Lander County is located in the north central portion of the state. It is a rugged area dominated by vast, sweeping valleys of sage, bordered by majestic, pine-covered mountain ranges.

There is a great deal of wilderness offering unique opportunities for outdoor recreation. Adjoining counties include Churchill, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Mineral, Nye and Pershing.

Over 85 percent of the County is currently public land managed by federal agencies. Interstate 80 traverses the County in an east-west fashion on the northern end, as does Highway 50 on the southern end. State Highway 305, which runs north and south, bisects the center of Lander County. This highway links the cities of Battle Mountain and Austin. The town of Kingston is located in the southern part of Lander County on Highway 376.

The total population of Lander County in 2006 was estimated to be 5655. The population density is relatively .99 persons per square mile. Approximately 85 percent of Lander County residents live in the northern portion of the County.

In recent years, Lander County's economy has been dominated by mining. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the local economy. High quality alfalfa and alfalfa seed is produced by local ranchers. Although the mining industry has declined in Lander County in recent years, it is still the dominant sector of the local economy.

Lander County claims fame to celebrations and events which include Austin Gridley Days, the Claim Jumpers Bike Festival, the Pony Express Open Road Rally, the Human Powered Race, Kingston Chukar Day, the Covered Wagon Days Trail Ride, the annual Basque Dinner and Picnic, the Performing Arts Crab Feed, the Community Christmas Celebration, the 4th of July Festival, the Lander County Fair, KVFD's St. Patrick's Day Dinner and it's newest event, the Chukar Tournament and Feed.