- Elko City is located in Elko County, northeastern Nevada, United States. It is the largest city in the county and serves as its county seat. Elko City has a population of approximately 20,078 people as of the 2020 census. It is known for its mining industry, with gold being the predominant mineral extracted. Elko City also hosts events such as the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, which celebrates the region's cowboy and Western heritage.