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Knowing Nevada: Puckerbrush, the smallest 'town' in Nevada


Welcome to Puckerbrush, NV. Population: 28
Welcome to Puckerbrush, NV. Population: 28
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It's easy to say that you grew up in a small town when you grew up in the less populated areas across Nevada. When it comes to finding the smallest community, Puckerbrush stands out.

"We've seen that sign many times, but never thought anything of it," says Larry Hardie.

Larry and his wife Sharon have lived in Puckerbrush for almost twenty-years but don't consider themselves residents of the town. The welcome sign is located right next to a TA truck-stop off of Interstate-80.

"We've seen that sign many times, but never thought anything of it," says Larry Hardie.

The sign notes that the population has roughly 28 people that live there.

"It's been there for a number of years and I just think it's really an attention 'getter," says Sharon.

If you try to type Puckerbrush into any G-P-S or search for it on any map, you won't find Puckerbrush anywhere.

According to the 2018 census, here are 10 of the smallest towns across the state:

  • Gerlach, NV - Population: 107
  • Mina, NV - Population: 155
  • Imlay, NV - Population: 171
  • Glenbrook, NV - Population: 215
  • Goodsprings, NV - Population: 230
  • Dyer, NV - Population: 259
  • Gabbs, NV - Population: 270
  • Lund, NV - Population: 282
  • Goldfield, NV - Population: 311
  • Baker, NV - Population: 385

"We post-mark all our letters with Imlay, Nevada,," says Sharon Hardie. "I think it's awesome in a way. No longer shoulder to should with everybody in a city. We like living out here and even near a place people just stop on by to carry on with travelling."

To the residents of the commonly known area as 'Puckerbrush', it's more of a nickname by truckers who stop at the only gas station in town. Once this story aired on News Four Nightly, a few previous residents reached out with more information regarding who used to live in the town known as Puckerbrush. Few say that it was at that TA truck stop where there were a set of houses, washrooms, and even a church that still sits there today.

Based on a combination of census data, maps, and population, the Puckerbrush sign is more of a state emblem and a nickname that pays vague tribute to the small towns all throughout the Great Basin.


Knowing Nevada is a historical heritage series that highlights some of the interesting, unknown, and known, tales about the state of Nevada. This series is researched and put together by our own native Nevadan, Miles Buergin. If you have any suggestions for our next Knowing Nevada, please e-mail him at: mjbuergin@sbgtv.com

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