Humboldt County is the oldest county in Nevada, described in Thompson and West's book "History of Nevada" as having “alkali plains, covered in part with scattering sage-brush, with 
now and then a tuft of bunch-grass.” Bordering Oregon and near California and Idaho, today the Humboldt high desert is mostly characterized by flat valleys and abrupt mountain elevations, with views to wildflower, sagebrush, meadows and even sand dunes. This geographic backdrop and history in the west lends Humboldt County to being part self-reliant and part community-driven.
In Humboldt County, summer days are hot, and at night the temperature drops. In the winter, lows average around 16 F. The county averages 18 inches of snow. While the county was originally named for the Humboldt River, it is currently made up of less than 0.1% water.
As the county seat, Winnemucca, together with its surrounding area, is a very involved community. Annual events are hosted that draw people from across the country. The Annual Basque Festival celebrates the region’s very prominent Basque culture, which both historically and to this day plays a huge role in the county’s leadership and industry.
A glance at a satellite map proves Humboldt County’s 
self-reliant solidarity, with its patches of farmland in-between the interstates and the off-roads. However, Humboldt County is more than just a spot on the map. Its citizens are active community participants, and daily involvement proves the region’s relation to the rest of the state and nation.
For a more in-depth look at what makes Humboldt County a community, read the full Humboldt County Cultural Overview.
