The community was named after John Gardner, a local cattleman.

[6][7][8] The practice was ended in 2023 by SB 391 passed before the Nevada Legislature and signed into law by the governor.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the census-designated place (CDP) of Gardnerville has a total area of 4.8 square miles (12 km2), all of it land.

33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The primary transportation provider in Gardnerville is Douglas Area Rural Transit.

[14] Tahoe Transportation District operates an express bus from Gardnerville to Carson City.