Clark County, Nevada

Clark County is a county located in the U.S. state of Nevada. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,951,269, with an estimated population of 2,000,759 in 2012. It is by far the most populous county in Nevada, accounting for nearly three-quarters of its residents. Las Vegas, Nevada's most populous city, has been the county seat since the county was established.

The county was formed by the Nevada Legislature by splitting off a portion of Lincoln County on February 5, 1909, and came into existence on July 1, 1909. The Las Vegas Valley, a 600 sqmi basin, includes Las Vegas as well as the other primary population center, the unincorporated community of Paradise.

Much of the county was originally part of Pah-Ute County, Arizona Territory before Nevada became a state. The county was named for William Andrews Clark, a Montana copper magnate and U.S. Senator. Clark was largely responsible for the construction of the Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad through the area, a factor heavily contributing to the region's early development.

Clark County is today known as a major tourist destination, with 150,000 hotel rooms. The Las Vegas Strip, home to most of the hotel-casinos known to many around the world, is located not within the City of Las Vegas city limits, but in unincorporated Paradise. It is, however, located in the Las Vegas Valley.

Clark County is coextensive with the Las Vegas–Paradise, NV Metropolitan Statistical Area, a metropolitan statistical area designated by the Office of Management and Budget and used by the United States Census Bureau and other agencies for statistical purposes.

Geography


According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 8061 sqmi, of which 7891 sqmi is land and 169 sqmi (2.1%) is water.

The Colorado River forms the county's southeastern boundary, with Hoover Dam forming Lake Mead along much of its length. The lowest point in the state of Nevada is located on the Colorado River just south of Laughlin in Clark County, where it flows out of Nevada into California and Arizona. Las Vegas is a valley. By definition, Greater Las Vegas is a tectonic valley, surrounded by four mountain ranges, with nearby Mount Charleston being the highest elevation at 11918 ft, located to the northwest. Other than the forests on Mount Charleston, the geography in Clark County is a desert. Creosote bushes are the main native vegetation, and the mountains are mostly rocky with little vegetation.

Adjacent counties

 * Lincoln County – north
 * Nye County – west
 * Inyo County, California – southwest
 * San Bernardino County, California – south
 * Mohave County, Arizona – east

National protected areas



 * Desert National Wildlife Refuge (part)
 * Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (part)
 * Lake Mead National Recreation Area (part)
 * Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge
 * Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
 * Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
 * Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (part)
 * Toiyabe National Forest (part)

There are 20 official wilderness areas in Clark County that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Many of these are located in, or partially located in, one of the preceding protected areas, as indicated below. Many are separate entities that are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM):


 * Arrow Canyon Wilderness (BLM)
 * Black Canyon Wilderness (Nevada) (Lake Mead NRA)
 * Bridge Canyon Wilderness (Lake Mead NRA)
 * Eldorado Wilderness (Lake Mead NRA / BLM)
 * Ireteba Peaks Wilderness (Lake Mead NRA /BLM)
 * Jimbilnan Wilderness (Lake Mead NRA)
 * Jumbo Springs Wilderness (BLM)
 * La Madre Mountain Wilderness (BLM / Toiyabe NF)
 * Lime Canyon Wilderness (BLM)
 * Meadow Valley Range Wilderness (BLM) mostly in Lincoln County, NV
 * Mormon Mountains Wilderness (BLM) mostly in Lincoln County, NV
 * Mount Charleston Wilderness (Toiyabe NF / BLM)
 * Muddy Mountains Wilderness (BLM / Lake Mead NRA)
 * Nellis Wash Wilderness (Lake Mead NRA)
 * North McCullough Wilderness (part of Sloan Canyon NCA, which is managed by BLM)
 * Pinto Valley Wilderness (Lake Mead NRA)
 * Rainbow Mountain Wilderness (BLM / Toiyabe NF)
 * South McCullough Wilderness (BLM)
 * Spirit Mountain Wilderness (Lake Mead NRA / BLM)
 * Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness (BLM)

Demographics
At the 2010 census, there were 1,951,269 people residing in Clark County, an increase of 41.8% since 2000. The racial makeup of the population was: 72.4% White (48.0% Non-Hispanic whites), 11.6% Black, 0.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 10.2% Asian, 1.3% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, 5.3% from two or more races. 28.7% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In 1999, the median income for a household in the MSA was $44,616 and the median income for a family was $50,485. The per capita income was $21,785.

The United States Census Bureau 2009 estimates place the population for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Statistical Area at 1,902,834 people, and the region is one of the fastest growing in the United States. Large numbers of new residents in the state originate from California.

In 2000 there were 512,253 households out of which 31.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.70% were married couples living together, 11.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.70% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the county the population was spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 32.20% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 10.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 103.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $53,536, and the median income for a family was $59,485. Males had a median income of $35,243 versus $27,077 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,785. About 7.90% of families and 10.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.10% of those under age 18 and 7.30% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government
Clark County Government is run by the Clark County Commission which consists of seven members who are elected to serve staggered four-year terms in biannual partisan elections.

After each election, the members elect a chairman who runs the commission meetings. Actual day-to-day operations are handled by the county manager who is hired by the commission. Its unincorporated towns also have appointed boards that provide advice to the commission.

The county operates out of the Clark County Government Center located in the City of Las Vegas. The building is unusual in shape, and includes an outdoor amphitheater where concerts and other events are held.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department provides most law enforcement services in the county, including operation of the county's central jail, the Clark County Detention Center (CCDC). The present department was created in 1973 when the Clark County Sheriff's Department merged with the Las Vegas Police Department.

Other entities that have their own police forces include University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Clark County School District, and cities such as Henderson, Mesquite, Boulder City and North Las Vegas. The Clark County Park Police is responsible for all of the parks operated by the county and some selected special venues, such as the Clark County Amphitheater, Clark County Archery Range, and the Desert Rose Golf Course.

The Regional Justice Center replaced the Clark County Courthouse in 2005, and is located about 3 blocks from downtown Fremont Street, at 200 Lewis Avenue.

Clark County was politically competitive at the federal level, but Democratic Presidential candidates have carried the county in each election since 1992, initially with small majorities or pluralities until 2004. In 2008 and 2012, Barack Obama won by much wider margins (19% and 15%, respectively). The last Republican candidate to carry the county was George H.W. Bush in 1988. Democrats have also carried the county in all but two U.S. Senate contests since 1982, with the exception being those won by Republican former Las Vegas Congressman John Ensign in 2000 and 2006.

At the statewide (Gubernatorial) level, Republican candidates have fared better, winning 5 out of the last 10 elections since 1978, including 4 out of the last 5 races (with the exception of 2006). Brian Sandoval won with 49% in 2010 and 66% in 2014, with the latter being the highest percentage of the vote ever for a Republican Gubernatorial nominee in the history of the county.

Clark County Coroner
The office of the county coroner is responsible for determining the cause and manner of death for all deaths in the county as required under the NRS and local policy.

Regional agencies
The Clark County Regional Flood Control District (CCRFCD) was created in 1985 by the Nevada Legislature allowing Clark County to provide broad solutions to flooding problems.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada operates the RTC Transit system, and does planning for most major roadways.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority is a multi-agency group that manages the water distribution for the Las Vegas Valley.

The Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee manages and protects the Las Vegas Wash.

Since 1999 the group has added more the 15,000 plants to stabilize the wash's banks and restore and expand the wetlands surrounding the wash. As part of the effort to restore the wash to a more natural state, they have also removed more than 500000 lb of trash.

State government
The Grant Sawyer State Office Building, which houses many branches of state government, is located within the City of Las Vegas.

The Nevada Department of Corrections operates three prisons within Clark County. High Desert State Prison, a medium-maximum prison, and the Southern Desert Correctional Center, a medium security prison, are both near Indian Springs, Nevada.

The Florence McClure Women's Correctional Center is located in North Las Vegas. The facility, originally the Southern Nevada Women's Correctional Facility opened September 1, 1997. It was built and operated by Corrections Corporation of America. On October 1, 2004, the Department of Corrections took direct control of the facility. It houses the female death row.

Major highways

 * I-11 (Future).svg Interstate 11 (Future)
 * I-15 (NV).svg Interstate 15
 * I-215 (NV).svg Interstate 215
 * I-515 (NV).svg Interstate 515
 * US 93.svg U.S. Route 93
 * US 95.svg U.S. Route 95
 * Business plate.svg US 95.svg U.S. Route 95 Business (Las Vegas)
 * Nevada 146.svg State Route 146
 * Nevada 147.svg State Route 147
 * Nevada 156.svg State Route 156
 * Nevada 157.svg State Route 157
 * Nevada 158.svg State Route 158
 * Nevada 159.svg State Route 159
 * Nevada 160.svg State Route 160
 * Nevada 161.svg State Route 161
 * Nevada 163.svg State Route 163
 * Nevada 164.svg State Route 164
 * Nevada 165.svg State Route 165
 * Nevada 168.svg State Route 168
 * Nevada 169.svg State Route 169
 * Nevada 170.svg State Route 170
 * Nevada 171.svg State Route 171
 * Nevada 172.svg State Route 172
 * Nevada 562.svg State Route 562
 * Nevada 564.svg State Route 564
 * Nevada 573.svg State Route 573
 * Nevada 574.svg State Route 574
 * Nevada 578.svg State Route 578
 * Nevada 579.svg State Route 579
 * Nevada 582.svg State Route 582
 * Nevada 589.svg State Route 589
 * Nevada 592.svg State Route 592
 * Nevada 593.svg State Route 593
 * Nevada 594.svg State Route 594
 * Nevada 595.svg State Route 595
 * Nevada 596.svg State Route 596
 * Nevada 599.svg State Route 599
 * Nevada 602.svg State Route 602
 * Nevada 604.svg State Route 604
 * Nevada 610.svg State Route 610
 * Nevada 612.svg State Route 612
 * Clark County Route 215 NV.svg County Route 215
 * Summerlin Parkway

Education
The Clark County School District serves all of Clark County with 228 elementary schools, 59 middle schools, and 54 high schools being the fifth largest in the country. Current enrollment of students as of 2013 was 312,892.

Colleges serving the area are University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), College of Southern Nevada, and Nevada State College.

Parks and recreation



 * Sunset Park, located at Sunset Road and Eastern Avenue in Las Vegas

Gaming areas
The State of Nevada divides the state into several gaming districts. The reporting districts affecting Clark County are:
 * Boulder Strip: This region includes 33 casinos on Boulder Highway. Casinos within the Henderson city limits are included as well, such as Green Valley Ranch, Sunset Station, Fiesta, Eldorado, and Jokers Wild.
 * Downtown: There are 19 casinos in this reporting area.
 * LV Strip: This region is composed of all the casinos on Las Vegas Boulevard, from The Stratosphere at the north end to Mandalay Bay on the south end. Also included are resorts located near this area, such as The Rio, South Point, and the Hard Rock; and McCarran Airport.
 * North Las Vegas: This region has 11 casinos and include the Fiesta, Texas Station, Jerry's Nugget, and the Santa Fe Station.
 * Laughlin: The casinos in Laughlin.
 * Mesquite: The casinos in Mesquite.
 * Balance of County: There are 66 casinos in this category that includes casinos at Lake Las Vegas, Jean, Primm, the Railroad Pass and Hacienda casinos, along with other casinos that don't fit any other category such as Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Gold Coast, The Orleans, The Palms, Suncoast, Rampart, and Red Rock Resort Spa and Casino

Environmental factors
Clark County contains a diverse desert flora and fauna, including higher elevation mountain areas, the desert floor and the Colorado River/Lake Mead ecosystems. Variations in diurnal temperature as well as seasonal swings in temperature create demanding adaptation elements on the species of this county. Additional pressure has been placed on species survival by the rapid human population expansion, especially since 1970.

Correspondingly air quality levels prior to the 1960s were in a favorable range, but the proliferation of automobiles with the human population expansion created circumstances where some Federal Air Quality Standards began to be violated in the 1980s.

To plan for the wave of development forecast by 1980, Clark County embarked on a regional Environmental Impact Assessment funded by a Federal Section 208 program, with Sedway Cooke conducting the planning work and Earth Metrics performing environmental analysis. This endeavor projected future population growth, land use changes and environmental impacts.

To prevent the loss of federal funds due to unacceptable dust levels in the Las Vegas valley, in 2003 the Nevada Air Quality Management division (under direction of Clark County officials) created the massive "Don't Be a Dusthole" campaign. The campaign successfully raised awareness of dust pollution in the Las Vegas valley, quantifiably reducing pollutants and preserving ongoing federal funding.

Located in Apex is the Apex Landfill which at 2200 acre is the largest landfill in the United States. Republic Services owns and operates the landfill.

Economy
The county is home to many gaming related companies. Station Casinos is headquartered in unincorporated Clark County, along with Golden Entertainment, American Casino & Entertainment Properties, Bally Technologies, Cannery Casino Resorts, Golden Nugget Companies, International Game Technology, The Majestic Star Casino, LLC, Ameristar Casinos, Archon Corporation, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Riviera Holdings, Aztar, DBT Online Inc., Gambler's Book Shop / GBC Press, Leroy's Horse & Sports Place, Millennium Management Group, Navegante Group, Pinnacle Entertainment and Tropicana Entertainment

Tourism
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority post the historical numbers of visitors and hotel rooms in Clark County. The era of massive modern casino resorts began with the opening of the Mirage in November 1989.

Largest employers


According to data collected by the Research and Analysis Bureau of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Clark County's largest employers, both public and private employers, as reported in the fourth quarter of 2012.

30,000 to 39,999 Employees 5,000 to 10,000 Employees
 * Clark County School District


 * Clark County Municipal Government
 * Wynn Las Vegas
 * Bellagio
 * MGM Grand Las Vegas
 * Aria Resort & Casino
 * Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
 * Caesars Palace
 * Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
 * University of Nevada, Las Vegas

2,500 to 4,999


 * The Venetian Las Vegas
 * The Mirage
 * The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
 * University Medical Center of Southern Nevada
 * The Palazzo
 * Encore Las Vegas
 * Flamingo Las Vegas
 * Southwest Airlines
 * City of Las Vegas Municipal Government
 * Paris Las Vegas

Communities


Bracketed number refers to location on map, right

Cities

 * Boulder City (21)
 * Henderson (19)
 * Las Vegas (10) (county seat)
 * North Las Vegas (9)
 * Mesquite (4)

Census-designated places

 * Blue Diamond (18)
 * Bunkerville (5)
 * Cal-Nev-Ari (23)
 * Enterprise (17)
 * Fort Mojave Indian Reservation (part) (25)
 * Goodsprings (20)
 * Indian Springs (6)
 * Laughlin (24)
 * Moapa Town (1)
 * Moapa Valley (3)
 * Mount Charleston (7)
 * Paradise (15)
 * Sandy Valley (16)
 * Searchlight (22)
 * Spring Valley (13)
 * Summerlin South (12)
 * Sunrise Manor (11)
 * Whitney (formerly East Las Vegas) (26)
 * Winchester (14)

Air Force Bases

 * Creech Air Force Base
 * Nellis Air Force Base

Unincorporated communities

 * Arden
 * Cactus Springs
 * Cottonwood Cove
 * Coyote Springs (planned)
 * Crystal
 * Glendale
 * Jean
 * Logandale
 * Mountain Springs
 * Nelson
 * Overton
 * Primm
 * Roach
 * Sloan
 * Summerlin Town
 * Sutor
 * Vegas Creek (former CDP)

Notable government buildings

 * Clark County Government Center
 * Regional Justice Center (opened October 3, 2005)