County Facts

In 1859, the discovery of the Comstock Lode, the most significant silver deposit ever discovered, generated major advancements in mining processes and innovations that resulted in Storey County emerging as the leader in technology and economic development. In the twentieth century, as mining production in the county declined, it became necessary to increasingly rely on tourism and gaming as the major economic generators. Virginia City’s portrayal in the historic television show "Bonanza," first aired in 1959, fueled enormous public interest that resulted in a tourism explosion. In recent decades, Storey County has worked toward establishing its major sources of economic growth in the industries of warehousing, logistics, light, heavy, and advanced manufacturing, such as renewable energy development and data management.

• Trade, transportation, and utilities represent the largest employment segment, employing 31% of the county’s workforce
• U.S. 395 and U.S. 50 are easily accessible for Storey County businesses
• Truckload services are provided by over 25 local, regional, and national carriers
• Next-day shipments are available to 80% of the 11-state western region
• Reno-Tahoe International Airport is approximately a 40 minute drive from Virginia City
• County is approximately 262 square miles
• County is home to approximately 4,100 residents
• Home of the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, one of the largest industrial centers in the United States
• Over 1 million visitors from around the world visit Virginia City (the county seat) and the Comstock Historic District, each year: Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority