10 Largest Cities In Nevada

In terms of land mass, Nevada is the 7th largest in the United States. However, in terms of population, Nevada ranks as the 32nd most populous state. Despite being the 9th least densely populated state, there are many generously populated cities spread across the “Silver state.” Each of these cities is magnetizing for various reasons: from striking it big in one of the well-known casinos, vacations favorite destinations for outdoor recreation, or some of the most famous landmarks found in the whole of the United States. Paired with diverse industries, a favorable climate, and a unique culture unlike anywhere else in the United States, the article discusses the ten largest cities in Nevada by population.

1. Las Vegas – 653,533

Las Vegas can be found in southern Nevada within the Mojave Desert. It is a bustling metropolitan area known for its nightlife, live entertainment, grand hotel resorts, and gambling at one of the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Thus, Las Vegas has been dubbed the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Of the cities in Nevada, it is the most populated city and 26th overall most populous city in the entirety of the United States. It is nationally recognized for the Las Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA), and is the headquarters of the mixed martial arts branch - UFC. As for higher education, the College of Southern Nevada, The University of Nevada School of Medicine, etc., are all globally recognized institutions that draw aspiring minds from all over. Visitors will know they arrived in Las Vegas at the sight of the many nationally recognized hotels and attractions of the Las Vegas Strip. Where else in the world can you see a giant pyramid, the Eiffel Tower, and the New York skyline in one spot?

2. Henderson – 329,586

The second-largest city by population, Henderson, can be found within the Las Vegas Valley, which is in Southern Nevada in Clark County. It is a place with a unique World War II history, awe-worthy natural landscape, shopping, live performances, and the resorts of Lake Las Vegas. Speaking of live performances, Shakespeare in the park has been entertaining the crowds since 1996, an example of some rich arts and culture found in Henderson. On a national scale, Henderson is home to several minor sports teams, including the Henderson Silver Knights (AHL) and the Vegas Night Hawks (IFL). When it comes to higher education, there are many revered colleges and universities that call Henderson home. Of these acclaimed institutes are Nevada State College, The Roseman University of Health Sciences, The Art Institute of Las Vegas, and Everest College.

3. Reno – 271,953

Reno can be found in the most western part of Nevada state in Washoe County. The surrounding Sierra Nevada creates a four-season destination for outdoor recreation with proximity to Lake Tahoe, Lake Washoe, Pyramid Lake, and the Truckee River, which is in appeals to tourists and locals alike. It is famed for the slogan as “the biggest little city in the world,” for a wide variety of cosmopolitan activities, sprawling nightlife, and no shortage of casinos. Nevertheless, each year, Reno hosts the National Air Championship and Air show at Reno-Stead Airport. There are several minors and amateur sports teams to boot, with Reno being home to the Reno Aces (AAA-PCL), Nevada Storm (WFA), Reno Ice Warriors (MWHL), and Nevada Coyotes FC (UPSL). On an academic stage, the University of Nevada Reno, Truckee Meadows Community College, University of Phoenix, and Nevada School of Law at Old College can be found here.

4. North Las Vegas – 271,641

“Your City of Choice” is North Las Vegas’ slogan for this bustling suburban city. It is found in southern Nevada in Clark County as a part of the Las Vegas Valley. Although traditionally a manufacturing town, it had drawn the attention of many high-tech and green energy companies as recent as 2019 when Amazon built a state-of-the-art fulfillment center. The city also attracts a large crowd to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for NASCAR and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The College of Southern Nevada and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, are both accredited higher education facilities that see many students through their doors.

5. Enterprise – 244,501

Enterprise is a big unincorporated town situated in Las Vegas Valley in Nevada’s Clark County. Enterprise is bordered by Blue Diamond in the west, Henderson to the southeast, Paradise to the east, Solan to the south, and Spring Valley to the north. Enterprise houses two casino resorts, namely South Point Hotel and Silverton. Town Square is an open-air retail, office, and entertainment center situated on Las Vegas Boulevard in Enterprise.

6. Spring Valley – 223,037

Spring Valley is a census-designated place situated about 3 km west of the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada’s Clark County. The town has been named after its views of the Spring Mountains as well as its location in the Las Vegas Valley. The north-central portion of the town houses the large Desert Breeze Park. Along Spring Mountain Road, several strip malls are located, which house several Chinese and pan-Asian businesses.

7. Sunrise Manor – 208,868

Sunrise Manor is a census-designated place situated at the western foothills of Frenchman Mountain in Nevada’s Clark County. Located to the east of Las Vegas, Sunrise Manor is home to Las Vegas Nevada Temple. Sunrise Manor is also home to Sam’s Town Las Vegas – an entertainment venue that features a large indoor park, movie theater, bowling centers, and one of Las Vegas’s biggest casino floors.

8. Paradise – 184,852

Paradise is a census-designated place situated next to Las Vegas in Nevada’s Clark County. Paradise houses a significant portion of the Las Vegas Strip and several tourist attractions in Las Vegas. Some of these attractions include the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, Allegiant Stadium, and many more. Paradise also houses the 332-acre campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the Harry Reid International Airport.

9. Sparks – 112,081

Sparks can be found in western Nevada as part of Washoe County. With proximity to Reno, there are many entertainment venues and cultural attraction overlaps, such as bars and casinos located throughout. An attraction of note is Scheels- the World's Largest All Sports Store that contains an indoor Ferris wheel and two aquariums that visitors can walk through. Where Sparks differentiates itself is by hosting the food event known as “Best in the West, Nugget Rib Cook-Off.” For six days, visitors are enticed by the smoky aromas of this rib-making competition sponsored by the famous Nugget Casino Resort.

10. Carson City – 59,311

Carson City serves as the state capital and is situated in western Nevada along the eastern edge of the Carson Range, an extension of the Sierra Nevada. Nevertheless, Carson City has several old buildings and museums that depict the city’s historical significance. Carson City is renowned for Lake Tahoe, a popular vacation spot for outdoor recreation such as fishing and boating. The abundance of area attractions magnetizes several tourists, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts to Carson City making it a renowned four-season vacation destination.

Though Nevada is only the 9th densely populated state in the United States, with over 3.1 million inhabitants, the population is spread over large cities across the state, making them a populous hub. The highest concentration of the population resides in the Las Vegas Valley, which constitutes Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson. Lastly, each hub provides its own unique historical importance and cultural identity that comprises the state of Nevada.