About Nevada

Nevada is a very diverse state in the western part of the United States, lying between California and Oregon. It is bordered on the north by Oregon, to the southwest, Idaho to the southwest, California to the south, Arizona to the north, and Utah to the south-west. Nevada is the seventh-most densely populated, but also the ninth-most densely populated state. There are also many Native American Indian reservations in the state.

The major cities of Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson City are considered the state's capital. A number of Southern towns dot the far southwest and south-west of Las Vegas, including Wrightsville and Mesquite. Las Vegas is undoubtedly the most popular destination in Nevada, attracting millions of visitors every year. Millions more flock to Las Vegas each spring and fall, as the climate remains mild and there are plenty of things to do and see in this wonderful state.

Because it is so diverse, Nevada's demography is surprisingly even. While the race and ethnicity of the residents are certainly not as diverse as those found in many other states, there are some noteworthy differences. While race is the most significant factor, there is much else that characterizes the populace of this state. Some 10% of Nevada's residents are Hispanic. About a third of its residents are African-American. Native Americans make up the second largest population group.

Because it is still fairly new when compared with other states, Nevada's demography and history have changed quite a bit since it was first introduced to the rest of the nation. For instance, wagon riding and cattle drives re-enactments can be seen at historical sites all over the state. The Great Dust Bowl made a huge impact on Nevada's demographics, resulting in a massive influx of settlers who had come from the Midwest. These newcomers brought with them much of their culture, including firearms, which led to a very violent and deadly winters in the state.

Demographics and history have also impacted how the state has chosen to structure itself politically. Nevada's lines were redrawn in a very dramatic way. The legislature drew the lines so that each district would have two members. This meant that the state was divided into regions, with each having at least one representative (see Senate Districts below). In addition to having two members per district, Nevada has two unique districts: Washoe and Carson City. Washoe is home to Nevada's largest city, Las Vegas.

Like other Western states, Nevada's populations tend to skew younger and healthier. This is especially true of residents in urban and college towns. In urban areas, there is less health insurance coverage for residents, which can lead to higher premiums. College towns, which are predominantly minority, are especially prone to this problem, because many students have co-workers who refuse medical insurance or don't carry it when they go out of town for work.

As the state continues to grow, its residents will be more likely to be citizens of another country than of Nevada. This is due to migration and natural increase. It's also due to high fertility rates, especially in Nevada's central area and Southern Washoe. As the baby boomers begin to age and their children reach the age of majority, Nevada's population will grow significantly, but most people will be native Americans rather than foreigners. If you're looking for a very diverse environment and an excellent quality of life, Nevada could be a great choice for you.

One thing that's clear is that no matter the demography of Nevada, the growth rate is expected to continue to increase dramatically through the next few years. The Nevada Department of Public Health projects that the state's growth rate will be between five and ten percent, but some predict even faster growth. Whatever the numbers, Nevada's population is expected to continue to grow, and its cities will continue to prosper. With a wide range of opportunities for residents and a low cost of living, Nevada should be a great place to live.