Nevada’s Population Exploded 535% in 50 Years… 7 Reasons People Flock to the Desert

Nevada is the third-fastest growing state in the country, featuring an annual growth rate of around 1%. Between 2016 and 2021, Nevada added over 226,000 people and increased by 7.8%. Some of the fastest-growing Nevada cities included Las Vegas, Paradise, and Henderson. These areas have recorded strong economic activity and have invested heavily in infrastructure to support the growing population. Overall, Nevada’s population has completely exploded over the last 50 years. Find out why people are flocking to the desert, including when Nevada saw the most growth and where most people are moving.

When Did Nevada See the Most Growth?

Nevada’s population grew the most during the 1960s with the addition of new luxury hotels and casinos, drawing people from all over the world. Southern Nevada grew the most as more visitors were drawn to the flashy Las Vegas Strip. During the ’60s, Nevada saw its population grow 5.65% every year during this decade. But the state had substantial growth in the 1970s (4.78%), ‘80s (5.46%), and ‘90s (5.46%), as well. By the early 2000s, new people moving into the state slowed and leveled off around 1.35% to 1.17% annually until the present time.

Where Do Most People Live in Nevada?

The majority of Nevada’s population (around three-quarters) is concentrated in Clark County, which is the area around Las Vegas. The other large urban area in the state is in the Reno-Carson area. Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada, with 646,790 people as of 2021. The second most populous city is Henderson, a suburban city in Clark County, featuring a population of more than 322,000.

Reasons People Are Flocking to Nevada

1. Sunny Weather

While Nevada experiences different seasons, the state has a pretty stable climate. Residents enjoy abundant year-round sunshine, a gentle breeze, low humidity, and only occasional precipitation. Places like Reno experience all four seasons, with limited summer showers and spring snowstorms. This state can experience some natural disasters, but many Californians move out this way to escape wildfires and other natural events. 

2. Lower Cost of Living (Compared to High Cost of Living Areas)

Depending on where you live, Nevada has a relatively low cost of living, especially when compared to many other areas in the country. While this state’s cost of living is 4% higher than the national average, it is still much more affordable than California’s, which is where many of Nevada’s new residents come from. For a single person to live comfortably in Nevada, they would need to make at least $58,580.

3. Abundant Jobs

Nevada, like most states, is still rebounding from the COVID lockdown, but it’s continuing to add jobs across many sectors. As of 2023, Nevada supports around 1.5 million jobs and has a very high number of job openings compared to the number of unemployed. Tourism is the most substantial industry in the state, but mining, food processing, publishing, and manufacturing are also key industries. Electrical assemblers, machinists, healthcare workers, drivers, and electricians are some of the fastest-growing jobs in Nevada.

4. Endless Entertainment

As the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has an endless amount of things to do and see. From its luxury hotel casinos, vibrant nightlife, concerts, shows, and affluent shopping malls. Even away from The Strip, residents have abundant parks, shopping centers, clubs, and many natural areas to explore. Plus, there are always exciting events, festivals, and sporting events to attend. 

5. Top Universities

While Nevada doesn’t rank in the number one spot for overall education, the state has several excellent high-ranking universities. The University of Nevada in Reno is the number one university in Nevada, where it’s known for its research activity and medical school. The University of Nevada in Las Vegas is a close second and emphasizes science and technology, law, and business management.  

6. Lenient Taxing

Nevada does not levy individual income tax or corporate income tax. It’s also a popular state amongst retirees because there is no tax on Social Security benefits, 401(k)s, IRAs, or pensions. Nevada is only one of nine states in the country that doesn’t have state income tax, meaning residents keep more of their paycheck.

7. Outdoor Recreation

This Southwest state has an endless amount of outdoor spaces for recreation, such as its 24 state parks, two national parks, and millions of acres of public land. From lakes and canyons, residents can spend time camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/f11photo