Nevada sees steady population growth, but some rural decline

Associated Press

Wednesday, March 4, 2015 | 10:57 a.m.

Nevada's population is steadily growing, even though some of its rural counties are shrinking.

Nevada State Demographer Jeff Hardcastle said Wednesday that the state grew an estimated 1.5 percent, or more than 42,000, in the yearlong period that ended in July 2014.

That's roughly the same pace as the year before, and higher than the 1 percent rate for the year ending in mid-2012.

Clark County added nearly 38,000 people in the year ending in mid-2014 and logged a 1.9 percent growth rate. Washoe County grew 1 percent.

But rural areas including Carson City, Churchill and Lyon counties lost people.

Hardcastle says births are playing a role in population growth, and more immigration may also be a factor.