Henderson, Nevada
Encyclopedia
Demographics
According to the 2000 censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, there were 175,381 people, 66,331 households, and 47,095 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 2,200.8 people per square mile (849.7/km²). There were 71,149 housing units at an average density of 892.8 per square mile (344.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 80.49% White, 3.76% African American, 0.70% Native American, 3.98% Asian, 0.42% Pacific Islander, 3.16% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.71% of the population.
There were 66,331 households out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.1% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age for the city was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $55,949, and the median income for a family was $61,176. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $26,815. About 3.9% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.
Transportation
The city is served by RTC Transit (formerly Citizens Area Transit/CAT) with its network of bus routes which run throughout the Las Vegas Valley.Henderson is served by four major highways: Henderson black hills and (State Route 582
Nevada State Route 582
State Route 582 is a major highway in the Las Vegas valley. It connects Downtown Las Vegas with Henderson and Boulder City to the southeast. The highway is primarily known as Boulder Highway, but is named Fremont Street within the Las Vegas city limits. The highway is the former route of U.S....
), which is the main thoroughfare connecting with Las Vegas and Boulder City; Lake Mead Parkway (State Route 564
Nevada State Route 564
State Route 564 is an east–west highway in Henderson, Nevada connecting the southern Las Vegas area to Lake Mead. The route is known as Lake Mead Parkway.-Route description:...
); Interstate 515 and Interstate 215
Interstate 215 (Nevada)
The Las Vegas Beltway is the name of the beltway route circling three-quarters of the Las Vegas Valley in southern Nevada. The Las Vegas Beltway carries two numerical designations. Approximately of the beltway, from its southern terminus at Interstate 515/U.S. Route 93/U.S...
. State Route 146
Nevada State Route 146
State Route 146 is a major east–west route in Southern Nevada. It begins at the Exit 27 interchange on Interstate 15 south of the Las Vegas Strip and ends at the Pecos Road interchange on Interstate 215 in Henderson...
, also known as Saint Rose Parkway, connects Interstate 15 near Sloan
Sloan, Nevada
Sloan is an unincorporated community in Clark County, Nevada.It contains well-preserved petroglyphs and several hiking trails that allow visitors to photograph the petroglyphs...
with Interstate 215 in Green Valley. This stretch is formerly a part of Lake Mead Parkway which is a direct link to Henderson for motorists traveling in and out of Southern California
Southern California
Southern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
.
Henderson is home for the Henderson Executive Airport
Henderson Executive Airport
Henderson Executive Airport is a public airport located south of the central business district of Las Vegas, in Clark County, Nevada, United States. The airport is owned by Clark County and operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation. According to the FAA's National Plan of Integrated...
. The main airport for the metropolitan area is McCarran International Airport
McCarran International Airport
McCarran International Airport is the principal commercial airport serving Las Vegas and Clark County, Nevada, United States. The airport is located five miles south of the central business district of Las Vegas, in the unincorporated area of Paradise in Clark County. It covers an area of and...
, located northwest of the city.
Street numbering is different within the city of Henderson than with the rest of the Las Vegas Valley. The center of Henderson lies within the intersection of Water Street and Lake Mead Parkway. The Henderson Police Department for years referred to Lake Mead Parkway (and its former name Lake Mead Drive) as "146", while Boulder Highway is often referred as "93", its former highway designation.
The Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad
The Union Pacific Railroad , headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest railroad network in the United States. James R. Young is president, CEO and Chairman....
serves Henderson over a branch line originally built to support construction of Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam, once known as Boulder Dam, is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, on the border between the US states of Arizona and Nevada. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President...
. The final few miles of the line, owned by the U.S. Government, were abandoned after the dam was completed. The line still extends to Boulder City
Boulder City, Nevada
Boulder City is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States. It is approximately from the City of Las Vegas. As of the 2010 census the population of Boulder City was 15,023.Boulder City is one of only two cities in Nevada that prohibit gambling....
; in 1985, the state purchased the section east of appropriately I-515
Interstate 515
Interstate 515 is a spur of Interstate 15 that runs from the junction of I-15, US 93 and US 95 near Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada approximately southeast to Railroad Pass near the borders of Henderson and Boulder City....
, with the Nevada Southern Railroad Museum operating excursion trains over the easternmost seven miles (11 km).
History
Henderson was "born in America's defense" ten years prior to its incorporation during World War II with the building of the Basic Magnesium Plant. The plant supplied the US War Department with magnesium for incendiary munition casings and airplane engines, frames, and other parts. Mayor Jim Gibson's grandfather, Fred D. Gibson, was one of the original engineers sent to Great Britain to learn the secret of creating the "miracle metal" which would eventually help the United States and the allies win the war.
However, in 1947, magnesium production was no longer necessary for defense, and most of the 14,000 BMI employees moved away. Enrollment in the school system was reduced by two thirds and well over half the townsite houses, built to house plant workers, went vacant. In 1947, the United States War Asset Administration actually offered Henderson for sale as war surplus property.
In an effort to save the city, the Nevada Legislature spent a weekend visiting Henderson evaluating the possibility of state administration of Basic Magnesium. Within days of the visit, the legislators unanimously approved a bill giving the Colorado River Commission of Nevada the authority to purchase the industrial plants. Governor Vail Pittman signed the Bill on March 27, 1947, helping save Henderson from becoming war surplus property.
With the help of local industry, the city of Henderson, Nevada, was officially incorporated on April 16, 1953. On May 23, 1953, Henderson, with its population of 7,410, elected Dr. Jim French as the town's first Mayor. Originally about 13 square miles (33.7 km²) in size, the city quickly began to grow and flourish. Today, Henderson has grown to 94 square miles (243.5 km²) and is the second largest city in Nevada. The city's official slogan "Henderson--a Place to Call Home" reflects a community that enjoys small town values while benefiting from big city efficiencies.
An increasing number of major shopping malls, movie theater complexes, restaurants and casino resorts offer residents a variety of choices for leisure time in Henderson. The city also borders Las Vegas and is not too far from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas Strip
The Las Vegas Strip is an approximately stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard in Clark County, Nevada; adjacent to, but outside the city limits of Las Vegas proper. The Strip lies within the unincorporated townships of Paradise and Winchester...
. "Shakespeare in the Park" celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1996, a testament to Henderson's long standing support for the arts and cultural programs. The city also boasts the largest recreational facility - the Multigenerational Facility at Liberty Pointe - in Nevada as well as Nevada's only scenic Bird Preserve. The city supports a variety of other cultural events as well, many of which are held at the outdoor amphitheater, the largest one of its kind in Nevada.
Henderson is located just a few miles from McCarran International Airport; and Henderson Executive Airport
Henderson Executive Airport
Henderson Executive Airport is a public airport located south of the central business district of Las Vegas, in Clark County, Nevada, United States. The airport is owned by Clark County and operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation. According to the FAA's National Plan of Integrated...
, recently acquired by Clark County, is planned for major renovation and development as a reliever airport to McCarran.
Master-planned residential areas include Anthem, Anthem Country Club, Black Mountain Vistas, Calico Ridge, Champion Village, Green Valley
Green Valley, Henderson
Green Valley is a neighborhood of Henderson, Nevada. The Green Valley Master Community development was founded in 1978 by American Nevada Corporation in an area of on the southeast part of the Las Vegas Valley...
, Green Valley Ranch, Inspirada, Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas is located in Henderson, Nevada. Lake Las Vegas refers to both a man made lake and to the area built around the lake. The area is sometimes referred to as the Lake Las Vegas Resort...
, MacDonald Highlands, MacDonald Ranch, Madeira Canyon, Seven Hills, Sun City Anthem, Sun City MacDonald Ranch, Tuscany Residential Village, and Whitney Ranch.
Rocket fuel factory fire
In 1988, the PEPCON rocket fuel factory became engulfed in fire. There were multiple explosions, some measuring over 3 on the RichterRichter magnitude scale
The expression Richter magnitude scale refers to a number of ways to assign a single number to quantify the energy contained in an earthquake....
earthquake scale. Two people were killed. The explosion spurred the development of Henderson from industrial to the largely residential area it is today. There are no signs of the Pepcon explosion today, and the site now consists mostly of office buildings.
The 20th Best Place to Live
In 2006, MoneyMoney (magazine)
Money is published by Time Inc. Its first issue was published in October 1972. Its articles cover the gamut of personal finance topics ranging from investing, saving, retirement and taxes to family finance issues like paying for college, credit, career and home improvement...
magazine ranked Henderson 20th in its annual list of the top 100 places to live in the U.S.
One of the Most Walkable Cities
PreventionPrevention (magazine)
Prevention is an American healthy lifestyle magazine, started in 1950, and published by Rodale Press in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The range of subjects includes food, nutrition, workouts, beauty, and cooking. It was founded by J. I. Rodale...
magazine tapped Henderson in 2007 as the sixth best walking city in America, ahead of San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
, and just behind Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
.
Henderson has more than 37 miles (59.5 km) of trails.
Film history
- Henderson, like its larger neighbor Las Vegas, is frequently featured on the TV drama, "CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationCSI: Crime Scene InvestigationCSI: Crime Scene Investigation is an American crime drama television series, which premiered on CBS on October 6, 2000. The show was created by Anthony E. Zuiker and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer...
" as the location of residence of a victim or other person of interest, although the majority of the show's filming takes place in CaliforniaCaliforniaCalifornia is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
.
- The "Real CSI" documentary featured the Henderson Police Department (HPD) Crime Scene Analysts/Investigators.
- The classic scene in the James BondJames BondJames Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
film Diamonds Are ForeverDiamonds Are Forever (film)Diamonds Are Forever is the seventh spy film in the Eon Productions James Bond series, and the sixth and final Eon Productions film to star Sean Connery as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. The film is based on Ian Fleming's 1956 novel of the same name, and is the second of four James Bond films...
in which Bond (portrayed by Sean ConnerySean ConnerySir Thomas Sean Connery , better known as Sean Connery, is a Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy Award, two BAFTA Awards and three Golden Globes Sir Thomas Sean Connery (born 25 August 1930), better known as Sean Connery, is a Scottish actor and producer who has won an Academy...
) nearly gets cremated alive was filmed at Palm Mortuary's Henderson location. Later in the movie he is dumped into a pipeline. The scene is near Trailer Estates on Lake Mead Blvd. The construction office for the Lake Mead to Las Vegas Water pipeline was located there during the building of the pipeline and the filming of the movie.
- America's SweetheartsAmerica's SweetheartsAmerica's Sweethearts is a 2001 romantic comedy film, directed by Joe Roth, starring Julia Roberts, Billy Crystal, John Cusack, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The film also stars Keri Lynn Pratt, Hank Azaria, Stanley Tucci, Seth Green, Alan Arkin, and Christopher Walken, and features a cameo appearance...
, starring Julia Roberts and John Cusack, featured many scenes filmed at Lake Las Vegas.
Top employers
According to the City's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | City of Henderson | 2,963 |
| 2 | St. Rose Dominican Hospital – Siena Campus | 1,000-1,499 |
| 3 | Green Valley Ranch | 1,000-1,499 |
| 4 | M Resort M Resort M Resort Spa Casino is a luxury boutique hotel and casino on approximately at the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway , in Henderson, Nevada. It is located near the affluent neighborhood of Southern Highlands and the proposed Southern Highlands Resort. The hotel includes... |
1,000-1,499 |
| 5 | Sunset Station Sunset Station Sunset Station is a hotel and locals casino owned by Station Casinos on ninety-eight acres in Henderson, Nevada. Sunset Station is an off-strip locals casino located on Sunset Road near Interstate 515, across from the Galleria at Sunset shopping center.... |
1,000-1,499 |
| 6 | Medco Health Solutions Medco Health Solutions Medco Health Solutions, Inc is a health care company currently serving the needs of more than 65 million people. Medco provides pharmacy services for private and public employers, health plans, labor unions, government agencies, and individuals served by Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans... |
800-899 |
| 7 | St. Rose Dominican Hospital – Rose de Lima Campus | 800-899 |
| 8 | Zappos.com Zappos.com Zappos.com is an online shoe and apparel shop currently based in Henderson, Nevada.In July 2009, the company announced it would be acquired by Amazon.com in an all-stock deal worth about $1.2 billion. Since its founding in 1999, Zappos has grown to be the largest online shoe store.-Inception:Zappos... |
600-699 |
| 9 | Walmart | 600-699 |
| 10 | Fiesta Henderson Station Casinos Station Casinos Inc. is a gaming company based in the Las Vegas suburb of Summerlin, Nevada, founded by Frank Fertitta Jr.Station Casinos along with Boyd Gaming, Cannery Casino Resorts, American Casino & Entertainment Properties, and Herbst Gaming, dominate the Locals market in Las Vegas.The... |
500-599 |
Newspapers
- Las Vegas Review-JournalLas Vegas Review-JournalThe Las Vegas Review-Journal is published in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It is the largest circulating daily newspaper in Nevada, and one of two daily newspapers in Las Vegas . It is the flagship publication of Stephens Media LLC...
- Las Vegas SunLas Vegas SunThe Las Vegas Sun is a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper. It is one of Las Vegas, Nevada's two daily newspapers. It is owned by the Greenspun family and is affiliated with Greenspun Media Group....
- Henderson/Green Valley View
- The Henderson Press
Education
The Clark County School DistrictClark County School District
The Clark County School District, , is the 5th largest school district in the United States. It serves all of Clark County, Nevada, including the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and Mesquite; plus the census-designated places of Laughlin, Blue Diamond, Logandale,...
provides elementary and secondary public education. Henderson is the location for 29 elementary schools, nine middle schools, and nine high schools. Five of the nine high schools are public schools. A tenth high school, Silverado High School, also serves parts of Henderson but is located in the unincorporated Clark County (Paradise
Paradise, Nevada
Paradise is an unincorporated town in the Las Vegas metropolitan area in Clark County, Nevada, United States. The population was 223,167 at the 2010 census...
).
Colleges and universities
Henderson is home to several colleges and universities. Nevada State CollegeNevada State College
Nevada State College is a four-year public college located in Henderson, Nevada, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education...
, a baccalaureate college in the Nevada System of Higher Education
Nevada System of Higher Education
The Nevada System of Higher Education was formed in 1968 to oversee all state-supported higher education in the U.S. state of Nevada. The name was changed in 2004. Two doctoral-granting research universities, one state college, four community colleges and one research institute comprise the...
. The Roseman University of Health Sciences
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Roseman University of Health Sciences is a private, non-profit university located in the city of Henderson, Nevada, with a satellite campus located in South Jordan, Utah. It was founded by Dr. Harry Rosenberg, enrolled its first class in January 2001 and was originally called the Nevada College of...
, a private university which awards degrees in nursing, pharmacy, and business, is located in Henderson. The College of Southern Nevada, a community college based in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, maintains a branch campus in Henderson. California's National University
National University (California)
National University , founded in 1971, is a comprehensive, nonsectarian, independent, accredited, non-profit private university headquartered in La Jolla, California, United States, with academic degree programs offered at campuses located throughout the state, one in Henderson, Nevada, and...
and Touro University Nevada
Touro University Nevada
Touro University Nevada, , is a private non-profit institution of higher and professional education. Its campus is located in Henderson, Nevada. A sister campus, Touro University - California, is located in Mare Island, California. These two institutions make up the Touro Western Division,...
also maintain a campus in Henderson.
Several for-profit colleges also operate in the city, including The Art Institute of Las Vegas
The Art Institute of Las Vegas
The Art Institute of Las Vegas – is one of The Art Institutes, a system of more than 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing education in design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts....
, Everest College
Everest College
Everest College is a system of for-profit colleges in the United States and the Canadian province of Ontario. The schools are owned and operated by Corinthian Colleges, Inc. which also owns Everest University, Everest Institute, Heald College, and WyoTech...
-Henderson formerly Las Vegas College
Las Vegas College
Las Vegas College, a for-profit college in Henderson, Nevada, is now Everest College offering its students diplomas and associate degrees in comprehensive programs in the business, administrative, health care, computer and legal fields....
, and the Nevada branch of the ITT Technical Institute
ITT Technical Institute
ITT Technical Institute is a for-profit technical institute with over 130 campuses in 38 states of the United States. ITT Tech is owned and operated by ITT Educational Services, Inc. , a publicly traded company headquartered in Carmel, Indiana. ITT Educational Services, Inc...
.
Nevada State College
Founded in 2002 on a 509 acres (2.1 km²) site in the southern foothills of Henderson, Nevada State CollegeNevada State College
Nevada State College is a four-year public college located in Henderson, Nevada, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education...
offers academic programs regular and accelerated nursing degrees, education degrees, and liberal arts majors including psychology, biology, history, English, criminal justice, and an Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a discipline that aims to promote health by enabling people to perform meaningful and purposeful activities. Occupational therapists work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally, and/or emotionally disabling condition by utilizing treatments...
joint degree program in conjunction with Touro College
Touro College
Touro College is a sponsored independent institution of higher and professional education, in New York City, New York, United States. Founded by Dr. Bernard Lander, the College was established primarily to enrich the Jewish heritage, and to serve the larger American community...
. Its first permanent building, the Liberal Arts and Sciences building, opened in August 2008. Nevada State College
Nevada State College
Nevada State College is a four-year public college located in Henderson, Nevada, and is part of the Nevada System of Higher Education...
’s full-time faculty is 34.2% ethnic/racial minorities, which is the highest percentage of all colleges of the Nevada System of Higher Education
Nevada System of Higher Education
The Nevada System of Higher Education was formed in 1968 to oversee all state-supported higher education in the U.S. state of Nevada. The name was changed in 2004. Two doctoral-granting research universities, one state college, four community colleges and one research institute comprise the...
institutions. The college realized accreditation through the efforts of its late President Dr. Fred Maryanski
Fred Maryanski
Fred Mayanski , an American educator, was the President of Nevada State College in Henderson, Nevada, part of the Nevada System of Higher Education , from February 1, 2005 until his death....
.