Lyon County, Nevada

Lyon County
County
Lyon County Courthouse in Yerington
Flag Logo
Location within the U.S. state of Nevada
Nevada's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 39°01′N 119°11′W
Country	United States
State	Nevada
Founded	1861 (1861)
Named for	Nathaniel Lyon
Seat	Yerington
Largest city	Fernley
Other cities	Dayton, Silver City, Silver Springs, Smith Valley, Stagecoach, Yerington, Argo, Carson Rapids City, Churchill, Como, Darwin, Davis Station, Greenville, Lux, Mason, Mound House, Nordyke, Pine Grove, Ramsey Station, Simpson, Sulfur, Sutro, Talapoosa, Twin Flat, Wabuska, Weed Heights, Wellington, Wellington Springs, Wichman
Government
• Commissioner/Manager	Board of Commissioners Dave Hockaday: Chair, District 5 (Term: 2021 - 2024) Robert Jacobson: Commissioner, District 4 (Term: 2021 - 2024) Scott Keller: Commissioner, District 2 (Term: 2023 - 2026) Tammy Hendrix: Commissioner, District 3 (Term: 2023 - 2026) Wes Henderson: Vice Chair, District 1 (Term: 2021 - 2024) Appointed Position County Manager: Jeff Page (2010 - Present) Previous County Manager: Dennis William Stark (2005 - 2010) Elected Position County Clerk/Treasurer: Nikki Bryan (2015 - Present) Previous County Clerk/Treasurer: Leona Williams (2000 - 2015) District Attorney: Stephen Rye (2014 - Present) Previous District Attorney: Robert Auer (2006 - 2014) Sheriff: Frank Hunewill (2019 - Present) Previous Sheriff: Al McNeil (2011 - 2019) Hired by the County Manager: Public Works Director: Mike Workman (2017 - Present) Previous Public Works Director: Dan O’Brien (2010 - 2017) Human Services Director: Shannon Ernst (2012 - Present) Previous Human Services Director: Carol Amos (2005 - 2012) Community Development Director: Rob Pyzel (2018 - Present) Previous Community Development Director: Rob Loveberg (2006 - 2018) Comptroller: Josh Foli (2007 - Present) Previous Comptroller: John Gillenwater (2000 - 2007)
Area
• Total	2,024 sq mi (5,240 km2)
• Land	2,001 sq mi (5,180 km2)
• Water	23 sq mi (60 km2)  1.1%
Population  (July 1, 2023)
• Total	63,583
• Density	29/sq mi (11/km2)
Demonym	Lyon County Residents
Time zone	UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP Codes	89403, 89408, 89428, 89429, 89430, 89440, 89442, 89444, 89447, 89706
Area code	775
Congressional districts	2nd, 4th
Website	lyon-county.org
U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). 2020 Census Data. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov Lyon County Official Website. (2024). Lyon County, Nevada. Retrieved from https://lyon-county.org Nevada State Demographer’s Office. (2024). Population Estimates for Nevada’s Counties. Retrieved from https://nvdemography.org Lyon County Board of Commissioners. (2024). Official Records and Meeting Minutes. Retrieved from https://lyon-county.org Lyon County Human Resources Department. (2024). Human Resources. Retrieved from https://www.lyon-county.org/18/Human-Resources

Ruins at Fort Churchill State Historic Park

Dini's Lucky Club in Yerington

Lyon County is a county in the U.S. state of Nevada. As of the 2020 census, the population was 59,235. Lyon County comprises the Fernley, NV Micropolitan Statistical Area which is part of the Reno-Carson City-Fernley, NV Combined Statistical Area.

History

Lyon County was one of the nine original counties created on November 25, 1861. It was named after Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union General to be killed in the Civil War. Its first county seat was established at Dayton on November 29, 1861, which had just changed its name from Nevada City in 1862, and which had been called Chinatown before that. After the Dayton Court House burned down in 1909, the seat was moved to Yerington in 1911. There were stories that it was named for Captain Robert Lyon, a survivor of the Pyramid Lake War in 1860, but Nevada State Archives staff discovered a county seal with the picture of the Civil War general, settling the conflict.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,024 square miles (5,240 km²), of which 2,001 square miles (5,180 km²) is land and 23 square miles (60 km²) (1.1%) is water. It is the fourth-smallest county in Nevada by area. The highest point is approximately 10,565 feet (3,220 m) on the northeast ridge of Middle Sister, the peak of which is located in adjacent Mono County, California, while the highest independent mountain completely within Lyon County is the nearby East Sister. The most topographically prominent peak in Lyon County is Bald Mountain.

Part of the Toiyabe National Forest is located within Lyon County.

Major highways

• Interstate 11 (Future)
• Interstate 80
• Interstate 80 Business (Wadsworth–Fernley)
• U.S. Route 50
• U.S. Route 95
• 
  U.S. Route 50 Alternate
• 
  U.S. Route 95 Alternate
• State Route 208
• State Route 338
• State Route 339
• State Route 340
• State Route 341
• State Route 427
• State Route 439
• State Route 823
• State Route 824
• State Route 827
• State Route 828
• State Route 829

Adjacent counties and city

• Washoe County - north
• Storey County - northwest
• Churchill County - east
• Douglas County - west
• Carson City - west
• Mineral County - southeast
• Mono County, California - southwest

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1870	1,837		—
1880	2,409		31.1%
1890	1,987		−17.5%
1900	2,268		14.1%
1910	3,568		57.3%
1920	4,078		14.3%
1930	3,810		−6.6%
1940	4,076		7.0%
1950	3,679		−9.7%
1960	6,143		67.0%
1970	8,221		33.8%
1980	13,594		65.4%
1990	20,001		47.1%
2000	34,501		72.5%
2010	51,980		50.7%
2020	59,235		14.0%
2023 (est.)	62,583		5.7%
U.S. Decennial Census 1790-1960 1900-1990 1990-2000 2010-2018

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 34,501 people, 13,007 households, and 9,443 families living in the county. The population density was 17 people per square mile (6.6 people/km²). There were 14,279 housing units at an average density of 7 units per square mile (2.7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.62% White, 0.65% Black or African American, 2.45% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 4.59% from other races, and 2.94% from two or more races. 10.97% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 13,007 households, out of which 33.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.40% were married couples living together, 9.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 21.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.10% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 25.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,699, and the median income for a family was $44,887. Males had a median income of $34,034 versus $25,914 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,543. About 7.20% of families and 10.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.10% of those under age 18 and 7.10% of those age 65 or over.

From 2000 until 2008, Lyon County was one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. However, its growth rate collapsed during 2008.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 51,980 people, 19,808 households, and 14,137 families living in the county. The population density was 26.0 inhabitants per square mile (10.0/km²). There were 22,547 housing units at an average density of 11.3 units per square mile (4.4 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 85.0% white, 2.5% American Indian, 1.4% Asian, 0.8% black or African American, 0.3% Pacific islander, 6.4% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 14.8% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 20.0% were German, 18.5% were English, 15.5% were Irish, 5.9% were Italian, and 5.3% were American.

Of the 19,808 households, 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 28.6% were non-families, and 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.02. The median age was 40.9 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $48,433 and the median income for a family was $56,106. Males had a median income of $45,319 versus $31,536 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,041. About 8.7% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

"Republic of Molossia", near Dayton

Cities

• Fernley
• Yerington (county seat)

Census-designated places

• Dayton
• Silver City
• Silver Springs
• Smith Valley
• Stagecoach

Other unincorporated places

• Argo
• Artesia
• Bucklands Station
• Cambridge
• Churchhill
• Como
• Davis Station
• Greenville
• Hoye
• Hudson
• Johntown
• Ludwig
• Lux
• Marshland
• Mason
• Mound House
• Nordyke
• Palmyra
• Pine Grove
• Ramsey
• Rapids City
• Rockland
• Simpson
• Stone Cabin
• Sutro
• Sweetwater
• Thompson
• Tippecanoe
• Twin Flat
• Wabuska
• Walker River
• Weeks
• Wellington
• Willington Springs
• Wichman

Politics

Lyon County, Nevada, is conservative, with a strong Republican voting history. In the most recent presidential election, approximately 69.2% of voters supported the Republican candidate, continuing a trend of Republican preference in every presidential election since 2000.

Community Values: The emphasis on traditional values significantly shapes local governance, influencing social policies in areas like education reform and healthcare access. Policies often lean towards conservative approaches, such as school choice and private healthcare options. This stable and predictable political environment can be attractive to businesses and investors.

Collaboration and Inclusivity: Despite its conservative lean, Lyon County makes a noted effort to work with community organizations to support those in need. This collaborative approach fosters community and inclusiveness through various initiatives:

• Collaborative Policy Development: Involving community organizations in policymaking ensures diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more effective and inclusive policies.

• Challenge: Balancing diverse viewpoints can be time-consuming and may delay policy implementation.
• Impact: Leads to more inclusive and effective policies that reflect the community’s diverse needs, fostering a sense of ownership and cooperation among residents.

• Community Engagement Programs: Initiatives like volunteer programs and community service projects encourage active participation in local governance.

• Challenge: Sustaining long-term engagement and participation from residents.
• Impact: Enhances community cohesion and collective responsibility, encouraging active participation in local governance and social initiatives.

• Community Grants and Funding: Providing grants to community organizations empowers them to address local needs effectively.

• Challenge: Ensuring equitable distribution of funds and monitoring the effectiveness of funded programs.
• Impact: Empowers community organizations to address local needs effectively, leading to targeted and impactful social programs.

Economic Development: The county collaborates with local business associations and economic development organizations to stimulate job growth and support small businesses. This includes identifying growth sectors, promoting entrepreneurship, and forming public-private partnerships.

• Challenge: Attracting and retaining businesses in a competitive market.
• Impact: Stimulates job growth, attracts new businesses, and supports small businesses, leading to a robust and diversified local economy.

• Identifying Growth Sectors: By working closely with local business associations, the county can pinpoint industries with the highest potential for growth, such as renewable energy, technology, agriculture, or tourism.

• Challenge: Adapting to changing market conditions and technological advancements.
• Impact: Focuses resources on high-potential industries, driving innovation and economic diversification.

• Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as transportation, broadband access, and utilities, can create a more conducive environment for business growth by lowering operational costs and improving access to markets and resources.

• Challenge: Securing funding and managing large-scale projects.
• Impact: Improves business environment and quality of life by enhancing transportation, broadband access, and utilities.

• Promoting Entrepreneurship: Encouraging entrepreneurship through contests, workshops, and startup accelerators can foster a culture of innovation, supporting new business creation and diversifying the local economy.

• Challenge: Providing ongoing support and resources for new entrepreneurs.
• Impact: Fosters a culture of innovation and supports new business creation, diversifying the local economy.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Forming partnerships between the public sector and private enterprises can drive innovation and economic development through joint ventures, research and development projects, or community improvement initiatives.

• Challenge: Aligning the interests of public and private entities and ensuring mutual benefits.
• Impact: Drives innovation and economic development through collaborative efforts, leveraging resources from both sectors.

Education Reform: Collaboration with educational non-profits and school boards aims to enhance educational opportunities through curriculum development, teacher training, and resource allocation.

• Challenge: Securing adequate funding and resources for educational initiatives.
• Impact: Improves educational outcomes, better prepare students for future job markets and contributes to a skilled workforce.

Environmental Policies: Engaging environmental groups in policy discussions promote sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

• Challenge: Balancing economic development with environmental conservation.
• Impact: Promotes sustainable practices and conservation efforts, protecting natural resources and enhancing quality of life.

Healthcare Access: Partnering with local health organizations helps improve healthcare access for underserved populations through initiatives like mobile clinics and telehealth services.

• Challenge: Addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring consistent access to services.
• Impact: Improves healthcare access for underserved populations, leading to better overall health outcomes and reduced disparities.

Housing Initiatives: Involving local housing advocacy groups helps develop policies to address affordable housing needs.

• Challenge: Securing funding for affordable housing projects and overcoming community resistance.
• Impact: Addresses affordable housing needs, reducing homelessness and providing stable living conditions for low-income residents.

Inclusive Forums and Workshops: Hosting forums, workshops, and town hall meetings that bring together residents, community leaders, and government officials can facilitate dialogue and collaboration on social issues.

• Challenge: Ensuring broad participation and managing differing opinions.
• Impact: Facilitates dialogue and collaboration on social issues, leading to more informed and community-driven solutions.

Innovation and Research Incentives: Encouraging innovation through R&D tax credits or grants attracts high-tech industries and positions the county as a hub for innovation.

• Challenge: Keeping up with rapid technological changes and fostering a culture of innovation.
• Impact: Spurs technological advancements and attracts high-tech industries, positioning the county as a hub for innovation.

Job Creation Bonuses: Offering bonuses or tax credits to businesses that create jobs ensures economic growth benefits residents.

• Challenge: Ensuring that job creation incentives lead to sustainable employment opportunities.
• Impact: Directly addresses employment, ensuring economic growth benefits residents and reduces unemployment.

Low-Interest Loans: Supporting businesses with low-interest loans aids in expansion and innovation.

• Challenge: Managing loan programs and ensuring repayment.
• Impact: Supports business expansion and innovation, contributing to economic growth and stability.

Public Recognition Programs: Highlighting businesses that contribute positively to the community enhances their reputation and attracts customers.

• Challenge: Ensuring fair and transparent recognition processes.
• Impact: Enhances business reputation and attracts customers, encouraging positive contributions to the community.

Public-Private Partnerships (Social Issues): Collaborating with local businesses and non-profits to address social issues pools resources and expertise for comprehensive solutions.

• Challenge: Coordinating efforts and measuring impact.
• Impact: Addresses social issues effectively by pooling resources and expertise, leading to comprehensive solutions.

Sustainability Incentives: Offering incentives for environmentally friendly practices encourages businesses to engage in sustainability.

• Challenge: Balancing short-term costs with long-term environmental benefits.
• Impact: Encourages environmentally friendly practices, contributing to long-term environmental health and sustainability.

Support for Non-Profit Initiatives: Providing funding, resources, or policy support helps non-profits expand their reach and impact, especially where government services are limited.

• Challenge: Ensuring accountability and effective use of resources.
• Impact: Expands the reach and impact of non-profits, particularly in areas where government services are limited.

Supporting Small Businesses: Offering support through business incubators, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities help small businesses thrive.

• Challenge: Providing consistent support and adapting to the needs of small businesses.
• Impact: Helps small businesses thrive, contributing to economic diversity and resilience.

Tax Breaks: Offering tax incentives makes it financially appealing for businesses to establish operations locally, boosting economic growth.

• Challenge: Balancing tax incentives with the need for public revenue.
• Impact: Attracts businesses by making it financially appealing to establish operations locally, boosting economic growth.

Workforce Development Programs: Collaborating with educational institutions and vocational training centers equips residents with the skills needed by local industries.

• Challenge: Aligning training programs with industry needs and ensuring accessibility for all residents.
• Impact: Equips residents with the skills needed by local industries, ensuring a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Although not so historically Republican as neighboring Douglas County, Lyon is nonetheless a powerfully Republican county. The last Democrat to carry the county was Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1940 – the county was one of three in Nevada to vote for Barry Goldwater in 1964 – and Jimmy Carter in 1976 is the last Democrat to pass forty percent of Lyon County's vote.

An advisory question about Lyon County's legal brothels was put on the 2018 ballot. "Lyon County Question 1" asked whether or not voters wanted to rescind Title 3, Chapter 5, which is the Lyon County Brothel Ordinance. Out of 20,674 votes cast, 4,031 voted to have it rescinded, and 16,643 voted to keep the brothels open in Lyon County.

United States presidential election results for Lyon County, Nevada

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	23,861	71.14%	8,954	26.70%	726	2.16%
2020	20,914	69.16%	8,473	28.02%	851	2.81%
2016	16,005	67.36%	6,146	25.86%	1,611	6.78%
2012	13,520	62.99%	7,380	34.38%	565	2.63%
2008	12,154	57.59%	8,405	39.83%	544	2.58%
2004	11,136	64.93%	5,637	32.87%	378	2.20%
2000	7,270	60.62%	3,955	32.98%	767	6.40%
1996	4,753	49.01%	3,419	35.25%	1,527	15.74%
1992	3,509	38.12%	2,777	30.17%	2,918	31.70%
1988	4,390	62.83%	2,301	32.93%	296	4.24%
1984	4,320	69.94%	1,673	27.08%	184	2.98%
1980	3,709	67.98%	1,288	23.61%	459	8.41%
1976	2,068	49.69%	1,866	44.83%	228	5.48%
1972	2,813	74.58%	959	25.42%	0	0.00%
1968	1,616	53.88%	939	31.31%	444	14.80%
1964	1,397	51.28%	1,327	48.72%	0	0.00%
1960	1,494	59.69%	1,009	40.31%	0	0.00%
1956	1,697	68.48%	781	31.52%	0	0.00%
1952	1,453	71.61%	576	28.39%	0	0.00%
1948	967	59.22%	629	38.52%	37	2.27%
1944	895	55.83%	708	44.17%	0	0.00%
1940	963	47.44%	1,067	52.56%	0	0.00%
1936	487	28.82%	1,203	71.18%	0	0.00%
1932	456	31.69%	983	68.31%	0	0.00%
1928	927	56.84%	704	43.16%	0	0.00%
1924	618	47.43%	231	17.73%	454	34.84%
1920	945	67.12%	344	24.43%	119	8.45%
1916	669	40.92%	769	47.03%	197	12.05%
1912	136	11.64%	438	37.50%	594	50.86%
1908	458	50.05%	364	39.78%	93	10.16%
1904	392	67.82%	164	28.37%	22	3.81%

Education

Lyon County has sixteen schools provided by the Lyon County School District.

Transportation

Air

There are three public airports in Lyon County:

• Yerington Municipal Airport, with a 5,800-foot-long runway.
• Silver Springs Airport, with a 7,200-foot-long runway capable of accepting 737s (its runway lights are visible when driving down on Fir Street from Ramsey Weeks cut-off to 95A).
• Tiger Field on US 95A about three miles from Fernley, with a gravel runway of 2,750 feet and a paved runway of 5,600 feet.

Railroads

The Central Pacific (the first transcontinental railroad) ran through the county, although a portion of the original route has been shifted for a new route south of Wadsworth in favor of Fernley. The Central Pacific later became the Southern Pacific Railroad which was merged into Union Pacific in 1996.

The Virginia and Truckee Railroad runs through Mound House in western Lyon County, on its way from Carson City to Virginia City.

The narrow-gauge Carson and Colorado Railroad had its terminus in Mound House, where it intersected with the V&T. It traveled east through Dayton, then turned south to the Mason Valley, and east again on its way to Walker Lake. Later a branch line connected the C&C to the Southern Pacific at Hazen. While the line west of Silver Springs was removed, the line from Hazen to Walker Lake (now standard gauge) is still in place, and used several times each week by the Union Pacific to service the NV Energy Fort Churchill Generating Station, near Yerington.

The Eagle Salt Works Railroad ran for 13.5 miles, primarily on the original Central Pacific grade from Luva (two miles east of Fernley) to Eagle Salt Works Railroad.

The Nevada Copper Belt Railroad ran on the west side of the Mason Valley.

Train

Amtrak's California Zephyr passenger train passes through, but does not stop in Lyon County. The nearest Amtrak passenger stations are located in Reno and Winnemucca. The California Zephyr runs from the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago via Salt Lake City, Denver and Omaha.

Entertainment

Prostitution is licensed and legalized in Lyon county. There are several open ranches, including:

• Moonlite Bunny Ranch (the most famous Lyon Country brothel)
• Sagebrush Ranch

All are located in Mound House, which is on US Highway 50 adjacent to the line dividing Lyon and Carson City counties.

Several gambling casinos are located in various parts of Lyon County, as are numerous restaurants, clubs, saloons, etc.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Lyon County, Nevada

External links

• Official website