The counties with the highest percentage of federal land are almost all in the western United States, led by Esmeralda County, Nevada (about 98.3% federal), Nye County, Nevada (about 97.5%), and Garfield County, Utah (about 97.3%). In these and similar counties, the federal government—primarily the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Department of Defense—owns and manages the vast majority of the land area.
Why So Much Federal Land in the West?
The concentration of federal land in the West is a direct result of 19th-century U.S. land policy. As the nation expanded, the federal government acquired vast territories through purchase, treaty, and annexation. Unlike the original 13 colonies and the eastern states, where land was quickly transferred to private owners and state governments, much of the West remained in federal hands. The Homestead Act of 1862 and later land grants did transfer some land, but large swaths were deemed unsuitable for farming or were set aside for conservation, mining, grazing, and military use. By the early 20th century, the federal government had established national forests, national parks, and public domain lands that were never privatized. Today, the federal government owns about 47% of the land in the 11 contiguous western states, compared to about 4% in the eastern states.
Top Counties by Federal Land Percentage
The following counties have the highest percentage of federal land, based on data from the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Percentages are approximate and can change slightly with land transfers or acquisitions.
- Esmeralda County, Nevada – 98.3% federal. The county is home to the Goldfield Hills and the Silver Peak Range, and most land is managed by the BLM.
- Nye County, Nevada – 97.5% federal. This county includes part of the Nevada Test Site and the Yucca Mountain repository area, plus vast BLM lands.
- Garfield County, Utah – 97.3% federal. Includes most of Bryce Canyon National Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
- San Juan County, Utah – 96.9% federal. Contains part of Canyonlands National Park and the Navajo Nation trust lands (which are not federal, but the county is still mostly federal).
- Lincoln County, Nevada – 96.8% federal. Home to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge and the Nevada Test and Training Range.
- Kane County, Utah – 96.4% federal. Includes Zion National Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
- Humboldt County, Nevada – 96.1% federal. Mostly BLM land, with part of the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.
- White Pine County, Nevada – 95.9% federal. Contains Great Basin National Park and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
- Elko County, Nevada – 95.8% federal. The largest county in Nevada, with extensive BLM and Forest Service lands.
- Wayne County, Utah – 95.7% federal. Includes Capitol Reef National Park and part of the Henry Mountains.
Other counties with very high federal land percentages include Beaver, Millard, and Iron counties in Utah; Owyhee County in Idaho; Malheur County in Oregon; and several counties in Arizona, such as La Paz and Mohave. In Alaska, many counties (called boroughs) also have extremely high federal land percentages—for example, the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is over 99% federal, but Alaska’s unique land status (with large state and Native corporation lands) makes it a separate case.
How Federal Land Affects County Governance
When a county is mostly federal land, it faces unique challenges and opportunities. The county government has a smaller tax base because federal land is exempt from property taxes. However, the federal government makes Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) to counties to offset this loss. PILT payments are calculated based on the number of acres of federal land and the population of the county. For example, in 2023, Esmeralda County received about $1.2 million in PILT, which is a significant portion of its budget. Counties also receive a share of revenue from federal land activities, such as timber sales, grazing fees, and mineral leases under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Additionally, federal land can bring tourism revenue from national parks and recreation areas, but it can also limit economic development because land cannot be privately developed or taxed.
Common Misconceptions About Federal Land
One common misconception is that federal land is all “public land” in the sense of being open to unrestricted use. In reality, federal land is managed under multiple-use principles, but uses are regulated. For example, you can camp on BLM land for free in many areas, but you cannot build permanent structures, and you must follow rules about fire and waste. Another misconception is that states want to take over federal land. Some western states have passed laws demanding the transfer of federal land to state control, arguing that the federal government should not hold so much land. However, such transfers would likely be unconstitutional, and states would face huge costs to manage the land and fight wildfires. A related misconception is that federal land is all in the West—but there are significant federal holdings in the East, such as national forests in the Appalachians and the Everglades in Florida, though they are a much smaller percentage of the total state area.
How Federal Land Percentages Are Measured
The federal government tracks land ownership through the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Land Cover Database and the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Land Statistics. These data are compiled from cadastral surveys, deeds, and agency records. The percentages are calculated by dividing the number of acres owned by the federal government by the total acreage of the county. It is important to note that “federal land” includes all land owned by the federal government, regardless of the agency—this includes the Department of Defense (military bases), the Department of Energy (nuclear sites), and even the U.S. Postal Service (post offices). However, the overwhelming majority in western counties is managed by the BLM, Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Comparison: States with the Most Federal Land
While counties are the focus, it is helpful to see the state-level picture. Nevada has the highest percentage of federal land of any state, at about 84.9%, followed by Utah (74.5%), Idaho (61.9%), Alaska (61.4%), and Oregon (61.1%). In contrast, states like Connecticut, Iowa, and New York have less than 1% federal land. The table below shows the top 10 states by federal land percentage (approximate, based on 2020 data):
- Nevada – 84.9%
- Utah – 74.5%
- Idaho – 61.9%
- Alaska – 61.4%
- Oregon – 61.1%
- Wyoming – 57.5%
- California – 47.7%
- Arizona – 42.0%
- Colorado – 41.9%
- New Mexico – 41.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the county with the highest percentage of federal land?
Esmeralda County, Nevada, has the highest percentage, with about 98.3% of its land federally owned. The county is sparsely populated (about 1,000 residents) and is mostly managed by the BLM.
Why is Nevada so heavily federal?
Nevada was acquired from Mexico in 1848 and was largely unsettled. The federal government never transferred much of the land to private owners because it was arid and not suitable for homesteading. Also, Nevada was created as a state during the Civil War, and the federal government retained most of its public domain.
Can you buy federal land?
Generally, no. Federal land is not for sale to the public, except in rare cases where the BLM or Forest Service sells small parcels through a public auction, often for townsite expansion or land exchanges. Most federal land is permanently retained.
Do residents of these counties pay property taxes on federal land?
No, federal land is exempt from property taxes. Instead, the federal government makes PILT payments to the county to compensate for lost tax revenue. These payments are based on the number of federal acres and the county’s population.
What is the difference between federal land and public land?
All federal land is public land in the sense that it is owned by the U.S. government for the benefit of all citizens. However, some federal land is restricted, such as military bases or nuclear test sites, and is not open to the public. The term “public land” usually refers to land managed by the BLM or Forest Service that is open to recreation and resource use.
Are there any counties in the East with high federal land percentages?
Yes, but they are rare. For example, Oconee County, South Carolina, has about 70% federal land, mostly the Sumter National Forest and the Savannah River Site. Similarly, Franklin County, Massachusetts, has about 60% federal land, due to the Quabbin Reservoir and state forests (though that is state, not federal). In general, eastern counties with large national forests or military bases can have high percentages, but they are exceptions.
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