Nevada population to grow 49 percent in next 20 years

The Associated Press

Tue, Oct 7, 2008 (8:18 a.m.)

Nevada's population is projected to increase by nearly 50 percent over the next 20 years, a gain of 1.3 million people that would bring the statewide total to about 4 million by 2028.

The new projections are included in a new report by Nevada State Demographer Jeff Hardcastle.

Southern Nevada's Clark and Nye counties combined are expected to grow by about 1.1 million people, or 52 percent.

Hardcastle projects about a 37 percent rate of growth for six northwest Nevada counties combined _ including Carson City, Washoe, Storey, Lyon, Douglas and Churchill Counties. Under that scenario, Washoe County itself would grow about 36 percent to a total of 569,000 people by 2028.

The other nine rural Nevada counties combined are expected to see growth of about 8 percent. Elko County would grow about 13 percent to a total of nearly 57,000 people.

Discussion: 6 comments so far…

By trailspast

10/7/08 at 11:57 a.m.

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I would like to know how the major economic issues we are having will affect these numbers. I suspect this report is not relevant for southern Nevada numbers now due to lack of jobs, bad economy, and the problem borrowing money to purchase housing or run a business. With little activity in the construction industry and poor performance in with gaming, there vastly fewer jobs for both legal and undocumented workers. This will slow or may reverse growth, at least for the near future.
By 2zero

10/7/08 at 1:17 p.m.

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Harrah's growth plan is to make Vegas a spanish speaking town...ghost town!
By harske

10/7/08 at 1:24 p.m.

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Just my opinion, but it sounds like another state official is drinking the kool-aid. While Nevada's population may ultimately increase from where it stands now, it will almost certainly go through some near-term (2-5 year) contraction. And given the lack of natural resources, it will become harder and harder to economically support infrastructure increases. It seems to me that the southern Nevada infrastructure is stressed to the breaking point now, so it would take a major financial outlay to successfully support the rising population that this report indicates. I don't see that happening any time soon (20 years), so any significant increase in population will only exacerbate current issues.

I for one just moved back to the east coast. Was in Vegas for a year. I held my own doing my sports-betting, but my girlfriend couldn't find work in the Vegas valley. Even though costs are a little higher in the northern Virginia area, our combined $160k goes alot further here than our $80k there did. That will continue to be a problem for Las Vegas, and I don't see that changing either. Too bad. We really enjoyed the Vegas environment... except for the drivers. Worst drivers in the world. My last suggestion to the powers that be in the valley there would be to give every new citizen a drivers test. Should help cut the number of idiots on the roads as well as add a new source of state funding.
By revtomperl

10/7/08 at 1:40 p.m.

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Hey, this is the land of no taxes just lots and lots of fees. Thanks for the suggestion harske! I am sure Jim Gib-me-one will adopt it. Everyone is posting as if the state demographer doesn't know what he is doing. Everything you see indicates continued growth - like the bailout - the real effect of the current situation will take time to change. In the meantime don't forget that the economy is bad elsewhere.
By harske

10/7/08 at 7:35 p.m.

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Well, you have to pay for infrastructure somehow! And trust me... the fees in Vegas and Nevada aren't nearly what they are on the east coast. And when the casino revenue is down, which totally drives the state budget, where else are they going to get the money needed to pay for things?

I am curious... just what are you seeing that so clearly indicates continued growth?

I agree that the economic downturn is nationwide, and now even global. But with Las Vegas being primarily a recreation and service oriented local economy, it will feel the downturns first and worst. That's just fundamental. Just because you sink $13 billion into additional hotels doesn't mean it's just a matter of time. I sincerely hope I'm wrong about the pain Vegas will feel... I just think it's irresponsible and silly to continue saying things will always turn around when it's based on nothing more than what appears to be wishful thinking. Please! Someone give me something concrete regarding just why it HAS to turn around?

Like I said, I truly hope it turns around. Vegas is my favorite place, and I'll continue to visit 2 or 3 times a year. And if and when it does turn around, and things are up, up, and away again... and Vegas is thriving, I will be the first to say I was wrong, and raise a toast to you for sticking it out and weathering the storm.
By revtomperl

10/8/08 at 12:43 p.m.

Suggest removal

Harske, The sky is falling? Surely it is true that numbers are down - but by percentage points. Many of us who are gray don't depend on those numbers or on sports book or machines which make funny noises. If you follow the newspaper discussions it is evident that there are still 5 or 6,000 drivers licenses turned in each month and people still go to work. Of course we don't know how many of the licenses are surrendered in other states from the Silver state. Of course there is the question of certain segments of the population being affected - and the bias in particular against those who may not be legally authorized to be here - that is a longstanding problem - I lived in Queens, NYC 30 years ago and in some zip codes there were thousands of South Americans of various identities, etc., and we all survived and went through a positive time after NYC had for all practical purposes filed bankruptcy in 1975. Why will it turn around? Well, first, it always has. Second, it seems likely that 700 billion will have a positive effect and then we will get to advance our "concept" economy which is especially interesting here with its dependence on creativity and imagination which seems in abundant supply. Ok, looky, good luck! 7 come 11 - I prefer to pray and to enjoy the ordinary culture and live in the stacks of libraries which are abundant and good. Cha - ching for me! Keep the faith and surely the faith will grow!