County population numbers continue rising

Pahrump gained 59 residents and Nye County grew by 81 residents in the second quarter of 2014, continuing back-to-back quarterly population increases since the second quarter of 2013, according to figures from the Nye County Planning Department.

Nye County’s population rose from 46,829 to 46,910 people in the second quarter of 2014 that ended June 30, a rise of .2 percent. Pahrump also registered a small, .2 percent increase in population, from 38,591 to 38,650.

Every quarter has shown population gains since the last quarter of 2012, when there was a slight decrease, and the first quarter of 2013, when population growth was stagnant.

Tonopah’s population increased by 32 residents in the second quarter from 3,163 to 3,195 people, a 1 percent gain. The northern Nye County town has realized a 5.7 percent population gain in the last year, spurred by the solar power plant construction and other projects.

Planners estimate the population of Amargosa Valley fell by two people to 1,346 people, while Beatty’s population stayed the same at 1,049. Gabbs lost 4.4 percent of its population, dropping from 363 residents to 347, planners estimate.

County planners use active residential customer data from the various electrical utilities multiplied times the average number of persons per household as determined by the last census. A trending factor is used in calculating the number of people in group quarters like nursing homes and detention centers that is monitored on an annual basis with telephone interviews.

Nye County uses the estimates to monitor and assess baseline conditions for the Yucca Mountain project, to prepare baseline projections for the county and communities, as a basis for comparison with other estimates and for public and private agency planning and management purposes.