Alright, let's get this over with. You want to know about Nevada. Fine. Just try not to bore me.
U.S. state
"Silver State" redirects here. For other uses, see Silver State (disambiguation) and Nevada (disambiguation).
State in the United States
Nevada
Nicknames: The Silver State (official); The Sagebrush State; The Battle Born State Motto: All for Our Country Anthem: "Home Means Nevada" Location of Nevada within the United States
Country United States Before statehood Nevada Territory, Utah Territory, Arizona Territory Admitted to the Union October 31, 1864 (36th) Capital Carson City Largest city Las Vegas Largest county or equivalent Clark Largest metro and urban areas Las Vegas Valley
Government
• Governor Joe Lombardo (R) • Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony (R) Legislature Nevada Legislature • Upper house Senate • Lower house Assembly Judiciary Supreme Court of Nevada U.S. senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D) Jacky Rosen (D) U.S. House delegation 1: Dina Titus (D) 2: Mark Amodei (R) 3: Susie Lee (D) 4: Steven Horsford (D) (list)
Area
• Total 110,573 sq mi (286,382 km 2 ) • Land 109,781 sq mi (284,332 km 2 ) • Water 791 sq mi (2,048 km 2 ) 0.72% • Rank 7th Dimensions
• Length 489 mi (787 km) • Width 322 mi (519 km) Elevation
5,510 ft (1,680 m) Highest elevation (Boundary Peak [1] [2] [a] [b] ) 13,147 ft (4,007.1 m) Lowest elevation (Colorado River at California border [2] [a] ) 482 ft (147 m) Population (2024)
• Total 3,267,467 [3] • Rank 32nd • Density 27/sq mi (10.3/km 2 ) • Rank 42nd • Median household income $76,400 (2023) [4] • Income rank 24th Demonym Nevadan Language
• Official language None Time zones most of state UTC−08:00 (Pacific) • Summer (DST) UTC−07:00 (PDT) West Wendover UTC−07:00 (Mountain) • Summer (DST) UTC−06:00 (MDT) USPS abbreviation NV ISO 3166 code US-NV Traditional abbreviation Nev. Latitude 35° N to 42° N Longitude 114° 2′ W to 120° W Website nv.gov
• State symbols List of state symbols Song Home Means Nevada Living insignia Bird Mountain bluebird ( Sialia currucoides ) Fish Lahontan cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi ) Flower Sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata ) Grass Indian Rice Grass Insect Vivid Dancer Damselfly ( Argia vivida ) Mammal Desert bighorn sheep Reptile Desert tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii ) Tree Bristlecone pine, Single-leaf Piñon ( Pinus monophylla ) Inanimate insignia Beverage Picon Punch Color(s) Silver, Blue Fossil Ichthyosaur ( Shonisaurus popularis ) Gemstone Virgin Valley Black Fire Opal Mineral Silver Rock Sandstone Soil Orovada series Other Element: Neon State route marker State quarter Released in 2006 Lists of United States state symbols
Nevada (/nəˈvædə/ nə-VAD-ə; [5] [6] Spanish: [neˈβaða] [/Help:IPA/Spanish]) is a landlocked state in the Western United States. It’s sometimes lumped into the Mountain West or even the Southwestern United States, because geography can be so… fluid. It borders Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east. Nevada is the seventh-most extensive, the 32nd-most populous, and, mercifully, the ninth-least densely populated U.S. state. Nearly three-quarters of its population huddles in Clark County, which contains the Las Vegas–Paradise metropolitan area, home to three of the state's four largest incorporated cities. [7] Nevada's capital is Carson City. Las Vegas, predictably, is the largest city. Nevada is also the westernmost U.S. state without coastline and, if you’re counting first-level administrative divisions, the westernmost landlocked one in the Americas.
They call it the "Silver State," and they’re not wrong. Silver practically defined its history and economy. It’s also the "Battle Born State," a nod to its admission to the Union during the Civil War – a phrase that’s even emblazoned on its state flag. Apparently, Abraham Lincoln found the infusion of nearly $400 million in silver from the Comstock Lode to be quite beneficial for the Union cause. [9] It’s also known as the "Sagebrush State," for the ubiquitous plant, and the "Sage-hen State," though I suspect the former is more accurate. The name itself, "Nevada," is Spanish for "snowy," a reference to the winter-capped mountains that help make Nevada one of the highest US states by mean altitude. Think the Carson Range (part of the Sierra Nevada, holding about a third of Lake Tahoe), the Toiyabe Range, the Ruby Mountains, and the Spring Mountains in the south – these are the sky islands of the Great Basin montane forests. Nevada is brutally dry, sitting in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada and basking in some of the highest solar irradiance in the country. It's mostly desert and semi-arid, encompassing the majority of the Great Basin and a significant chunk of the Mojave Desert. In 2020, a staggering 80.1% of its land was federally managed, civilian or military. [11]
The original inhabitants were Native Americans of the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe tribes. The Spanish were the first Europeans to poke around, calling it Nevada for the snowy mountains, much like their own Sierra Nevada in Spain. It was part of Alta California and Nuevo México within the Viceroyalty of New Spain, eventually gaining independence as Mexico in 1821. The U.S. snagged it in 1848 after the Mexican–American War, doling it out to the New Mexico Territory and Utah Territory in 1850. Then, in 1859, someone struck silver at the Comstock Lode. Boom. This led to enough people showing up to warrant the creation of Nevada Territory out of western Utah in 1861. Nevada officially joined the Union as the 36th state on October 31, 1864, one of only two states admitted during the Civil War (the other being West Virginia).
Nevada is known for its… flexible laws. In 1940, with a population barely nudging 110,000, it was the least populated state by a significant margin. [13] But then came legalized gambling and famously lenient marriage and divorce laws, transforming it into a tourist magnet by the 20th century. [14] [15] It’s the only U.S. state where prostitution is technically legal, though not in its most populated areas – Clark County (home to Las Vegas), Washoe County (Reno), and Carson City. The tourism industry remains its primary employer, [16] but mining is still a major player; Nevada is the fourth-largest gold producer globally. [17]
The state is grappling with increasingly frequent and severe droughts, exacerbated by climate change. [18] This puts a considerable strain on its water security. Yet, Nevada is also surprisingly progressive in its climate change adaptation, with research at the Desert Research Institute, extensive water recycling in the Las Vegas area, voter-mandated investment in solar power, a burgeoning electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem, and the development of the largest lithium mine in the U.S. for battery production.
Etymology
The name "Nevada" is derived from the Spanish adjective nevada ([neˈβaða] [/Help:IPA/Spanish]), meaning "snowy" or "snow-covered." [19] The state inherited its name from the Nevada Territory, which was itself named for the Sierra Nevada. [20]
Standard pronunciation
Nevadans, bless their hearts, pronounce the second syllable with the "a" of "apple" ([nəˈvædə] [/Help:IPA/English]). Some outsiders, however, insist on the "a" of "palm" ([nəˈvɑːdə] [/Help:IPA/English]). While the latter might be closer to the Spanish pronunciation (Spanish /a/ is open central [ä], [22] whereas American English /ɑː/ can vary), [23] it's not what the locals do. State Assemblyman Harry Mortenson even tried to get a bill passed to recognize this alternative pronunciation, but it went nowhere. The Nevadan pronunciation is what the state legislature prefers. For a while, the state's tourism board, TravelNevada, even styled it as "Nevăda" with a breve over the 'a' – a design available on license plates until 2007. [26]
History
• Main article: History of Nevada • Further information: History of Las Vegas
Indigenous history
Before any Europeans showed up, the land was home to Indigenous tribes like the Goshute, Southern Paiute, Mohave, and Wašišiw (Washoe people). [27] [28]
Before 1861
• Main articles: The Californias § History, and Alta California • Further information: Treaty of Córdoba, Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire, First Mexican Empire, Provisional Government of Mexico, First Mexican Republic, Centralist Republic of Mexico, Siete Leyes, and Definitive treaty of peace and friendship between Mexico and Spain
Mexico in 1824. Alta California included today's Nevada.
Francisco Garcés was the first European to venture into the area. [29] Nevada was claimed as part of the Spanish Empire in the northwestern reaches of New Spain. Administratively, it fell under the Commandancy General of the Provincias Internas within the Viceroyalty of New Spain. When the Californias were divided in 1804, Nevada became part of the Alta California province. After Mexico won its independence in 1821, Alta California became a Mexican territory (state) with a sparse population.
Jedediah Smith blazed a trail into the Las Vegas Valley in 1827. Peter Skene Ogden navigated the Humboldt River in 1828. In 1829, a merchant from Nuevo México, Antonio Armijo, streamlined travel along the Old Spanish Trail. His scout, Raphael Rivera, was the first to name Las Vegas in an official report in 1830 to governor José Antonio Chaves, noting a spring in the area. John C. Frémont camped at Las Vegas Springs in 1844, marking the location on his expedition's map. In 1847, Mormons established the State of Deseret, claiming all of Nevada within the Great Basin and Colorado watershed. They founded Mormon Station (now Genoa) in 1851, their first permanent settlement in what is now Nevada. Additionally, in June 1855, William Bringhurst and 29 missionaries built the first permanent structure, a 150-foot square adobe fort, near downtown Las Vegas, connecting to the Spanish and Mormon Roads. This fort remained under Salt Lake City's administration until the winter of 1858–1859. Salt Lake City and Santa Fe traders continued to dominate the route.
These pioneers essentially laid the groundwork for the first settlements between the Sierra Nevadas and Mojave Desert, and within the Las Vegas Valley. The cultural influence of New Mexico and Utah is still palpable, woven into Nevada's identity through New Mexican cuisine and Mormon foodways, as well as New Mexican and Mormon folk musics.
The Mexican–American War concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, ceding Alta California to the United States. These new territories were initially administered as part of the Utah Territory and New Mexico Territory. The California Gold Rush brought more people through the area via the Emigrant Trails, contributing to the state's area evolving. Eventually, the Nevada Territory was carved out on March 2, 1861, named after the Sierra Nevada). [30]
Sculpture representing a steam locomotive, in Ely, Nevada. Early locomotives played an important part in Nevada's mining industry.
The first significant discovery of silver ore in the U.S. occurred in the Comstock Lode near Virginia City, Nevada, in 1859.
Separation from Utah Territory
• Main articles: Utah Territory, Organic act § List of organic acts, Nevada Territory, and Nevada in the American Civil War
Nevada territory in 1861
The Nevada Territory officially separated from Utah Territory on March 2, 1861, adopting its current name, a shortened version of The Sierra Nevada (Spanish for "snow-covered mountain range"). The 1861 southern boundary is still marked by Nevada Historical Markers 57 and 58 in Lincoln and Nye counties.
Statehood (1864)
• Main articles: Admission to the Union, List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union, Nevada in the American Civil War, and Constitution of Nevada
Map of the States of California and Nevada by SB Linton, 1876
Nevada officially became the 36th state just eight days before the presidential election of 1864. This was unusual, as it didn't meet the typical 60,000-resident requirement set by Congress. [31] At the time, Nevada's population was barely over 40,000. [32] Governor James W. Nye was apparently quite eager, as previous attempts to send the constitution had failed. On October 26, the full text was transmitted via telegraph at a considerable cost of 86,514.04 in today's money. The response arrived on October 31, 1864: "the pain is over, the child is born, Nevada this day was admitted into the Union." This expedited admission was timed to bolster Abraham Lincoln's reelection chances and ensure Republican dominance post-Civil War, given Nevada's mining-based economy's alignment with the Union. As it turned out, Lincoln and the Republicans won handily and didn't strictly need Nevada's vote, but they got it nonetheless.
Nevada is one of only two states that significantly expanded its borders after joining the Union, the other being Missouri (which gained territory via the Platte Purchase). In 1866, Nevada absorbed more of western Utah Territory, establishing its current eastern boundary. It reached its present southern boundaries on January 18, 1867, when it annexed the portion of Pah-Ute County in the Arizona Territory that lay west of the Colorado River, essentially all of present-day southern Nevada. This was partly driven by the discovery of gold in the area, with officials believing Nevada could better manage the anticipated population surge. This acquisition includes all of modern Clark County and the southernmost parts of Esmeralda, Lincoln, and Nye counties. [35]
Bottle house in the mining ghost town of Rhyolite; built in 1906 with about 50,000 bottles [36]
Mining was the engine of Nevada's economy for years (see Silver mining in Nevada). When Mark Twain documented his time there in Roughing It, mining was synonymous with speculation and immense wealth. The late 19th century saw a decline in both mining and population. However, the discovery of rich silver veins in Tonopah in 1900, followed by strikes in Goldfield and Rhyolite, ignited a second mining boom and revitalized Nevada's population.
Gambling and labor
While unregulated gambling was rampant in early Nevada mining towns, it was outlawed nationwide in 1909. The subsequent economic downturns during the Great Depression, coupled with declining mining output and a weakened agricultural sector, prompted Nevada to re-legalize gambling on March 19, 1931, via legislative approval. Governor Fred B. Balzar signed this into law, alongside equally liberal divorce laws. These reforms arrived just eight days after the federal government awarded the construction contract for Boulder Dam (now Hoover Dam). [37]
Nuclear testing
The Nevada Test Site, located about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Las Vegas, was established on January 11, 1951, for the testing of nuclear weapons. It covers approximately 1,350 square miles (3,500 km 2 ) of desert and mountainous terrain. Nuclear testing commenced with a 1-kiloton bomb detonated at Frenchman Flat on January 27, 1951. The last atmospheric test occurred on July 17, 1962, and underground testing continued until September 23, 1992. This site holds the distinction of having the highest concentration of nuclear detonations in the U.S.
Over 80% of the state's land is federally owned. This is largely due to the arid conditions making large homesteads impractical for agriculture. Early settlers typically claimed land around water sources and then utilized the adjacent public land for grazing. This ranching model persists.
2020s
The COVID-19 pandemic reached Nevada on March 5, 2020. Governor Steve Sisolak declared a state of emergency on March 12, 2020, due to concerns about the virus. The state reported its first death four days later. On March 17, 2020, Sisolak ordered the closure of non-essential businesses to curb the spread.
Protests against the shutdown order began in April 2020. Nevada initiated its reopening phases on May 9, 2020, allowing businesses like restaurants, retailers, outdoor malls, and hair salons to operate with capacity limits. Phase two began on May 29, 2020, permitting the reopening of state parks and establishments such as bars, gyms, and movie theaters. Casinos began welcoming patrons again on June 4, 2020.
Geography
• See also: Geography of Nevada
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Mountains west of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert A valley near Pyramid Lake Topographic map of Nevada
Nevada is almost entirely situated within the Basin and Range Province, characterized by numerous north-south mountain ranges separated by endorheic valleys.
Much of northern Nevada is part of the Great Basin, a desert climate with hot summers and cold winters. Occasional summer thunderstorms from the Arizona Monsoon, and Pacific storms bringing snow, punctuate the climate. The state's highest recorded temperature was 125 °F (52 °C) in Laughlin (elevation 605 feet or 184 meters) on June 29, 1994. [38] The coldest temperature recorded was −52 °F (−47 °C) in San Jacinto in 1972, in the state's northeastern region. [38]
The Humboldt River flows across northern Nevada from east to west, emptying into the Humboldt Sink near Lovelock. Several rivers, including the Walker, Truckee, and Carson rivers, drain from the Sierra Nevada eastward. These rivers all terminate in [endorheic basins]: Walker Lake, Pyramid Lake, and the Carson Sink, respectively. However, not all of Nevada drains into the Great Basin. The far north is drained by tributaries of the Snake River, while the Colorado River, which also forms a significant portion of the border with Arizona, drains much of southern Nevada.
The mountain ranges, some reaching over 13,000 feet (4,000 m), host dense forests above desert plains, creating isolated sky islands that shelter endemic species. The valleys typically sit above 3,000 feet (910 m), with some in central Nevada exceeding 6,000 feet (1,800 m).
Little Finland rock formation in Nevada
The southern third of the state, including the Las Vegas area, lies within the Mojave Desert. This region experiences less winter precipitation but is influenced by the summer Arizona Monsoon. The lower elevation, generally below 4,000 feet (1,200 m), results in hot summer days and cool to chilly winter nights.
Nevada and California share the longest diagonal state boundary at just over 400 miles (640 km). This line begins in Lake Tahoe, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) offshore from the boundary, and extends to the Colorado River where the Nevada, California, and Arizona boundaries converge 12 miles (19 km) southwest of the Laughlin Bridge.
The Spring Mountain Range, west of Las Vegas, is the largest mountain range in the southern part of the state. The state's lowest elevation point is along the Colorado River, south of Laughlin.
Nevada boasts 172 mountain summits with 2,000 feet (610 m) of prominence. It ranks second only to Alaska in the number of mountains within the United States, followed by California, Montana, and Washington. [39]
Climate
• Further information: Climate change in Nevada
Köppen climate types of Nevada, using 1991–2020 climate normals.
Nevada is the driest state in the United States. [40] Its climate is predominantly desert and semi-arid. Except for the Las Vegas Valley, the average summer diurnal temperature range in most of the state approaches 40 °F (22 °C). Winters in northern Nevada are long and cold, while the southern part of the state experiences shorter, milder winters. Most of Nevada receives minimal precipitation annually. The highest rainfall occurs on the eastern and northeastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada.
The average annual rainfall is about 7 inches (180 mm); the wettest areas receive around 40 inches (1,000 mm). Nevada's highest recorded temperature is 125 °F (52 °C) at Laughlin on June 29, 1994. The lowest recorded temperature is −50 °F (−46 °C) at San Jacinto on January 8, 1937. Nevada's 125 °F (52 °C) reading is the third highest statewide record high temperature among U.S. states, trailing Arizona's 128 °F (53 °C) and California's 134 °F (57 °C).
Average daily maximum and minimum temperatures for selected cities in Nevada [41]
| Location | July (°F) | July (°C) | December (°F) | December (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max | Min | Max | Min | Max |
| Las Vegas | 106 | 81 | 41 | 27 |
| Reno | 92 | 57 | 33 | 14 |
| Carson City | 89 | 52 | 32 | 11 |
| Elko | 90 | 50 | 32 | 10 |
| Fallon | 92 | 54 | 33 | 12 |
| Winnemucca | 93 | 52 | 34 | 11 |
| Laughlin | 112 | 80 | 44 | 27 |
Flora and fauna
• Main article: Fauna of Nevada
Nevada's vegetation is varied and changes depending on the region. It encompasses six biotic zones: alpine, sub-alpine, ponderosa pine, pinion-juniper, sagebrush, and creosotebush. [42]
Counties
• Further information: List of counties in Nevada
The Las Vegas Strip looking South Carson City Mint in Carson City. Carson City is an independent city and the capital of Nevada.
Nevada is organized into political divisions known as counties. Carson City is a consolidated municipality, functioning as both a city and a county. As of 1919, there were 17 counties, ranging in size from 146 to 18,159 square miles (380 to 47,030 km 2 ).
Lake County, one of the original nine counties established in 1861, was renamed Roop County in 1862. Part of this county was ceded to Lassen County, California in 1864, resolving border disputes. In 1883, Washoe County absorbed the remaining Nevada portion. [43]
In 1969, Ormsby County was dissolved and replaced by the Consolidated Municipality of Carson City, established by the Legislature with the same boundaries.
Bullfrog County was created in 1987 from a section of Nye County. However, its creation was deemed unconstitutional and the county was abolished in 1989. [43]
Humboldt County was initially designated in 1856 by the Utah Territorial Legislature and re-established in 1861 by the new Nevada Legislature.
Clark County is the most populous in Nevada, housing nearly three-quarters of its residents. Las Vegas, the state's largest city, has served as the county seat since the county's formation in 1909 from a portion of Lincoln County, Nevada. Prior to this, it was part of Arizona Territory. Clark County attracts millions of tourists annually; an estimated 44 million visited in 2014. [44]
Washoe County is the second most populous county in Nevada, with its county seat in Reno. It encompasses the Reno–Sparks metropolitan area.
Lyon County ranks third in population. Established in 1861, it was named in honor of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union General killed in the Civil War. Its current county seat is Yerington. The initial county seat was established in Dayton on November 29, 1861. [45]
Nevada counties
| County name | County seat | Year founded | 2022 population [46] | Percent of total | Area (sq mi) | Percent of total | Area (km 2 ) | Percent of total | Population density (per sq mi) | Population density (per km 2 ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City | Carson City | 1861 | 58,130 | 1.83 % | 157 | 0.14 % | 410 | 0.14 % | 370.25 | 142.95 |
| Churchill | Fallon | 1861 | 25,843 | 0.81 % | 5,024 | 4.54 % | 13,010 | 4.54 % | 5.14 | 1.98 |
| Clark | Las Vegas | 1908 | 2,322,985 | 73.10 % | 8,061 | 7.29 % | 20,880 | 7.29 % | 288.18 | 111.27 |
| Douglas | Minden | 1861 | 49,628 | 1.56 % | 738 | 0.67 % | 1,910 | 0.67 % | 67.25 | 25.97 |
| Elko | Elko | 1869 | 54,046 | 1.70 % | 17,203 | 15.56 % | 44,560 | 15.56 % | 3.14 | 1.21 |
| Esmeralda | Goldfield | 1861 | 744 | 0.02 % | 3,589 | 3.25 % | 9,300 | 3.25 % | 0.21 | 0.081 |
| Eureka | Eureka | 1869 | 1,863 | 0.06 % | 4,180 | 3.78 % | 10,800 | 3.78 % | 0.45 | 0.17 |
| Humboldt | Winnemucca | 1856/1861 | 17,272 | 0.54 % | 9,658 | 8.73 % | 25,010 | 8.73 % | 1.79 | 0.69 |
| Lander | Battle Mountain | 1861 | 5,766 | 0.18 % | 5,519 | 4.99 % | 14,290 | 4.99 % | 1.04 | 0.40 |
| Lincoln | Pioche | 1867 | 4,482 | 0.14 % | 10,637 | 9.62 % | 27,550 | 9.62 % | 0.42 | 0.16 |
| Lyon | Yerington | 1861 | 61,585 | 1.94 % | 2,024 | 1.83 % | 5,240 | 1.83 % | 30.43 | 11.75 |
| Mineral | Hawthorne | 1911 | 4,525 | 0.14 % | 3,813 | 3.45 % | 9,880 | 3.45 % | 1.19 | 0.46 |
| Nye | Tonopah | 1864 | 54,738 | 1.72 % | 18,199 | 16.46 % | 47,140 | 16.46 % | 3.01 | 1.16 |
| Pershing | Lovelock | 1919 | 6,462 | 0.20 % | 6,067 | 5.49 % | 15,710 | 5.49 % | 1.07 | 0.41 |
| Storey | Virginia City | 1861 | 4,170 | 0.13 % | 264 | 0.24 % | 680 | 0.24 % | 15.80 | 6.10 |
| Washoe | Reno | 1861 | 496,445 | 15.63 % | 6,542 | 5.92 % | 16,940 | 5.92 % | 75.93 | 29.32 |
| White Pine | Ely | 1869 | 8,788 | 0.28 % | 8,897 | 8.05 % | 23,040 | 8.05 % | 0.99 | 0.38 |
| Totals | 3,177,772 | 110,572 | 286,380 | 28.74 | 11.10 |
Settlements
• See also: List of cities in Nevada
Largest cities or towns in Nevada
Source: [47]
| Rank | Name | County | Pop. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Las Vegas | Clark | 641,903 |
| 2 | Henderson | Clark | 317,610 |
| 3 | Reno | Washoe | 264,165 |
| 4 | North Las Vegas | Clark | 262,527 |
| 5 | Enterprise | Clark | 221,831 |
| 6 | Spring Valley | Clark | 215,597 |
| 7 | Sunrise Manor | Clark | 205,618 |
| 8 | Paradise | Clark | 191,238 |
| 9 | Sparks | Washoe | 108,445 |
| 10 | Carson City | Carson City | 58,639 |
Parks and recreation areas
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Calico basin Great Basin National Park The quartzite of Doso Doyabi in Great Basin National Park Valley of Fire State Park Mount Charleston
Recreation areas maintained by the federal government
Northern Nevada
• Basin and Range National Monument • Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area • California National Historic Trail • Great Basin National Park • Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest • Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit • Pony Express National Historic Trail • Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge
Southern Nevada
• Ash Meadows National Wildlife Preserve • Avi Kwa Ame National Monument • Basin and Range National Monument • Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Park • Death Valley National Park • Desert National Wildlife Refuge • Gold Butte National Monument • Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest • Inyo National Forest • Lake Mead National Recreation Area • Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge • Mount Charleston and the Mount Charleston Wilderness • Old Spanish National Historic Trail • Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge • Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area • Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area • Spring Mountains and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area • Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument
Wilderness
• Further information: List of wilderness areas in Nevada
There are 68 designated wilderness areas in Nevada, protecting approximately 6,579,014 acres (2,662,433 ha) under the stewardship of the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. [48]
State parks
• Further information: List of Nevada state parks
Nevada's state parks are protected areas managed by the state, including state parks, state historic sites, and state recreation areas. There are 24 such units, including Van Sickle Bi-State Park, which opened in July 2011 as a collaborative effort with California. [49]
Demographics
Population
• See also: Hispanics and Latinos in Nevada and Basque Americans in Nevada
Population density map of Nevada
Historical population
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 6,857 | — | — |
| 1870 | 42,941 | 526.2% | +526.2% |
| 1880 | 62,266 | 45.0% | +45.0% |
| 1890 | 47,355 | −23.9% | −23.9% |
| 1900 | 42,335 | −10.6% | −10.6% |
| 1910 | 81,875 | 93.4% | +93.4% |
| 1920 | 77,407 | −5.5% | −5.5% |
| 1930 | 91,058 | 17.6% | +17.6% |
| 1940 | 110,247 | 21.1% | +21.1% |
| 1950 | 160,083 | 45.2% | +45.2% |
| 1960 | 285,278 | 78.2% | +78.2% |
| 1970 | 488,738 | 71.3% | +71.3% |
| 1980 | 800,493 | 63.8% | +63.8% |
| 1990 | 1,201,833 | 50.1% | +50.1% |
| 2000 | 1,998,257 | 66.3% | +66.3% |
| 2010 | 2,700,551 | 35.1% | +35.1% |
| 2020 | 3,104,614 | 15.0% | +15.0% |
| 2024 (est.) | 3,267,467 | 5.2% | +5.2% |
| Source: 1910–2020 [50] |
Ethnic origins in Nevada
The United States Census Bureau estimated Nevada's population at 3,104,614 as of the 2020 U.S. census. By 2022, the estimate rose to 3,177,772, an increase of 73,158 residents (2.36%) since 2020. [51] Nevada experienced the highest percentage population growth in the U.S. between 2017 and 2018. At the 2020 census, 6.0% of the state's population was under 5 years old, 22.5% under 18, and 16.1% were 65 or older. Females constituted approximately 49.8% of the population. A notable 19.1% of the population reported being foreign-born.
Since the 2020 census, Nevada's population saw a natural increase of 2,374 (births minus deaths) and a net migration increase of 36,605 (34,280 domestic, 2,325 international). [52]
The center of population for Nevada is located in southern Nye County. [53] Within Nye County, the unincorporated town of Pahrump, situated 60 miles (97 km) west of Las Vegas on the California border, experienced rapid growth from 1980 to 2020, reaching a population of 44,738 in the latter year. [54] Las Vegas itself transformed from a mere 100 people in 1900 to 10,000 by 1950, then 100,000 by 1970. It was notably America's fastest-growing city and metropolitan area between 1960 and 2000.
From the 1940s until 2003, Nevada consistently held the title of the fastest-growing state in the U.S. percentage-wise. Between 1990 and 2000 alone, Nevada's population surged by 66%, far outpacing the national growth rate of 13%. Over two-thirds of the population resides in Clark County, which is coterminous with the Las Vegas metropolitan area. This makes Nevada one of the most population-centralized states in the nation.
Henderson and North Las Vegas are among the top 20 fastest-growing U.S. cities with populations exceeding 100,000. The rural community of Mesquite, 65 miles (105 km) northeast of Las Vegas, exemplifies micropolitan growth seen in the 1990s and 2000s. Even smaller desert towns like Indian Springs and Searchlight on the outskirts of Las Vegas have experienced some growth.
Interestingly, since 1950, the proportion of Nevadans born within the state has never surpassed 27%, the lowest rate among all states. In 2012, only 25% of Nevadans were actually born in Nevada. [55]
According to the HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, an estimated 7,618 individuals experienced homelessness in Nevada. [56] [57]
Race and ethnicity
Nevada – Racial and Ethnic Composition (NH = Non-Hispanic) Note: The U.S. Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from racial categories and assigns them to a separate one. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
| Race / Ethnicity | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 1,303,001 | 1,462,081 | 1,425,952 | 65.21% | 54.14% | 45.93% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 131,509 | 208,058 | 291,960 | 6.58% | 7.70% | 9.40% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 21,397 | 23,536 | 23,392 | 1.07% | 0.87% | 0.75% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 88,593 | 191,047 | 265,991 | 4.43% | 7.07% | 8.57% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 7,769 | 15,456 | 22,970 | 0.39% | 0.57% | 0.74% |
| Some Other Race alone (NH) | 2,787 | 4,740 | 17,171 | 0.14% | 0.18% | 0.55% |
| Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) | 49,231 | 79,132 | 166,921 | 2.46% | 2.93% | 5.38% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 393,970 | 716,501 | 890,257 | 19.72% | 26.53% | 28.68% |
| Total | 1,998,257 | 2,700,551 | 3,104,614 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Ethnic composition as of the 2020 census
| Race and Ethnicity [61] | Alone | Total |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 45.9% | 50.6% |
| Hispanic or Latino [d] | — | 28.7% |
| Multiracial | — | 14.0% |
| African American (non-Hispanic) | 9.4% | 11.1% |
| Asian | 8.6% | 10.7% |
| Native American | 0.8% | 2.1% |
| Pacific Islander | 0.7% | 1.5% |
| Other | 0.6% | 1.4% |
According to the 2022 American Community Survey, 30.3% of Nevada's population identified as Hispanic or Latino (of any race), with the largest groups being Mexican (22%), Cuban (1.5%), Salvadoran (1.5%), Puerto Rican (1%), and others (4.3%). European ancestries included German (8.9%), English (8.1%), Irish (7.2%), and Italian (4.8%). The largest Asian ancestry groups were Filipino (6.4%) and Chinese (1.9%). [64]
Map of counties in Nevada by racial plurality, per the 2020 census
Legend
• Non-Hispanic White
- 30–40%
- 50–60%
- 60–70%
- 70–80%
- 80–90%
In 1980, non-Hispanic whites constituted 83.2% of the state's population. [65]
Nevada historical racial composition
| Racial composition | 1970 [65] | 1980 | 1990 [65] | 2000 [66] | 2010 [67] | 2020 [68] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 91.7% | 87.5% | 84.3% | 75.2% | 66.2% | 51.2% |
| Black | 5.7% | 6.4% | 6.6% | 6.8% | 8.1% | 9.8% |
| Asian | 0.7% | 1.8% | 3.2% | 4.5% | 7.2% | 8.8% |
| Native | 1.6% | 1.7% | 1.6% | 1.3% | 1.2% | 1.4% |
| Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander | – | – | – | 0.4% | 0.6% | 0.8% |
| Other race | 0.3% | 2.7% | 4.4% | 8.0% | 12.0% | 14.0% |
| Two or more races | – | – | – | 3.8% | 4.7% | 14.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 5.6% | 6.7% | 10.4% | 19.7% | 26.5% | 28.7% |
| Non-Hispanic white | 86.7% | 83.2% | 78.7% | 65.2% | 54.1% | 45.9% |
As of 2011, 63.6% of Nevada's population under the age of one were minorities. [69] Las Vegas is considered a majority-minority city. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates from July 1, 2018, non-Hispanic Whites comprised 48.7% of Nevada's population. [70]
In Douglas, Mineral, and Pershing counties, residents of Mexican ancestry form a plurality. Nye County and Humboldt County have a majority of residents of German ancestry, while Washoe County has a significant Irish American population. Americans of English descent are the plurality in Lincoln County, Churchill County, Lyon County, White Pine County, and Eureka County.
Asian Americans have been present in Nevada since at least the 1850s, when the California gold rush drew thousands of Chinese miners to Washoe County. They were followed by Japanese farmworkers in the late 19th century. By the late 20th century, immigrants from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam had established communities in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The city now boasts a substantial Asian American population, with a predominantly Chinese and Taiwanese area known as "Chinatown" west of I-15 on Spring Mountain Road. Filipino Americans represent the largest Asian American group in the state, numbering over 202,000, accounting for 59.8% of the Asian American population in Nevada and approximately 6.4% of the state's total population. [71]
Mining booms attracted numerous Greek and Eastern European immigrants to Nevada. [72] In the early 20th century, Greeks, Slavs, Danes, Japanese, Italians, and Basques migrated to Nevada. [73] Chileans were present in the state as early as 1870. [74] During the mid-1800s, a considerable number of European immigrants, primarily from Ireland, England, and Germany, arrived seeking opportunities in the region's burgeoning mining sector. [75]
The primary Native American tribes in Nevada historically include the Northern and Southern Paiute, Western Shoshone, Goshute, Hualapai, Washoe, and Ute tribes. [76]
Whites remain the largest racial or ethnic group in Nevada. [77] Hispanics are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the state. [78] There is a significant and growing population of people from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador in Nevada. [79] Nevada also has a rapidly expanding multiracial population. [80]
The leading countries of origin for immigrants in Nevada are Mexico (39.5% of immigrants), the Philippines (14.3%), El Salvador (5.2%), China (3.1%), and Cuba (3%). [81]
The majority of Nevada's population is of white (European) ancestry. A small segment traces its roots to Basque individuals recruited as sheepherders. Hispanics in Nevada are primarily of Mexican and Cuban heritage, constituting about one-fourth of the state's residents and concentrated in the southeast. African Americans are mainly found in the Las Vegas and Reno areas, making up less than one-tenth of the population. Native Americans from the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe tribes reside on several reservations across the state and represent a small fraction of Nevada's population. [82]
The most common ancestries reported in Nevada include Mexican, German, Irish, English, Italian, and various Asian origins. [83]
Nevada ranks as the third most diverse state in the country, surpassed only by Hawaii and California. [84] [85]
Birth data
Note: Births within the table do not add up due to Hispanics being counted both by their ethnicity and by their race, resulting in a higher overall number.
Live Births by Single Race/Ethnicity of Mother
| Race | 2013 [86] | 2014 [87] | 2015 [88] | 2016 [89] | 2017 [90] | 2018 [91] | 2019 [92] | 2020 [93] | 2021 [94] | 2022 [95] | 2023 [96] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 14,951 (42.7%) | 15,151 (42.2%) | 14,937 (41.2%) | 13,918 (38.4%) | 13,171 (36.8%) | 13,021 (36.5%) | 12,479 (35.6%) | 11,602 (34.5%) | 11,800 (35.0%) | 10,961 (33.0%) | 10,448 (32.9%) |
| Black | 4,215 (12.0%) | 4,603 (12.8%) | 4,803 (13.2%) | 4,205 (11.6%) | 4,471 (12.5%) | 4,564 (12.8%) | 4,514 (12.9%) | 4,533 (13.5%) | 4,457 (13.2%) | 4,334 (13.1%) | 4,093 (12.9%) |
| Asian | 3,097 (8.8%) | 3,145 (8.8%) | 3,337 (9.2%) | 2,666 (7.3%) | 2,685 (7.5%) | 2,613 (7.3%) | 2,587 (7.4%) | 2,467 (7.3%) | 2,372 (7.0%) | 2,548 (7.7%) | 2,461 (7.7%) |
| Pacific Islander | ... | ... | ... | 308 (0.8%) | 322 (0.9%) | 340 (1.0%) | 372 (1.1%) | 358 (1.1%) | 331 (1.0%) | 358 (1.1%) | 325 (1.0%) |
| American Indian | 425 (1.2%) | 475 (1.3%) | 510 (1.4%) | 303 (0.8%) | 305 (0.9%) | 280 (0.8%) | 277 (0.8%) | 234 (0.7%) | 239 (0.7%) | 218 (0.7%) | 208 (0.6%) |
| Hispanic (any race) | 12,718 (36.3%) | 13,006 (36.3%) | 13,225 (36.4%) | 13,391 (36.9%) | 13,176 (36.8%) | 13,307 (37.3%) | 13,238 (37.7%) | 12,763 (37.9%) | 12,842 (38.1%) | 13,019 (39.2%) | 12,631 (39.7%) |
| Total | 35,030 (100%) | 35,861 (100%) | 36,298 (100%) | 36,260 (100%) | 35,756 (100%) | 35,682 (100%) | 35,072 (100%) | 33,653 (100%) | 33,686 (100%) | 33,193 (100%) | 31,794 (100%) |
• Since 2016, data for births of White Hispanic origin are not collected but included in the Hispanic group; persons of Hispanic origin may be of any race.
The Winnemucca Sand Dunes, north of Winnemucca Downtown Reno East Las Vegas suburbs
A small fraction of Nevada's population resides in rural areas, where the culture often diverges sharply from the metropolitan centers. Residents in these rural counties tend to be native Nevadans, unlike in the Las Vegas and Reno areas where the majority of the population originates from other states. Rural areas also exhibit less racial and ethnic diversity. Mining is a key economic driver in these counties, with tourism playing a lesser role. [97] Ranching also holds a long-standing tradition in rural Nevada. [98]
Locations by per capita income
Ranked by per capita income in 2020
| Rank | Place | Per capita income | County |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crystal Bay | $180,334 | Washoe |
| 2 | Glenbrook | $102,963 | Douglas |
| 3 | Zephyr Cove | $94,920 | Douglas |
| 4 | Genoa | $86,185 | Douglas |
| 5 | Incline Village | $74,294 | Washoe |
| 6 | Kingsbury | $68,215 | Douglas |
| 7 | Round Hill Village | $67,659 | Douglas |
| 8 | East Valley | $67,169 | Douglas |
| 9 | Summerlin South | $65,633 | Clark |
| 10 | Mount Charleston | $57,583 | Clark |
• Further information: Nevada locations by per capita income
Religion
Religious self-identification, per Public Religion Research Institute's 2022 American Values Survey [99]
• Unaffiliated (40.0%) • Protestantism (25.0%) • Catholicism (21.0%) • Mormonism (5.00%) • New Age (4.00%) • Jehovah's Witnesses (2.00%) • Judaism (2.00%) • Hinduism (1.00%)
Church attendance in Nevada is notably low, among the lowest in the U.S. A 2009 Gallup poll found only 30% of Nevadans attend church weekly or almost weekly, compared to 42% nationally. Only four states reported lower attendance. In 2020, the Public Religion Research Institute reported 67% of the population identified as Christian, a slight increase from a 2014 Pew study. [102]
According to the Pew Research Center in 2014, the major religious affiliations in Nevada were: Protestant (35%), Irreligious (28%), Roman Catholic (25%), Latter-day Saints (4%), Jewish (2%), Hindu (<1%), Buddhist (0.5%), and Muslim (~0.2%). Eastern Nevada falls within the Mormon Corridor.
In 2010, the largest denominations by adherents were the Roman Catholic Church (451,070), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (175,149), and the Southern Baptist Convention (45,535). Buddhist congregations numbered 14,727, Baháʼí Faith had 1,723 adherents, and Muslim communities totaled around 1,700. [103]
Languages
• See also: Native American languages of Nevada
The most common non-English languages spoken in Nevada are Spanish, Tagalog, and Chinese. [104] Indigenous languages include Northern Paiute, Southern Paiute, Shoshone, and Washo. [105]
According to U.S. Census data, the top seven non-English languages spoken in Nevada are Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Amharic, Arabic, and Thai. [106]
Native American tribes
Historically, the region now known as Nevada was primarily inhabited by the Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe peoples. [107]
The largest Native American tribes in Nevada, according to the 2010 census, are listed below: [108]
Tribal groupings with over 500 members in Nevada in 2010 census
| Tribal grouping | American Indian and Alaska Native alone | AIAN in combination with one or more other races | Total AIAN alone or in any combination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total AIAN population | 32,062 | 23,883 | 55,945 |
| Cherokee | 1,824 | 4,376 | 6,200 |
| Paiute | 4,182 | 677 | 4,859 |
| Navajo | 1,926 | 671 | 2,597 |
| Paiute-Shoshone | 2,118 | 170 | 2,288 |
| Mexican American Indian | 1,222 | 708 | 1,930 |
| Shoshone | 1,388 | 400 | 1,788 |
| Choctaw | 597 | 872 | 1,469 |
| Apache | 719 | 690 | 1,409 |
| Sioux | 702 | 626 | 1,328 |
| Blackfeet | 284 | 877 | 1,161 |
| Te-Moak Tribes of Western Shoshone | 1,011 | 118 | 1,129 |
| Washoe | 815 | 130 | 945 |
| Ojibwe | 494 | 338 | 832 |
| Reno-Sparks Indian Colony | 579 | 13 | 592 |
| Iroquois | 228 | 283 | 511 |
| Tribe not specified | 9,413 | 10,117 | 19,530 |
Economy
• See also: Nevada locations by per capita income
Nevada quarter MGM Grand, promoting itself as The City of Entertainment Lake Tahoe on the Nevada–California border Goldstrike (Post-Betze) Mine in the Carlin Trend, the largest Carlin-type deposit in the world, containing over 35,000,000 troy ounces (1,100 t) of gold [109] Cattle near the Bruneau River in Elko County Ranching in Washoe County
Nevada's economy is heavily reliant on tourism (especially entertainment and gambling), mining, and cattle ranching. Its industrial outputs include tourism, entertainment, mining, machinery, printing and publishing, food processing, and electrical equipment. The Bureau of Economic Analysis [110] [111] estimates Nevada's total state product for 2018 at 53,635, placing it 31st nationally. [113] As of 2012, Nevada's state debt was calculated at 3,100 per taxpayer. [114] The unemployment rate stood at 7.8% as of May 2021. [115]
• Further information: Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
Mining
• Main articles: Gold mining in Nevada and Silver mining in Nevada
Outside the Las Vegas and Reno metropolitan areas, mining is a significant economic contributor. Gold is by far the most valuable mineral mined. In 2022, Nevada produced 4,040,000 troy ounces (126 t) of gold, valued at $7.3 billion, representing 4% of global gold production. Other mined minerals include construction aggregates, copper, gypsum, diatomite, and lithium. [116] [117] Despite rich deposits, mining costs in Nevada are generally high, and output is sensitive to global commodity prices.
Cattle ranching
Cattle ranching is a cornerstone of rural Nevada's economy. [118] The state's agricultural products include cattle, hay, alfalfa, dairy products, onions, and potatoes. In 2020, Nevada was home to an estimated 438,511 head of cattle and 71,699 sheep. [119] Most of these animals graze on rangeland during the summer, supplemented with feed in winter. Calves are typically sent to out-of-state feedlots in the fall for market. Over 90% of Nevada's 653,891 acres (264,620 ha) of cropland are dedicated to growing hay, primarily alfalfa, for livestock feed. [119]
Largest employers
• This section needs updating. Please help by adding recent events or new information. (August 2025)
The largest employers in the state, as of the first fiscal quarter of 2011, were: [120]
Infrastructure
Transportation
State route shield U.S. Route 50, also known as "The Loneliest Road in America"
Amtrak's California Zephyr train operates daily between Chicago and Emeryville, California, serving Elko, Winnemucca, and Reno along the original Union Pacific transcontinental railroad line. Las Vegas has lacked passenger train service since the discontinuation of Amtrak's Desert Wind in 1997. Amtrak Thruway buses connect Las Vegas to trains at Needles, California, Los Angeles, and Bakersfield, California; and Stateline, Nevada, to Sacramento, California. Several proposals exist for restoring service to Los Angeles, with the privately operated Brightline West commencing construction in 2024.
The Union Pacific Railroad operates rail lines in northern and southern Nevada. Greyhound Lines provides some intercity bus service.
Interstate 15 (I-15) traverses the southern tip of the state, connecting Las Vegas and other communities. I-215 and I-515 serve the Las Vegas metropolitan area. I-80 crosses northern Nevada, roughly following the Humboldt River eastward from Utah and the Truckee River westward through Reno into California. It includes a spur route, I-580. Nevada is also served by U.S. Highways: US 6, US 50, US 93, US 95, and US 395. The state maintains 189 Nevada state routes. Many counties also have county routes, though they are often unsigned or unpaved in rural areas. Nevada is one of the few states lacking a continuous interstate highway connecting its two major population centers; the route between Las Vegas and Reno involves a combination of Interstates and U.S. Highways. The proposed Interstate 11 may eventually address this. [121]
The state permits semi-trailer trucks with three trailers, often referred to as "road trains" in Australia, though typically smaller in the U.S. due to the need to navigate steep mountain passes.
RTC Transit operates public transportation in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, serving as the state's largest transit agency. Its bus network covers the Las Vegas Valley, including The Deuce, a double-decker bus service on the Las Vegas Strip, and various outlying routes. RTC RIDE provides local bus service throughout the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. Other transit systems include Carson City's JAC. Most other counties lack public transportation.
Additionally, a 4-mile (6.4 km) monorail system serves the Las Vegas area. The Las Vegas Monorail line connects several casino properties and the Las Vegas Convention Center east of the Strip, running near Paradise Road, with potential future extensions to Harry Reid International Airport. Some hotels also operate short monorail lines connecting their properties.
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is the busiest airport serving Nevada. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (formerly Reno Cannon International Airport) is the state's other major airport.
Energy
• See also: List of power stations in Nevada • External image Map of Nevada electricity grid
Nevada has a robust solar energy sector. A 2013 study indicated solar users provided a net benefit of $36 million. However, in December 2015, the Public Utility Commission allowed NV Energy, the state's sole power company, to impose higher rates and fees on solar users, leading to a sharp decline in rooftop solar installations. [122]
In December 1987, Congress designated the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository as the sole site for characterization as a permanent repository for the nation's highly radioactive waste. [123]
Affordable housing
In 2018, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reported that Nevada had only 15 affordable rental homes available per 100 extremely low-income (ELI) households, indicating a significant shortage of 71,358 affordable rental homes. [124] This deficit was exacerbated by the Great Recession and the 2007-2008 housing crisis. Since then, rising housing prices and increased demand have outpaced supply. Low-income service workers are increasingly displaced by an influx of tech professionals. In Nevada, affording a single-family home typically requires a six-figure income, which is beyond the reach of the average salary of $54,842 per year. [125] [126] Consequently, 112,872 renters dedicate over half their annual income to housing costs. [127]
Affordability is defined as spending 30% or less of income on housing. The gap between housing costs and income remains substantial. Renters are seeking solutions, leading to shared housing arrangements or relocation to areas further from metropolitan centers. One proposed solution involves increasing the supply of higher-income jobs, requiring Nevadans to retrain for new careers.
Education
• See also: List of high schools in Nevada and List of school districts in Nevada
Nevada's educational system comprises public and private elementary, middle, and high schools, alongside colleges and universities.
A May 2015 educational reform law expanded school choice options for approximately 450,000 Nevada students at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. This legislation enables Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to fund private school tuition, textbooks, and tutoring. [128] [129]
Approximately 86.9% of Nevada residents have earned a high school diploma or equivalent, falling slightly below the national average of 88.6%. [130]
Public school districts
Nevada's public school districts include:
• Carson City School District • Churchill County School District • Clark County School District, the fifth largest in the U.S. • Douglas County School District • Elko County School District • Esmeralda County School District • Eureka County School District • Humboldt County School District • Lander County School District • Lincoln County School District • Lyon County School District • Mineral County School District • Nye County School District • Pershing County School District • Storey County School District • Washoe County School District • White Pine County School District
Colleges and universities
• • Nevada System of Higher Education • University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) • University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) • Nevada State University (NSU) • Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) • Great Basin College • College of Southern Nevada (CSN) • Western Nevada College (WNC) • Sierra Nevada College • Touro University Nevada • Roseman University of Health Sciences
Research institutes
The Nevada Aerospace Hall of Fame offers educational resources and promotes the state's aerospace and aviation history. [131]
Law and government
Government
• Main article: Government of Nevada
The Nevada State Legislative Building in Carson City
Nevada's government, structured under the Constitution of the State of Nevada, divides powers among three branches: the executive, led by the governor of Nevada and their cabinet, along with other elected constitutional officers; the legislative, comprising the Nevada Legislature with its Assembly and Senate; and the judicial, headed by the Supreme Court of Nevada and lower courts.
The governor serves as the chief magistrate of Nevada [132] and the head of the executive branch, [132] acting as commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. [133] The current governor is Joe Lombardo, a Republican. The executive branch also includes independently elected officials such as the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state controller, and attorney general, who provide checks and balances on the governor's power. [134]
The Nevada Legislature is a bicameral body. Assembly members serve two-year terms, while Senators serve four-year terms. Both houses enacted term limits starting in 2010, restricting senators and assembly members to a lifetime maximum of twelve years in each body (through election or appointment), a constitutional provision upheld by the Nevada Supreme Court. Legislative sessions are constitutionally mandated to last 120 days in odd-numbered years, with special sessions possible if called by the governor.
On December 18, 2018, Nevada achieved a historic first, becoming the U.S. state with a female-majority legislature. Women held nine of the 21 seats in the Nevada Senate and 23 of the 42 seats in the Nevada Assembly. [135]
The Supreme Court of Nevada is the state's highest court and leads the Nevada Judiciary. Original jurisdiction is divided between district courts (general jurisdiction) and justice and municipal courts (limited jurisdiction). Appeals from District Courts go directly to the Nevada Supreme Court, which, under a "deflective jurisdiction" model, can assign cases to the Court of Appeals for final resolution. [136]
Incorporated towns in Nevada, known as cities, possess legislative authority over matters not prohibited by law. A recent movement advocates for granting home rule to incorporated cities, providing them greater autonomy and fewer legislative restrictions. Town Boards for unincorporated towns function purely in an advisory capacity, established by county commissions or referendums, and do not diminish the responsibilities of the county commissions that create them.
State agencies
• • Attorney General • Department of Business & Industry • Department of Conservation & Natural Resources • Consumer Health Assistance • Controller's Office • Department of Corrections • Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs • Nevada Commission on Economic Development • Department of Education • Nevada Secretary of State, Election Division • Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation • Gaming Control Board • Governor's Office • Nevada Film Office • Department of Health and Human Services • Department of Information Technology • Department of Justice • Lieutenant Governor • Nevada Military Department • Division of Minerals, Commission on Mineral Resources • Department of Motor Vehicles • Department of Personnel • Advisory Council for Prosecuting Attorneys • Public Employees Benefit Program • Public Employees Retirement System • Department of Public Safety • Nevada Public Utilities Commission • Department of Secretary of State • Department of Taxation • Commission on Tourism • Department of Transportation • Nevada State Treasurer • Universities and Community Colleges of Nevada • Nevada Office of Veterans' Services • Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education • Nevada Department of Wildlife • Board of Museums and History
Law
The courthouse of the Supreme Court of Nevada
In 1900, Nevada's population was the smallest and shrinking, as the harsh desert environment began to outweigh the allure of silver. Historian Lawrence Friedman observed:
Nevada, in a burst of ingenuity, built an economy by exploiting its sovereignty. Its strategy was to legalize all sorts of things that were illegal in California ... after the easy divorce came easy marriage and casino gaming. Even prostitution is legal in Nevada, in any county that decides to allow it. Quite a few of them do. [137]
The advent of air conditioning and the mild winters of Southern Nevada, much like in Arizona, proved transformative, making these states the fastest-growing in the Union.
Prostitution
• See also: Prostitution in Nevada
Nevada stands unique as the only state where prostitution is legal, albeit within licensed brothels and only in counties that have specifically voted to permit it. It remains illegal in larger jurisdictions like Clark County (home to Las Vegas), Washoe County (Reno), and the independent city of Carson City.
Divorce
Nevada's early reputation as a "divorce haven" stemmed from the difficulty of obtaining divorces in the U.S. before the widespread adoption of no-fault divorce in the 1970s. Building on its existing liberal statutes for gambling and prostitution, Nevada further enhanced its profile by enacting highly permissive divorce laws. This led to the landmark case of Williams v. North Carolina (1942), 317 U.S. 287 (1942), where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that North Carolina must grant "full faith and credit" to a Nevada divorce. The Court later modified this stance in Williams v. North Carolina (1945), [325](/List_of_United_States_Supreme_ Court_cases,_volume_325) U.S. 226 (1945), holding that a state need not recognize a Nevada divorce unless one party had established domicile there, allowing the forum state to determine validity.
As of 2009, Nevada's divorce rate exceeded the national average. [138]
Taxes
Nevada's tax structure is designed to attract new residents and businesses. The state levies no personal income tax or corporate income tax. [139] As Nevada does not collect income data, it cannot share such information with the IRS. [140]
The state sales tax rate varies by county. The statewide rate is 6.85%, applied in five counties (Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Humboldt, and Mineral). Counties can impose additional rates through voter approval or legislative action, resulting in rates ranging from 6.85% to 8.375% (in Clark County). Clark County, encompassing Las Vegas, adds four optional taxes: 0.25% for flood control, 0.50% for mass transit, 0.25% for infrastructure, and 0.25% for law enforcement. In Washoe County (Reno), the sales tax rate is 7.725%, incorporating county option rates for flood control, the ReTRAC train trench project, mass transit, and an additional rate under the Local Government Tax Act of 1991. [141] The minimum Nevada sales tax rate was adjusted on July 1, 2009. [142]
The lodging tax rate in unincorporated Clark County, including the Las Vegas Strip, is 12%. Within the cities of Las Vegas and Henderson, the lodging tax rate is 13%.
Corporations, such as Apple Inc., have reportedly established investment entities in Nevada to minimize tax liabilities. [143]
LGBT rights
• Main articles: Same-sex marriage in Nevada and LGBT rights in Nevada
In 2009, the Nevada Legislature enacted legislation establishing a domestic partnership registry, granting same-sex couples rights equivalent to married couples. Following the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015) decision, same-sex marriage was fully legalized statewide.
Incorporation
Nevada offers a favorable environment for corporate formation, leading many businesses, particularly those from California, to incorporate there to leverage the benefits of Nevada statutes. Nevada corporations provide considerable flexibility for boards of directors and streamline or avoid regulations burdensome in other states. Additionally, Nevada imposes no franchise tax, though businesses require a license for which a fee is paid to the state.
Financial institutions
While many U.S. states have usury laws limiting loan interest rates, federal law permits corporations to "import" their home state's laws. Nevada has no cap on interest rates agreed upon in contracts. [144]
Alcohol and other drugs
• See also: Alcohol laws of Nevada and Cannabis in Nevada
Nevada maintains exceptionally liberal alcohol laws. Bars can operate 24 hours a day, with no "last call". Liquor stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets are also permitted to sell beer, wine, and spirits around the clock.
In 2016, Nevada voters approved Question 2, legalizing the possession, transportation, and cultivation of marijuana for personal use by adults aged 21 and older, and establishing a regulated market for its sale through state-licensed retailers. [145] Voters had previously approved medical marijuana in 2000 but rejected a similar legalization initiative in 2006. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
Beyond cannabis legalization, Nevada's drug laws are notably stringent, contrasting with its otherwise libertarian principles. It enforces the harshest penalties for drug offenses nationwide, uniquely retaining mandatory minimum sentencing for drug possession. [146]
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported in its 2014 Behavioral Health Barometer for Nevada that adolescent illicit substance abuse in the state slightly exceeded the national average between 2012 and 2013 (10.2% vs. 9.2%). From 2009 to 2013, 11.7% of adolescents reported abusing illicit substances in the preceding month, translating to approximately 25,000 individuals. [147]
Smoking
Nevada voters enacted the "Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act" in November 2006, effective December 8, 2006, prohibiting smoking in most workplaces and public areas. Smoking is permitted in bars that do not serve food or are located within casinos. It is also allowed in casinos, certain hotel rooms, tobacco shops, and brothels. [148] However, enforcement of this law is reportedly lax. [149] In 2011, smoking restrictions were eased for certain age-restricted venues (21+). [150]
Crime
• Main article: Crime in Nevada
In 2006, Nevada's crime rate was approximately 24% higher than the national average, though it has since declined. Property crimes constituted about 85% of the total crime rate, 21% above the national rate, while violent crime accounted for the remaining 20.3%. [151] Comprehensive crime data for 2013 is available here. [152]
Politics
• See also: Political party strength in Nevada
Party registration as of October 2025 [153]
| Party | Total voters | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Republican | 601,572 | 28.25% |
| Democratic | 598,393 | 28.10% |
| Independent American | 91,343 | 4.29% |
| Libertarian | 15,336 | 0.72% |
| Other parties | 35,173 | 1.65% |
| Nonpartisan | 787,815 | 36.99% |
| Total | 2,129,632 | 100.00% |
State politics
Party Registration by County in Nevada (February 2025): • Republican ≥ 30% • Republican ≥ 40% • Republican ≥ 50% • Republican ≥ 60% • Unaffiliated ≥ 30%
Rapid growth in the southern part of the state has created a distinct political divide between northern and southern Nevada. Historically, northern Nevada has leaned heavily Republican, with its rural counties being among the most conservative regions. Carson City, the state capital, is a Republican-leaning swing city/county. Washoe County, home to Reno, has traditionally been strongly Republican but has become a more balanced swing county, mirroring the state's overall trend. Clark County, the domain of Las Vegas, has been a Democratic stronghold since its founding in 1909, having voted Republican only six times (once for a third-party candidate). However, it has become more competitive recently, notably in the 2024 Presidential Election where the Democratic margin was a narrow 2.63 percentage points. [154] Clark and Washoe counties have long dominated state politics, accounting for 87% of Nevada's votes and electing a substantial majority of the state legislature. The last Republican to win Clark County was George H. W. Bush in 1988, and the last to win Washoe County was George W. Bush in 2004. The vast majority of elected officials originate from either Las Vegas or Reno. [155] Donald Trump managed to secure a statewide majority in Nevada in 2024, despite losing both Clark and Washoe counties.
In 2014, Republican Adam Laxalt, despite losing Clark and Washoe counties, was elected Attorney General. His losses in those counties were relatively narrow: 5.6% in Clark and 1.4% in Washoe, attributed to lower turnout.
National politics
• See also: United States presidential elections in Nevada
2024 U.S. presidential election results by county in Nevada • Democratic • Republican
Nevada has historically voted with the winner in nearly every presidential election since its statehood in 1864, only deviating eight times, mostly before 1900. Since 1912, it has been a consistent bellwether, siding with the presidential victor in 27 out of 29 elections. The exceptions were 1976, when it backed Gerald Ford over Jimmy Carter, and 2016, when Hillary Clinton carried the state against Donald Trump. In the 1960 election, it was one of only three states in the American West won by John F. Kennedy, albeit narrowly. [157] Nevada's current U.S. Senators are Democrats Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen. The governorship is held by Republican Joe Lombardo.
Elections
• Main article: Elections in Nevada
Nevada uniquely offers a "none of the above" option on its ballots, officially termed None of These Candidates. Introduced in 1975, this option appears in all statewide elections. If "None of These Candidates" receives a plurality, the candidate with the next highest vote total wins. [158]
A 2020 study ranked Nevada 23rd on the "Cost of Voting Index," measuring the ease of voting across U.S. states. [159]
Culture
Entertainment and tourism
Resort destinations such as Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Laughlin draw visitors globally. In fiscal year 2022, Nevada casinos reported 15.7 billion in non-gaming revenue. [160]
Nevada leads the nation in hotel rooms per capita. The American Hotel and Lodging Association reported 187,301 rooms in 584 hotels (with 15+ rooms). While ranking below California, Texas, Florida, and New York in total rooms due to their larger populations, Nevada has one hotel room for every 14 residents, significantly exceeding the national average of one room per 67 residents. [161]
Prostitution is legal in select Nevada counties within licensed brothels, but only in counties with populations under 400,000. Despite not being a major economic driver, employing approximately 300 women as independent contractors, it remains a visible aspect of the state. Of the 14 counties eligible to legalize prostitution, eight have done so. State law prohibits it in Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno). However, prostitution is legal in Storey County, which is part of the Reno–Sparks metropolitan area.
Sports
• See also: Las Vegas § Sports; Sports in the Las Vegas metropolitan area; Reno, Nevada § Sports; and Henderson, Nevada § Sports
The Las Vegas Valley is home to the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League, who began play in the 2017–18 NHL season at T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise. The Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League moved from Oakland, California, and began play at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise in 2020. The Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA relocated from San Antonio and started playing in 2018 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball plan to relocate to Las Vegas by 2027. [162] [163]
Nevada takes considerable pride in its college sports programs, particularly college football. The state's teams include the Nevada Wolf Pack (representing the University of Nevada, Reno) and the UNLV Rebels (representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas), both competing in the Mountain West Conference (MW).
UNLV's men's basketball program achieved national prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s under coach Jerry Tarkanian. The Runnin' Rebels became one of the era's elite programs. In 1990, UNLV secured the Men's Division I Championship by defeating Duke 103–73, setting tournament records for points scored and margin of victory in the title game.
In 1991, UNLV completed a regular season undefeated, a feat unmatched in Division I men's basketball for over 20 years. Forward Larry Johnson garnered numerous awards, including the Naismith Award. UNLV reached the Final Four again but lost a close national semifinal 79–77 to Duke. The Runnin' Rebels held the Associated Press pre-season No. 1 ranking for two consecutive seasons (1989–90, 1990–91), a feat only matched by North Carolina (2007–08, 2008–09).
Nevada's engagement with major college sports extends beyond its local universities. The Las Vegas area has become a significant hub for college basketball conference tournaments in the 21st century. The MW, West Coast Conference, and Western Athletic Conference all hold their men's and women's tournaments there, as does the Pac-12 for its men's tournament. The Big Sky Conference began hosting both its men's and women's tournaments in Reno in 2016, after decades of campus-based events.
Las Vegas has hosted numerous major professional boxing matches, including high-profile bouts at the MGM Grand Garden Arena (e.g., Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield, Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr.) and at the newer T-Mobile Arena (e.g., Canelo Álvarez vs. Amir Khan).
With the surge in popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA), organizations like the UFC have recognized Las Vegas as a prime location for events due to its extensive venue options. The Mandalay Bay Events Center and MGM Grand Garden Arena are popular venues for MMA events, having hosted numerous UFC and other title fights. Las Vegas has hosted the most UFC events, with 86.
The state is also home to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which hosts NASCAR's Pennzoil 400 and South Point 400. Two venues near Las Vegas host major annual rodeo events: the Thomas & Mack Center, originally built for UNLV basketball, hosts the National Finals Rodeo. The bull riding-only Professional Bull Riders held its World Finals at the Thomas & Mack Center before moving to T-Mobile Arena in 2016.
Notable athletes from Nevada include tennis player Andre Agassi and baseball star Bryce Harper.
List of teams
Major professional teams
| Team | Sport | League | Venue (capacity) | Established | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Raiders | Football | NFL | Allegiant Stadium (65,000) | 2020 | 3 [e] |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Ice hockey | NHL | T-Mobile Arena (17,500) | 2017 | 1 |
| Las Vegas Aces | Women's basketball | [WNBA](/Women%27s_ National_Basketball_Association) | Michelob Ultra Arena (12,000) | 2018 | 2 |
Minor professional teams
| Team | Sport | League | Venue (capacity) | Established | Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Aviators | Baseball | MiLB (AAA–PCL) | Las Vegas Ballpark (10,000) | 1983 | 2 |
| Reno Aces | Baseball | PCL | Greater Nevada Field (9,013) | 2009 | 2 |
| Vegas Royals | Basketball | ABA | 0 | ||
| Henderson Silver Knights | Ice hockey | AHL | Dollar Loan Center (5,567) | 2020 | 0 |
| Tahoe Knight Monsters | Ice hockey | ECHL | Tahoe Blue Event Center (5,000) | 2024 | 0 |
| Las Vegas Lights FC | Soccer | USLC | Cashman Field (9,334) | 2018 | 0 |
| Nevada Storm | Women's football | WFA | Various | 2008 | 0 |
| Sin City Trojans | Football | Desert Pines High School (N/A) | 0 | ||
| Vegas Knight Hawks | Indoor football | IFL | Dollar Loan Center (6,019) | 20 |