Washoe County, Nevada

Washoe County is a county in the U.S. state of Nevada. As of the 2010 census, the population was 421,407,[1] making it Nevada's second-most populous county. Its county seat is Reno.[2] Washoe County is included in the Reno, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Washoe County
County
Washoe County
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Nevada
Nevada's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 40°38′N 119°41′W
Country United States
State Nevada
FoundedNovember 25, 1861 (1861-11-25)
Named forWashoe people
SeatReno
Largest cityReno
Area
 • Total6,542 sq mi (16,940 km2)
 • Land6,302 sq mi (16,320 km2)
 • Water240 sq mi (600 km2)  3.7%
Time zoneUTC−8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websitewashoecounty.us

History

Washoe County was created on November 25, 1861, as one of the original nine counties of the Nevada Territory. It is named after the Washoe people who originally inhabited the area. It was consolidated with Roop County in 1864. Washoe City was the first county seat in 1861 and was replaced by Reno in 1871.

Washoe County is the setting of the 1965 episode "The Wild West's Biggest Train Holdup" of the syndicated western television series, Death Valley Days. In the story line, deputy Jim Brand (Charles Bateman) places a locked chain on a Central Pacific Railroad engine until the company agrees to pay its tax assessment. Roy Barcroft played the aging Sheriff Jackson with Pat Priest as his daughter, N Brand.[3]

In 1911, a small group of Bannock led by Mike Daggett killed four ranchers in Washoe County.[4] A posse was formed, and on February 26, 1911, they caught up with the band, and eight of them were killed, along with one member of the posse, Ed Hogle.[5] Three children and a woman who survived the battle were captured. The remains of some of the members of the band were repatriated from the Smithsonian Institution to the Fort Hall Idaho Shoshone-Bannock Tribe in 1994.[6]

In 1918, Washoe County elected the first woman elected to the Nevada Legislature, Sadie Hurst, a Republican.[7]

As of 2013, "Washoe County is the first school district in the state to offer Paiute classes," offering an elective course in the Paiute language at Spanish Springs High School[8] and North Valleys High School.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 6,542 square miles (16,940 km2), of which 6,302 square miles (16,320 km2) is land and 240 square miles (620 km2) (3.7%) is water.[9] The highest point in Washoe County is Mount Rose at 10,785 ft (3,287 m), while the most topographically prominent peak is Virginia Peak.

There are two incorporated cities within the county, namely Reno and Sparks. In 2010, there was a ballot question asking whether the Reno city government and the Washoe County government should become one combined governmental body.[10] According to unofficial results the day after the election, 54% of voters approved of the ballot measure to consolidate the governments.[11]

The Truckee Meadows of Washoe County starts at the furthest southern runway of Reno Tahoe International Airport, GPS Coordinates 39.468836,-119.770912 and runs south east. Rattle Snake Mountain at Huffaker Park, follows the span of Steamboat Creek to the southern east end of Washoe County. This is the last of the range/prairie and wild grass water shed from the eastern range of the Reno Tahoe basin.

Major highways

Adjacent counties

National protected areas

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18703,091—
18805,66483.2%
18906,43713.6%
19009,14142.0%
191017,43490.7%
192018,6276.8%
193027,15845.8%
194032,47619.6%
195050,20554.6%
196084,74368.8%
1970121,06842.9%
1980193,62359.9%
1990254,66731.5%
2000339,48633.3%
2010421,40724.1%
2019 (est.)471,519[12]11.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[13]
1790–1960[14] 1900–1990[15]
1990–2000[16] 2010–2019[1]

2000 census

As of the census[17] of 2000, there were 339,486 people, 132,084 households, and 83,741 families living in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile (21/km2). There were 143,908 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile (9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 80.4% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 1.8% Native American, 4.3% Asian, 0.5% Pacific Islander, 7.7% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. 16.6% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 132,084 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.60% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.8 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $45,815, and the median income for a family was $54,283. Males had a median income of $36,226 versus $27,953 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,277. About 6.7% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.2% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 421,407 people, 163,445 households, and 102,768 families living in the county.[18] The population density was 66.9 inhabitants per square mile (25.8/km2). There were 184,841 housing units at an average density of 29.3 per square mile (11.3/km2).[19] The racial makeup of the county was 76.9% white, 5.2% Asian, 2.3% black or African American, 1.7% American Indian, 0.6% Pacific islander, 9.5% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 22.2% of the population.[18] In terms of ancestry, 16.9% were German, 13.1% were Irish, 11.8% were English, 7.2% were Italian, and 4.7% were American.[20]

Of the 163,445 households, 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 37.1% were non-families, and 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.11. The median age was 37.0 years.[18]

The median income for a household in the county was $55,658 and the median income for a family was $67,428. Males had a median income of $46,653 versus $35,559 for females. The per capita income for the county was $29,687. About 8.5% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.0% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.[21]

2016

The Demographics of Washoe County covers 6,540.4 square miles. There are approximately 42,154 households in the unincorporated areas with an estimated population of 419,948. The average household size in 2007 was estimated at 2.70.[22] The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District is charged with fire protection and emergency services.

Politics

Washoe County was a Republican stronghold throughout the late twentieth century, having only voted for the Democratic candidate once between 1944 and 2004 (in the 1964 Democratic landslide). Since the 1990s, it has become more competitive, going from a 22-point win for George H. W. Bush in 1988 to only a three-point win for Bush in 1992. From 1996 to 2004, the Republican candidate tallied a margin greater than four points. Barack Obama won it by a 12-point margin in 2008, and since then, it has always voted Democratic in presidential elections, albeit by relatively narrow margins. However, Republicans still hold most of the county's seats in the state legislature. Democratic strength is concentrated in Reno and Sparks, while the rest of the county is much more Republican.

Presidential elections results
Presidential elections results[23]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2020 46.3% 116,760 50.8% 128,128 2.9% 7,254
2016 45.1% 94,758 46.4% 97,379 8.5% 17,772
2012 47.1% 88,453 50.8% 95,409 2.1% 3,993
2008 42.6% 76,880 55.3% 99,671 2.1% 3,863
2004 51.3% 81,545 47.1% 74,841 1.7% 2,693
2000 52.0% 63,640 42.6% 52,097 5.4% 6,564
1996 45.3% 49,477 41.1% 44,915 13.6% 14,874
1992 37.2% 42,636 34.5% 39,500 28.4% 32,535
1988 59.3% 52,654 37.1% 32,902 3.6% 3,172
1984 67.7% 50,418 30.0% 22,321 2.4% 1,772
1980 63.5% 41,276 24.1% 15,621 12.4% 8,059
1976 55.0% 29,264 40.7% 21,687 4.3% 2,276
1972 66.2% 33,539 33.8% 17,106
1968 54.7% 23,492 33.9% 14,560 11.5% 4,936
1964 47.6% 18,350 52.4% 20,170
1960 55.2% 18,833 44.8% 15,280
1956 66.5% 18,865 33.6% 9,525
1952 68.2% 19,044 31.8% 8,888
1948 56.1% 11,323 41.4% 8,365 2.5% 500
1944 51.8% 9,024 48.2% 8,384
1940 46.6% 8,062 53.4% 9,243
1936 31.4% 4,358 68.6% 9,514
1932 34.7% 4,333 65.3% 8,141
1928 59.3% 5,767 40.7% 3,952
1924 45.7% 3,549 21.5% 1,669 32.8% 2,548
1920 61.0% 4,189 34.3% 2,357 4.7% 319
1916 45.4% 3,225 47.1% 3,341 7.5% 532
1912 17.9% 644 40.1% 1,446 42.0% 1,512[24]
1908 50.0% 2,053 42.5% 1,745 7.5% 307
1904 59.4% 1,517 28.3% 721 12.3% 314
1900 47.7% 919 52.2% 1,005
1896 30.5% 513 60.0% 1,010
1892 32.5% 530 14.4% 235 53.0% 863
1888 57.4% 902 41.6% 655 0.8% 14
1884 57.9% 716 39.9% 493
1880 47.6% 755 52.3% 828
Nevada Senate districts
  • 13th (central Reno and Sparks)
  • 14th (northern Washoe County)
  • 15th (Cold Springs, Mogul, Verdi)
  • 16th (Incline Village, Washoe Valley)

Communities
Ranching in Washoe County

Cities

Census-designated places

Other communities
  • Anderson
  • Antelope Valley
  • Arrowcreek
  • Bartley Ranch
  • Beulah
  • Border Town
  • Bronco
  • Buffalo Ranch
  • Caughlin Ranch
  • Copperfield
  • Damonte Ranch
  • Deep Hole
  • Diessner
  • Dodge
  • Flanigan
  • Franktown
  • Galena
  • Glendale
  • Grand View Terrace
  • Heinz
  • Hidden Valley
  • Hot Springs
  • Huffaker
  • Jumbo
  • Lawton
  • Mayberry-Highland Park
  • McCarran (partly in Storey County)
  • Mira Loma
  • Montrêux
  • Mustang
  • New Washoe City
  • North Valleys
  • Northeast Reno
  • Northwest Reno
  • Olinghouse
  • Palomino Valley
  • Panther Valley
  • Phil
  • Poeville
  • Pleasant Valley
  • Pyramid
  • Raleigh Heights
  • Rancho Haven
  • Red Hawk
  • Red Rock
  • Reederville
  • Saddlehorn
  • Sand Pass
  • Sano
  • Steamboat Springs
  • Upper Pyramid
  • Virginia Foothills
  • Vya
  • Washoe City
  • Washoe Summit
  • Wedekind
  • Winnemucca Ranch

See also

References
  1. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 23, 2013.
  2. "County Explorer". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "The Wild West's Biggest Train Holdup on Death Valley Days". Internet Movie Data Base. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  4. James Shown. "America's Last Indian Battle". Winnemucca, NV. Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
  5. "Ed Hogle memorial". Odmp.org. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
  6. "NMNH – Repatriation Office – Reports – Great Basin". Nmnh.si.edu. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
  7. "Fact Sheet" (PDF). Nevada Legislative Counsel Bureau. November 2013. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  8. Joe Hart (Director). "Nevada Proud: Students get a chance to learn native language in school". KRNV, Reno, NV. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013. Missing or empty |series= (help)
  9. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
  10. Voyles, Susan (October 24, 2010). "Combining local governments is questioned on ballot issue". Reno Gazette-Journal. p. 10A.
  11. "Election Results: Nevada". The New York Times. Retrieved November 3, 2010.
  12. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  13. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
  14. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
  15. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
  16. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
  17. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  18. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  19. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  20. "DP02 Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  21. "DP03 Selected Economic Characteristics – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  22. Diamante, Group (2015). "Standards of Cover, Sierra Fire Protection District". Reno Govt. Diamante Group. Archived from the original on September 19, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  23. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  24. The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 1,150 votes, while Socialist candidate Eugene Debs received 362 votes.

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