver-mining operator who served from 1876 to 1880 as a state senator for Storey County.

The county population collapsed after the Comstock Lode was fully mined and hit a low of 568 in the 1960 census. Since then, its population has partially recovered because of its relative proximity to Reno.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which are land and (0.3%) is covered by water.

Major highways

  • 20px Interstate 80
  • 20px State Route 341
  • 20px State Route 342
  • 20px State Route 439

Adjacent counties and city

  • Washoe County – north
  • Lyon County – southeast
  • Carson City – southwest

Demographics

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See also

  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Storey County, Nevada
  • Republic of Molossia – a micronation in southern Storey County
  • List of Nevada brothels – Storey County

References