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Nevada Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Nevada is a state in the Western region of the United States. It is bordered by Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east.
Nevada is the 32nd most populous state in the United States and the seventh-largest U.S. state by land area. The state covers a total land area of 109,781 square miles (284,332 sq. km) and has an average population density of 27 people per square mile, making Nevada the 9th least densely populated state in the U.S.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Nevada’s population in 2020 was 3,104,614 (3.1 million). As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of Nevada is 3,267,467, or approximately 3.3 million people.
👉 Projected Population of Nevada (2026): ~3.35 million
Nevada Population Growth (2010–2020)
Nevada recorded a population growth rate of 15% between 2010 and 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. during that decade. The state added 404,063 residents over this period, driven largely by migration to urban centers such as Las Vegas and Reno.
The median age in Nevada is approximately 37.5 years, reflecting a relatively young and working-age population. In terms of gender distribution, the population is nearly balanced, with 49.8% females and 50.2% males residing in the state.
Nevada Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,104,614 (3.1 million) |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 15% |
| Population Rank | 32nd |
| Total Land Area | 109,781.18 sq mi (284,332 km²) |
| Area Rank | 7th |
| Population Density | 26.8/sq mi (10.3/km²) |
| Capital City | Carson City |
| Largest City | Las Vegas |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Nevada Historical Population
Nevada experienced a population growth rate of 15% between 2010 and 2020, continuing a long-standing trend of rapid expansion driven by migration, urban development, and economic opportunities. In 1910, Nevada’s population was just about 82,000, and by 2020 it had surged to over 3.1 million, representing an increase of nearly 3 million people over 110 years.
The table below highlights Nevada’s decade-by-decade population growth, showing dramatic booms during mining eras and sustained growth in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Nevada Population by Decade
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1860 | 6,857 | — |
| 1870 | 42,941 | 526.20% |
| 1880 | 62,266 | 45.00% |
| 1890 | 47,355 | −23.9% |
| 1900 | 42,335 | −10.6% |
| 1910 | 81,875 | 93.40% |
| 1920 | 77,407 | −5.5% |
| 1930 | 91,058 | 17.60% |
| 1940 | 110,247 | 21.10% |
| 1950 | 160,083 | 45.20% |
| 1960 | 285,278 | 78.20% |
| 1970 | 488,738 | 71.30% |
| 1980 | 800,493 | 63.80% |
| 1990 | 1,201,833 | 50.10% |
| 2000 | 1,998,257 | 66.30% |
| 2010 | 2,700,551 | 35.10% |
| 2020 | 3,104,614 | 15.00% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Nevada Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations in Nevada
Christianity is the largest religion in Nevada, practiced by approximately 66% of the population. Among Christian denominations, Protestants account for about 35%, followed by Roman Catholics at 25%, Mormons at 4%, and Eastern Orthodox Christians at 1%.
The religiously unaffiliated population makes up around 28% of Nevada’s residents, reflecting the state’s diverse and transient population. Non-Christian religions collectively represent about 5% of the population and include Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and other smaller faith groups.
For more details, read: Religion in Nevada
Race and Ethnicity in Nevada
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, White (non-Hispanic) residents form the largest racial or ethnic group in Nevada, comprising 45.93% of the total population. The Hispanic or Latino population is the second-largest group at 28.68%, followed by Black or African American residents at 13.66%.
The Asian population represents 8.57% of Nevada’s residents, while individuals identifying with two or more races account for 5.38% of the total population.
Ancestry in Nevada
Based on census studies and population estimates, the largest ancestry groups in Nevada are German, Irish, English, Italian, and American, reflecting the state’s long history of migration and settlement.
For more details, read: Race and Ethnicity in Nevada
Top Cities and Counties in Nevada
As of 2022, Nevada is divided into 16 counties and one independent city (Carson City). The most populous county in the state is Clark County, home to over 2.2 million residents, accounting for nearly three-quarters of Nevada’s total population. The largest county by land area is Nye County, located in the central part of the state.
Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada, followed by Henderson and Reno, all of which are key economic and population centers within the state.
Read more about Cities and Counties in Nevada
Nevada Population FAQs
1. What is the population of Nevada in 2026?
Based on recent growth trends, Nevada’s population in 2026 is projected to be around 3.35 million.
2. Is Nevada one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S.?
Yes. Nevada recorded a 15% population growth between 2010 and 2020, placing it among the fastest-growing U.S. states during that period.
3. What is the largest city in Nevada by population?
Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada and the primary population and tourism hub of the state.
4. Which county is the most populous in Nevada?
Clark County is Nevada’s most populous county, with over 2.2 million residents, accounting for the majority of the state’s population.
5. What is the largest racial or ethnic group in Nevada?
The largest group is White (non-Hispanic), comprising about 46% of Nevada’s population, followed by a significant Hispanic or Latino community.
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