About Storey County
Storey County is one of Nevada's smallest and most historically significant counties, located in the western part of the state along the eastern slopes of the Virginia Range. Storey County Seat is Virginia City, a former mining boomtown that became famous during the Comstock Lode silver rush of the 1850s and 1860s. Covering approximately 264 square miles, Storey County had an estimated population of around 4,100 residents as of recent census data, making it one of the least populous counties in Nevada.
Despite its small size, Storey County holds immense historical importance as the site of one of the richest silver deposits ever discovered in the United States. Storey County is bordered by Washoe County to the north and Lyon County to the south, with the Truckee Meadows and Reno-Sparks metropolitan area nearby. Major landmarks include the historic Virginia City National Historic Landmark District, the Comstock Historic District, Gold Hill, and the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.
Storey County Courthouse is located at 26 South B Street in Virginia City. Storey County Recorder's Office, County Clerk's Office, and County Assessor's Office are all housed in the Courthouse and administrative buildings in Virginia City. In recent decades, Storey County has transformed from a tourism-dependent economy centered on its Wild West heritage to a technology and industrial hub, thanks to the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, which hosts major facilities including Tesla's Gigafactory.
This unique blend of 19th-century history and 21st-century innovation makes Storey County a distinctive jurisdiction in Nevada.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Storey County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in Storey County, responsible for maintaining public safety across its jurisdiction. This office patrols the unincorporated areas of Storey County, manages Storey County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is known for its community engagement and proactive law enforcement strategies. It also operates several programs meant to crime prevention and public education, making sure of the safety and security of Storey County residents.
Police Departments
In addition to Storey County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement within Storey County is supported by the Virginia City Police Department, which serves the city of Virginia City. These agencies work collaboratively to address crime and ensure public safety. The Sheriff's Office handles broader countywide responsibilities, while the Virginia City Police Department focuses on municipal law enforcement within city limits. Coordination between these agencies is crucial for managing major crimes and emergencies effectively.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement services in Storey County are primarily provided by Storey County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 26 South B Street, Virginia City, NV 89440. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.storeycounty.org. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, and operates Storey County Detention Facility for housing inmates. Inmate information and jail rosters can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office directly or by calling the detention facility.
Due to Storey County's small population, there are no incorporated municipal police departments; Virginia City and Gold Hill rely on the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. Arrest records and booking information are public records in Nevada under NRS 239.010, the Nevada Public Records Act, which mandates government transparency. Citizens may request arrest records, police reports, and incident logs by submitting a public records request to Storey County Sheriff's Office either in person, by mail, or via Storey County's records request procedures.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records and may be obtained through direct request to the Sheriff's Office, though some information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or victim privacy. Storey County coordinates with the Nevada Highway Patrol for traffic enforcement on US Highway 50 and State Route 342 (Geiger Grade). There are no tribal police agencies operating within Storey County boundaries.
For emergency services, residents dial 911, which is dispatched through a regional communications center serving Storey County and surrounding jurisdictions.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Storey County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. Storey County Sheriff's Office and the local courts maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Nevada Department of Public Safety, which provides full criminal history reports. The Nevada Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing statewide criminal records, so that residents of Storey County can obtain detailed information for personal or professional purposes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Storey County are maintained by Storey County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Storey County, including the nature of the charges and the arresting officer's information. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records through the Sheriff's Office, typically requiring a formal request under the Nevada Public Records Act. A Storey County arrest record generally includes the individual's personal details, the charges filed, and the arrest circumstances.
Jail & Inmate Records
Storey County Detention Center is the main facility for incarcerating individuals who have been arrested within Storey County. The booking process at this facility includes recording personal information, fingerprinting, and taking mugshots. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules at the detention center are specific, requiring visitors to adhere to scheduled hours and security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Nevada state regulations, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Storey County are taken and retained by Storey County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases that compile such information. Nevada does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, so they remain accessible unless expunged by court order. Individuals seeking mugshots can often find them through third-party websites or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly.
Courts & Case Records
Storey County's judicial system operates through the First Judicial District Court, which serves Storey County and is part of Nevada's district court system. Storey County Courthouse is located at 26 South B Street, Virginia City, NV 89440, phone. Storey County Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, family law cases including divorce and custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts.
- Fees for court record searches and certified copies vary: typically $1.00 per page for copies and $6.00 for certification.
- Electronic filing is available through Nevada's Odyssey File & Serve system for attorneys and registered users.
Storey County Justice Court, also located at the Courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $10,000, civil cases up to $15,000, evictions, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Justice Court information can be obtained for Court records in Nevada are governed by Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 239, which establishes public access to most court documents unless sealed by court order or involving confidential matters such as juvenile cases or certain family law proceedings. The Nevada Supreme Court maintains an online case search system at www.nvcourts.gov for appellate cases, but district-level case searches for Storey County typically require contacting the Clerk of the Court directly.
Case files can be reviewed in person during regular business hours at the Clerk's office. The First Judicial District includes Carson City and Storey County, with judges rotating or assigned to specific jurisdictions. Court calendars and hearing schedules are posted at the courthouse and may be available by phone inquiry.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Storey County are maintained by Storey County Recorder's Office, located at 26 South B Street, Drawer D, Virginia City, NV 89440, phone. The Recorder's Office is responsible for recording and maintaining official documents including deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, reconveyances, liens (mechanics' liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, maps, plat maps, subdivision maps, mining claims, and other instruments affecting real property.
- Recording fees vary by document type, typically starting at $25 for the first page and $5 for additional pages.
- Certified copies can be obtained for an additional fee.
These records are public under Nevada Revised Statutes and can be searched in person during business hours, typically Monday through Friday. Storey County offers online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system or pay-per-document service, accessible via Storey County website at www.storeycounty.org. Document images and indexes dating back multiple decades are available electronically.
Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by Storey County Assessor's Office at 26 South B Street, Virginia City, NV 89440, phone. The Assessor maintains parcel maps, property valuations, ownership records, and improvement data. Property tax information and payment records are handled by Storey County Treasurer.
Storey County provides a free online GIS (Geographic Information System) parcel viewer that allows users to search properties by address, parcel number, or owner name, view parcel boundaries, access assessment data, and view aerial imagery. This tool is invaluable for researchers, title companies, real estate professionals, and property owners.
Vital Records
Vital records for Storey County, Nevada, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees, are maintained at both Storey County and state levels. Storey County Clerk's Office, located at 26 South B Street, Drawer 176, Virginia City, NV 89440, phone, issues marriage licenses for ceremonies performed in Storey County and maintains marriage records. Marriage license applicants must appear in person, present valid identification, and pay the required fee (typically around $70-$100).
- Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $25 each.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, though expedited service may be available for additional fees.
- Online ordering is available through the state's VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.
Nevada has no waiting period or blood test requirement for marriage licenses. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Storey County are filed with the Nevada Office of Vital Records, which is part of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health. The state office is located at 4150 Technology Way, Suite 104, Carson City, NV 89706, phone.
Requestors must provide proper identification and demonstrate eligibility under Nevada law (NRS 440.680), as birth and death certificates are confidential records available only to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct tangible interest. Divorce decrees are obtained through the District Court Clerk where the divorce was granted. For historical research, older vital records may be available through the Nevada State Library and Archives.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Storey County involve multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Storey County Clerk's Office at 26 South B Street, Virginia City, NV 89440, phone, maintains records of fictitious firm names (DBA - Doing Business As) filed within Storey County. Business owners must file DBA certificates when operating under a name different from the legal owner's name, with fees typically around $50.
- The Nevada SilverFlume system allows free searches of corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, business trusts, and other entities registered to do business in Nevada.
- Users can search by business name, officer name, or entity number and view filing history, registered agent information, and business status.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and development applications are processed through Storey County Community Development Department at 26 South B Street, Virginia City, NV 89440, phone.
The primary repository for Nevada business entity information is the Nevada Secretary of State's Office, which maintains the statewide business registry accessible online at www.nvsos.gov. State business licenses are also administered by the Secretary of State. Local business licenses in Storey County are required for most commercial operations and are issued by Storey County Business License Department, which can be contacted through the County Manager's office for Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, medical professionals) are regulated by Nevada state boards.
The Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center has attracted major employers and maintains its own development coordination. Storey County Economic Development Authority promotes business growth and can be contacted for information on business incentives and opportunities in Storey County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Storey County, Nevada, are administered by Storey County Clerk, who is the Registrar of Voters. The Clerk's Office is located at 26 South B Street, Drawer 176, Virginia City, NV 89440, and can be reached for The office is responsible for voter registration, conducting federal, state, and local elections, maintaining voter rolls, and processing absentee and mail-in ballots.
- Nevada offers same-day registration during the early voting period, allowing eligible residents to register and vote simultaneously.
- Mail-in ballots are available to all Nevada voters under the state's expanded vote-by-mail system enacted in recent years; applications can be submitted to the County Clerk's office or requested online.
- Nevada automatically mails ballots to all active registered voters for most elections.
Voter registration in Nevada is available online through the Nevada Secretary of State's website at www.registertovote.nv.gov, in person at the County Clerk's office, at the Nevada DMV when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by mail using a voter registration form. The registration deadline is 21 days before any election for mail and in-person registration; online registration closes at 11:59 PM on the third Tuesday before Election Day. Storey County voters can find their polling place by contacting the County Clerk's office or checking the Nevada Secretary of State's voter information portal.
Due to Storey County's small population, there are typically only a few polling locations, primarily in Virginia City and at the Lockwood area. Early voting is available at designated locations for approximately two weeks before Election Day. Public election records in Storey County include voter registration lists (available under NRS 293.558 with certain personal information redacted), candidate filings, campaign finance reports, election results by precinct, and ballot measures.
Nevada law (NRS 293.250 and related statutes) governs public access to election materials. Storey County typically experiences voter turnout of 65-75% in presidential general elections and 50-60% in midterm elections, often slightly above state averages due to the engaged small community. The November 3, 2026, election will feature U.S.
Senate and House races, Nevada state constitutional offices including Governor, state legislative seats, and local offices. Transparency in Storey County elections is strong, with the Clerk's office providing access to election records, posting results promptly after canvassing, and maintaining detailed records available for public inspection under Nevada's public records laws.
Economy & Demographics
Storey County's economy has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades, evolving from a tourism-based economy centered on Virginia City's Wild West heritage to a diverse economy anchored by advanced manufacturing, technology, and logistics. The Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC), located in the northern portion of Storey County, is the largest industrial park in the United States and hosts major employers including Tesla's Gigafactory (battery and electric vehicle production employing thousands), Panasonic (battery manufacturing partner with Tesla), Switch (data center and technology infrastructure), Google (data center operations), Walmart (distribution center), and numerous logistics and e-commerce facilities.
- The median household income in Storey County has risen substantially, estimated at approximately $70,000-$80,000, though small population size creates variability in economic statistics.
This industrial development has transformed Storey County from one of Nevada's poorest counties to one with significant tax revenue and employment opportunities. Key economic sectors include manufacturing (particularly batteries and electric vehicles), technology and data services, warehousing and distribution, tourism and hospitality related to Virginia City, and government services. Historic Virginia City remains a tourist destination attracting visitors interested in Old West history, historic saloons, museums, underground mine tours, and the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.
Unemployment rates in Storey County have generally been below state and national averages due to industrial job growth. Economic development projects continue to expand TRIC with additional parcels designated for manufacturing and technology uses. Storey County's business-friendly regulatory environment, tax structure, and proximity to Reno-Tahoe International Airport have made it attractive for corporate expansion.
Property tax revenue from industrial development has allowed Storey County to maintain services despite its small residential population.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Property: Yes: Online GIS & Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail/State Office | Business: Yes: State Online, County In-Person | Elections: Yes: Accessible | Overall Score: 6.5/10 — Storey County provides good property record access and election transparency; court and arrest records require more direct contact due to small county infrastructure.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Storey County
Explore public records for 1 cities and communities in Storey County, Nevada.