Census Data Reveals Large Population Growth In Northern Nevada |

The latest census numbers are out, and Nevada is up to 3,104,614 people. Population numbers affect how much federal funding the state gets, and how many people represent Nevada in congress. The numbers in several of the cities and towns in our area are up as well.

The census happens every 10 years. Nevada is more than double the national average for population growth. The U.S. overall has seen a 7.4% increase, Nevada's is seeing a 15% increase.  the counties in the Northern part of the state are all up as well. Washoe County grew from 421,407 to 486,492 people. That's a change of more than 15% as well. Lyon County is up 14%, Elko is topping out at a 10% increase, Nye County is up a staggering 17.4%, Douglas County is only seeing a 5.3% increase.

When it comes to city growth, the Gardnerville area is up to 49,488, and Fernley is up to 59,238. Carson City grew from 55,274 to 58,639. Reno is up to 264,165 from 225,417 in 2010. "It scares me the population is up 15%. The signs that I see are the roads are crowded. Trying to get on and off the highway is difficult because it's congested," said local resident Kristal Lutz. "The growth is just crazy whether it's north, south, or USA Parkway with all the technology going in," said local resident David Noble.

Other findings in the census include the average age for the state going from 36 to 38 years old. More than 45% of the state is married with 33% have never married. The housing shortage is reflected in the census statewide numbers on housing vacancies. That number is down to 8.1% from 11.1% percent in 2010. There are not a lot of places available right now.