Residents Are Fleeing These 6 Fastest-Shrinking Counties in Nevada

Nevada is a western state known for its history of mining, arid climate, and gambling opportunities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state had 3,104,624 residents as of 2020. Nevada has the 32^nd-highest population of any state in the U.S., and the number of people moving to the state has increased over the last two years. However, the growth in the state is uneven. Discover the fastest-shrinking counties in Nevada and find out where they are located, how many people have left the region, and more!

6. Humboldt County

Humboldt County is in northern Nevada, and it has a border with Oregon and Idaho. It is the oldest county in Nevada. Winnemucca is the largest city in this county.

In 2020, Humboldt County had a total of 17,288 residents. The population in this region decreased by 16 people over the next two years, falling to 17,272 people. This meager change in population is equal to about 0.1% of the population. While this population shift is so small, it is still necessary to show it on the list of the fastest-shrinking counties in Nevada.

A total of 10 of the 17 counties (16 counties and one independent city) in Nevada gained population. They increased Nevada’s overall population by an estimated 73,148 people. All the population losses from this county and the others on this list equal just over 1,000 people. So, while this drop in population is small, it shows just how few people have left the counties in Nevada. 

5. Lincoln County

Lincoln County is in the southeastern part of Nevada. This part of the state shares a border with Utah and Arizona. The Desert National Wildlife Refuge and many other protected natural areas are in this part of the state.  

Lincoln County had a population of 4,505 people back in 2020. The population decreased by 23 people between 2020 and 2022. The new estimated population for this part of Nevada is now 4,482 people, so the population in this county decreased by 0.5%. This population change represents a very small drop in a county with very few people.

4. Mineral County

Mineral County is in western Nevada, and it shares a border with California. This county is known for having U.S. Route 95 running through it along with several ghost towns.

Mineral County’s population in 2020 was just 4,555 people. The estimated population in 2022 was 4,525 people, representing a drop in population of 30 people or 0.7%. Like the first three places on this list of the fastest-shrinking counties in Nevada, the population loss in this area was very small. However, it’s one of the 6 counties that lost population in the state, so it is necessary to list it.

3. Pershing County

Pershing County is in the northwestern part of Nevada. This county often hosts the Burning Man event. The county only has a few established communities.

Pershing County is the first one to have a triple-digit population change as we count down this list. The county’s population was 6,651 according to the 2020 Census. However, the population in 2022 was 6,462. That means 189 people left this part of the state, a total of 2.8% of the population.  

2. White Pine County

White Pine County is in eastern Nevada, and it has a border along Utah’s western side. This region is home to the Great Basin National Park, several mountains, and large wilderness areas.

White Pine County’s population in 2020 was 9,078 people. The 2022 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show that this part of the Battle Born State lost 290 people. The population of White Pine County is now 8,788, a change of 0.7%.

1. Carson City

Carson City is in western Nevada. This city is rife with hotels, resorts, casinos, and gorgeous natural areas. The city borders the massive Lake Tahoe.

Carson City is an independent city rather than a county, and it is also the capital of Nevada. The population in this city was 58,644 in 2020, and it dropped by 514 people by 2022. The new population in the state is 58,130, representing a drop of 1.1%.

The population changes in the fastest-shrinking counties in Nevada were not significant. The counties that lost residents combined for just over 1,000 total residents lost compared to over 70,000 additions to the state. So, the people who left these counties could have simply moved into areas of the state with more to offer, like Washoe County and Clark County, the two fastest-growing counties in the state. The next census will show why people are moving from these areas in greater detail.  

Summary of the Fastest-Shrinking Counties in Nevada

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com