Upgrade Your Las Vegas Home with These Landscaping Hacks

Low maintenance landscaping

Sustainable landscaping is a modern type of gardening or landscaping that takes the environmental issue of sustainability into account. According to Loehrlein in 2009 this includes design, construction and management of residential and commercial gardens and incorporates organic lawn management and organic gardening techniques.^[1]

Definition

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A sustainable garden is designed to be both attractive and in balance with the local climate and environment and it should require minimal resource inputs. Thus, the design must be “functional, cost-efficient, visually pleasing, environmentally friendly and maintainable".^[2] As part of sustainable development, it pays close attention to preserving limited resources, reducing waste, and preventing air, water and soil pollution. Compost, fertilization, integrated pest management, using the right plant in the right place, appropriate use of turf and xeriscaping (water-wise gardening) are all components of sustainable landscaping.

Benefits

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Sustainability can help urban commercial landscaping companies save money.^[3] In California, gardens often do not outweigh the cost of inputs like water and labor. However, using appropriately selected and properly sited plants may help to ensure that maintenance costs are lower because of reduced inputs.

• Long-lasting
• Reduced water usage and no surface runoff or puddles
• Minimal use of fertilizers and pesticides
• Use of green waste
• Conservation of energy and resources^[4]

Issues

[edit]

Sustainability issues for landscaping include:

• Carbon sequestration
• Climate change
• Water conservation
• Energy usage

Non-sustainable practices include:

• Consumption of non-renewable resources
• Greenhouse gas emissions

Solutions

[edit]

Some of the solutions are:

• Reduction of stormwater run-off through the use of bio-swales, rain gardens and green roofs and walls.^[5][6][7]
• Reduction of water use in landscapes through design of water-wise garden techniques (sometimes known as xeriscaping)^{[8][9][10][11]}
• Bio-filtering of wastes through constructed wetlands^[12]
• Irrigation using water from showers and sinks, known as gray water^[13]
• Integrated Pest Management techniques for pest control
• Creating and enhancing wildlife habitat in urban environments^[14]
• Energy-efficient garden design in the form of proper placement and selection of shade trees and creation of wind breaks ^[15][16]
• Permeable paving materials to reduce stormwater run-off and allow rain water to infiltrate into the ground and replenish groundwater rather than run into surface water^[17][18]
• Use of sustainably harvested wood, composite wood products for decking and other garden uses, as well as use of plastic lumber^[19]
• Recycling of products, such as glass, rubber from tires and other materials to create landscape products such as paving stones, mulch and other materials^[20]
• Soil management techniques, including composting kitchen and yard wastes, to maintain and enhance healthy soil that supports a diversity of soil life
• Integration and adoption of renewable energy, including solar-powered lighting^[21]
• Development of lawn alternatives^[22] such as xeriscaping,^[23] floral lawns,^[24] and meadows.^[25]

Proper design

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One step to garden design is to do a "sustainability audit". This is similar to a landscape site analysis that is typically performed by landscape designers at the beginning of the design process. Factors such as lot size, house size, local covenants and budgets should be considered. The steps to design include a base plan, site inventory and analysis, construction documents, implementation and maintenance.^[2] Of great importance is considerations related to the growing conditions of the site. These include orientation to the sun, soil type, wind flow, slopes, shade and climate, the goal of reducing irrigation and use of toxic substances, and requires proper plant selection for the specific site.

Sustainable landscaping is not only important because it saves money, it also limits the human impact on the surrounding ecosystem. However, planting species not native to the landscape may introduce invasive plant species as well as new wildlife that was not in the ecosystem before. Altering the ecosystem is a major problem and meeting with an expert with experience with the wildlife and agriculture in the area will help avoid this.^[26]

Irrigation

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Mulch may be used to reduce water loss due to evaporation, reduce weeds, minimize erosion, dust and mud problems. Mulch can also add nutrients to the soil when it decomposes. However, mulch is most often used for weed suppression. Overuse of mulch can result in harm to the selected plantings. Care must be taken in the source of the mulch, for instance, black walnut trees result in a toxic mulch product. Grasscycling turf areas (using mulching mowers that leave grass clippings on the lawn) will also decrease the amount of fertilizer needed, reduce landfill waste and reduce costs of disposal.^[27]

A common recommendation is to add 2-4 inches of mulch in flower beds and under trees away from the trunk. Mulch should be applied under trees to the dripline (extension of the branches) in lieu of flowers, hostas, turf or other plants that are often planted there. This practice of planting under trees is detrimental to tree roots, especially when such plants are irrigated to an excessive level that harms the tree. One must be careful not to apply mulch to the bark of the tree. It can result in smothering, mould and insect depredation.

The practice of xeriscaping or water-wise gardening suggests that placing plants with similar water demands together will save time and low-water or drought-tolerant plants would be a smart initial consideration.

A homeowner may consider consulting an accredited irrigation technician/auditor and obtain a water audit of current systems. Drip or sub-surface irrigation may be useful. Using evapotranspiration controllers, soil sensors and refined control panels will reduce water loss. Irrigation heads may need readjustment to avoid sprinkling on sidewalks or streets. Business owners may consider developing watering schedules based on historical or actual weather data and soil probes to monitor soil moisture prior to watering.^[2]

Building materials

[edit]

See also: Sustainable architecture

When deciding what kind of building materials to put on a site it is important to recycle as often as possible, such as for example by reusing old bricks.

It is also important to be careful about what materials you use, especially if you plan to grow food crops. Old telephone poles and railroad ties have usually been treated with a toxic substance called creosote that can leach into the soils.

Sustainably harvested lumber is available, in which ecological, economic and social factors are integrated into the management of trees used for lumber.^[28]

Planting selection

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One important part of sustainable landscaping is plant selection. Most of what makes a landscape unsustainable is the amount of inputs required to grow a non-native plant on it. What this means is that a local plant, which has adapted to local climate conditions will require less work to flourish. Instead, drought-tolerant plants like succulents and cacti are better suited to survive.

Plants used as windbreaks can save up to 30% on heating costs in winter. They also help with shading a residence or commercial building in summer, create cool air through evapotranspiration and can cool hardscape areas such as driveways and sidewalks.^[29]

Irrigation is an excellent end-use option in greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting systems, and a composting toilet can cover (at least) some of the nutrient requirements.^[30] Not all fruit trees are suitable for greywater irrigation, as reclaimed greywater is typically of high pH and acidophile plants don't do well in alkaline environments.

Energy conservation may be achieved by placing broadleaf deciduous trees near the east, west and optionally north-facing walls of the house. Such selection provides shading in the summer while permitting large amounts of heat-carrying solar radiation to strike the house in the winter. The trees are to be placed as closely as possible to the house walls. As the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and passive solar heating is sensitive to shading, experts suggest the complete absence of trees near the south side.

Another choice would be that of a dense vegetative fence composed of evergreens (e.g. conifers) near that side from which cold continental winds blow and also that side from which the prevailing winds blow. Such a choice creates a winter windbreak that prevents low temperatures outside the house and reduces air infiltration towards the inside. Calculations show that placing the windbreak at a distance twice the height of the trees can reduce the wind velocity by 75%.^[31]

The above vegetative arrangements come with two disadvantages. Firstly, they minimize air circulation in summer although in many climates heating is more important and costly than cooling, and, secondly, they may affect the efficiency of photovoltaic panels. However, it has been estimated that if both arrangements are applied properly, they can reduce the overall house energy usage by up to 22%.^[31]

Lawns are often used as the center point of a landscape. While there are many different species of grass, only a limited amount are considered sustainable. Knowing the climate around the landscape is ideal for saving water and being sustainable. For example, in southern California having a grass lawn of tall fescue will typically need upwards of 1,365 cubic metres (360,500 US gal) of water. A lawn in the same place made up of mixed beds with various trees, shrubs, and ground cover will normally need 202 cubic metres (53,300 US gal) of water.^[32] Having gravel, wood chips or bark, mulch, rubber mulch, artificial grass, patio, wood or composite deck, rock garden, or a succulent garden are all considered sustainable landscape techniques. Other species of plants other than grass that can take up a lawn are lantana, clover, creeping ivy, creeping thyme, oregano, rosemary hedges, silver pony foot, moneywort, chamomile, yarrow, creeping lily turf, ice plant, and stonecrop.^{[citation needed]}

It is best to start with pest-free plant materials and supplies and close inspection of the plant upon purchase is recommended. Establishing diversity within the area of plant species will encourage populations of beneficial organisms (e.g. birds, insects), which feed on potential plant pests. Attracting a wide variety of organisms with a variety of host plants has shown to be effective in increasing pollinator presence in agriculture.^[33] Because plant pests vary from plant to plant, assessing the problem correctly is half the battle. The owner must consider whether the plant can tolerate the damage caused by the pest. If not, then does the plant justify some sort of treatment? Physical barriers may help.^[2] Landscape managers should make use of Integrated Pest Management to reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides.

Proper pruning will increase air circulation and may decrease the likelihood of plant diseases. However, improper pruning is detrimental to shrubs and trees.^[2]

There are several programs in place that are open to participation by various groups. For example, the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses,^[34] the Audubon Green Neighborhoods Program,^[35] and the National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Habitat Program,^[36] to name a few.

The Sustainable Sites Initiative, began in 2005, provides a points-based certification for landscapes, similar to the LEED program for buildings operated by the Green Building Council. It has guidelines and performance benchmarks.^[37]

• Horticulture – Small-scale cultivation of plants
• Organic lawn management – Caring for an turf field or lawn and landscape using organic horticulture
• Foodscaping – Ornamental landscaping with edible plants
• Naturescaping – Method of landscape design that involves incorporating native plants into one's yard
• Sustainable gardening
• Climate-friendly gardening – Low greenhouse gases gardening

Unincorporated town in Nevada, United States

For the community located in Humboldt County, Nevada, see Paradise Valley, Nevada.

 

Census-designated place and unincorporated town in Nevada, United States

Paradise
Census-designated place and unincorporated town
The Las Vegas Strip, largely located within Paradise
Location of Paradise in Clark County, Nevada
Coordinates: 36°4′55″N 115°7′29″W / 36.08194°N 115.12472°W / 36.08194; -115.12472
Country	United States
State	Nevada
County	Clark
Founded	December 8, 1950; 74 years ago (1950-12-08)
Founded by	Clark County Commission
Named after	Paradise Valley
Area [1]
• Total	42.40 sq mi (109.83 km2)
• Land	42.40 sq mi (109.83 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	2,057 ft (627 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	191,238
• Density	4,509.90/sq mi (1,741.28/km2)
Time zone	UTC−08:00 (PST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−07:00 (PDT)
Area codes	702 and 725
FIPS code	32-54600
GNIS feature ID	0845094
Website	clarkcountynv.gov/paradise

Paradise is an unincorporated town^[2] and census-designated place (CDP) in Clark County, Nevada, United States, adjacent to the city of Las Vegas. It was formed on December 8, 1950. Its population was 191,238 at the 2020 census, making it the fifth-most-populous CDP in the United States; if it were an incorporated city, it would be the fifth-largest in Nevada.^[3] As an unincorporated town, it is governed by the Clark County Commission with input from the Paradise Town Advisory Board.

Paradise contains Harry Reid International Airport, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the majority of the Las Vegas Strip, and most of the tourist attractions in the Las Vegas area (excluding downtown). However, all Paradise addresses, as well as other unincorporated areas in the Las Vegas Valley, have "Las Vegas" addresses.^[4]

History

[edit]

The southern part of the Las Vegas Valley was referred to as Paradise Valley as early as 1910, owing to a high water table that made the land particularly fertile for farming.^[5][6] County commissioners established a Paradise school district in 1914.^[7]

In 1950, mayor Ernie Cragin of Las Vegas sought to annex the Las Vegas Strip, which was unincorporated territory, in order to expand the city's tax base to fund his ambitious building agenda and pay down the city's rising debt.^[8] A group of casino executives, led by Gus Greenbaum of the Flamingo, lobbied the county commissioners for town status, which would prevent the city from annexing the land without the commission's approval.^[8] The commission voted to create the unincorporated town of Paradise on December 8, 1950.^[9][10] The town encompassed a strip one mile (1.6 km) wide and four miles (6.4 km) long, from the southern city limits of Las Vegas to just south of the Flamingo.^[10] The town board initially consisted of five casino managers, chaired by Greenbaum.^[10][11]

A month after its establishment, the town was expanded to include the residential areas of Paradise Valley, giving it a total area of 54 square miles (140 km²).^[11] Months later, however, it was reported that county officials had determined that the town had not been properly established because the petition for the town's formation had an insufficient number of signatures and because it had violated a state law forbidding formation of a town spanning multiple school districts.^[12] On August 20, 1951, county commissioners accepted petitions to create two new towns covering the area of the putative town.^[13] Town "A" of Paradise included the areas that lay within a Las Vegas school district, extending from the city limits to a point one mile south, while Town "B" included the areas within the Paradise school district.^[12]

In 1953, Town A was renamed as Winchester, and Town B became known simply as Paradise.^[14]

In 1975, Nevada enacted a law that would have incorporated Paradise (along with Sunrise Manor and Winchester) into the City of Las Vegas.^[15] Before it could take effect, however, the bill was struck down as unconstitutional by the Nevada Supreme Court.^[16][17]

MGM Grand fire of 1980

[edit]

The deadliest fire that occurred in the entire Las Vegas Valley was the MGM Grand fire on November 21, 1980. In the early morning hours, a deli counter had an electrical short that resulted in a fire in the walls of the hotel. The MGM Grand was built to the fire code of 1973, which did not require sprinkler systems, so sprinklers were only installed in the kitchens and theater. The fire traveled in the walls of the hotel damaging the fire alarm system.^[18] As the fire burned, toxic smoke entered the ventilation system traveling to the rooms of the hotel. Guests broke windows to get fresh air, while waiting for rescue from firemen. Eighty-five people died in the fire, with two more dying later, bringing the death toll to 87 people. In addition to those who died, nearly 700 people were injured in the fire.^[19] This fire contributed to a widespread change in the requirements for fire safety in hotels.^[19]

On October 1, 2017, the deadliest mass shooting in the United States by a lone gunman occurred in Paradise when 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire on the crowd attending the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Strip from his 32nd-floor suite in the Mandalay Bay hotel.^[20] He fired more than 1,000 rounds, killing 60 people and wounding at least 413 others.^[21] The ensuing panic brought the total number of injured to approximately 867. About an hour later, he was found dead in his room from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.^[22]

On January 1, 2025, at approximately 8:39 a.m. (PST), an IED exploded in a Tesla Cybertruck parked outside the main entrance of the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas in Paradise. The driver and alleged perpetrator was Matthew Alan Livelsberger, an American-born, active-duty United States Army Special Forces soldier from Colorado Springs, Colorado.^[23] He was on leave from overseas duty and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head immediately before the explosion.^[23] Seven bystanders were injured by the blast.^[23] Authorities found that the vehicle contained firework mortars and gas canisters, which had fueled the explosion and fire. Per a note from Livelsberger's "the explosion was a stunt meant to be a 'wake up call' for the nation’s troubles".^[24]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the census-designated place (CDP) of Paradise (which may not coincide exactly with the town boundaries) has a total area of 46.7 square miles (121 km²), all of it land.

The official town boundaries are bordered by Desert Inn Road to the north, Nellis Boulevard to the east, Sunset Road to the south and Decatur Boulevard to the west. There is a southern finger between Bermuda Road and Eastern Avenue south to Silverado Ranch Boulevard. South of Russell Road, the eastern border stairsteps on a rough 45-degree angle toward the corner of Eastern and Robindale Road, and there is an additional finger surrounding Interstate 215 east to St. Rose Parkway.^[25]

As of the census of 2020,^[27] there were 191,238 people residing in Paradise. The racial makeup was 42.1% White, 13.4% African American, 1.2% Native American, 9.8% Asian, 1.2% Pacific Islander, and 15.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 33.5% of the population, and 36.6% of the population was non-Hispanic White.

As of the census of 2010,^[3] there were 223,167 people residing in Paradise. The racial makeup was 59.8% White, 10.0% African American, 0.8% Native American, 9.5% Asian, 1.0% Pacific Islander, and 5.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 31.2% of the population, and 46.3% of the population was non-Hispanic White.

As of the census^[28] of 2000, there were 186,070 people, 77,209 households, and 43,314 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,947.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,524.1/km²). There were 85,398 housing units at an average density of 1,811.6 per square mile (699.5/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 72.51% White, 6.59% African American, 0.77% Native American, 6.52% Asian, 0.59% Pacific Islander, 8.37% from other races, and 4.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 23.47% of the population.

In 2020 there were 80,732 households, out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.6% were married couples living together, 29.4% had a female householder with no partner present, and 30.8% had a male householder with no partner present. 36.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.^[27]

In the CDP, 21.4% was under the age of 19, 7% from 20 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 20 and over, there were 105.4 males.^[27]

The median income for a household in the CDP was $48,032. The median income for a family was $61,743 versus $72,654 for married couple families. The per capita income for the CDP was $68,858. 16.8% of the population and 11.8% of families were below the poverty line. 15.5% of males were living below the poverty line versus 18.2% of females. 19.3% of families with children under the age of 18 and 5.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.^[27]

The Clark County School District serves Paradise, as well as the rest of Clark County.^[29]

Paradise is home to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.^[30][31]

Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport) is in Paradise.^[30]

Paradise also has multiple casinos connected to the Las Vegas Monorail. The monorail ends at the MGM Grand Monorail Station in Paradise.^[32]

Paradise is also served by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada by bus routes both on and off the Las Vegas Strip.^[33]

Paradise is home to Las Vegas's three major league sports teams: the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL), which play at T-Mobile Arena, the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) which play at Allegiant Stadium, and the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA which play at Michelob Ultra Arena. Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 was played at Allegiant Stadium.^[34] Paradise will be the future home of the Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB)^[35][36] at a yet-to-be-named new stadium.

As UNLV is located in Paradise, most of its various teams play in the town limits. The UNLV Rebels football program plays at Allegiant Stadium, and the Runnin' Rebels and Lady Rebels play at Thomas & Mack Center and in the Cox Pavilion respectively.

Also, since 2004, the Las Vegas Summer League, organized by the National Basketball Association (NBA), is played in the Thomas & Mack Center and in the Cox Pavilion.^[37] Many NCAA College Basketball Tournament conferences are also hosted at the Thomas & Mack Center in March every year.^[38]

Since 1985, almost every December the National Finals Rodeo has been held at the Thomas & Mack Center. The one exception was in 2020, when the event was held in Arlington, Texas, at Globe Life Field due to public health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[39] The contract extension signed in June 2024 means that the finals will continue to be held at the Thomas & Mack Center until at least 2035.^[40]

Paradise has hosted the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, held on a street circuit including part of the Las Vegas Strip, since 2023.^[41]

Paradise has also been the site of many prominent combat sports events, such as boxing and MMA, with Las Vegas being considered by many as the "fight capital of the world."^[42]

• Las Vegas Strip
• Las Vegas Valley
• Clark County, Nevada
• Las Vegas Monorail
• Paradise (2013 film)

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Paradise, Nevada.

• Paradise Town Advisory Board Homepage Archived 2017-07-20 at the Wayback Machine

36°4′55″N 115°7′29″W / 36.08194°N 115.12472°W / 36.08194; -115.12472

 

City in Nevada, United States

Henderson

Location within the United States

Show map of the United States

Henderson
City
Left-right from top: Lake Las Vegas, Henderson Executive Airport, The District at Green Valley Ranch, St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Ethel M Chocolate Botanical Gardens, Clark County Heritage Museum
Flag Seal   Logo
Motto:  A Place to Call Home
Location within Clark County
U.S. Census map
Henderson Location within Nevada Show map of Nevada

Coordinates: 36°2′N 114°59′W / 36.033°N 114.983°W / 36.033; -114.983Country United StatesState NevadaCountyClarkFounded1941; 84 years ago (1941)IncorporatedApril 16, 1953; 72 years ago (1953-04-16)Named afterCharles HendersonGovernment

 • TypeCouncil-Manager/CEO • MayorMichelle Romero (R) • Mayor Pro TemDan H. Stewart • City Council

 • City Manager/CEORichard DerrickArea

106.92 sq mi (276.94 km²) • Land106.43 sq mi (275.66 km²) • Water0.49 sq mi (1.27 km²)Elevation

1,864 ft (569 m)Population

317,610^[1] • Rank55th in the United States • Density2,984.10/sq mi (1,152.16/km²)Time zoneUTC−8 (PST) • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)ZIP Codes

Area code(s)702 and 725FIPS code32-31900Websitewww.cityofhenderson.com

Henderson is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States, about 16 miles (26 km) southeast of downtown Las Vegas. It is the 2nd most populous city in Nevada, after Las Vegas, with 317,610 residents.^[1] The city is part of the Las Vegas Valley.

Henderson is notable for its extensive system of outdoor recreation facilities, including over 220 miles (350 km) of trails and 72 parks.^[4]

Incorporated in 1953, Henderson was originally known for its role in magnesium production during World War II.^[5] Since then, it has grown rapidly through the development of master planned communities starting with the large Green Valley neighborhood,^[6][7] redevelopment and reinvestment after the PEPCON disaster,^[8] and the city government's historically proactive planning and management.^[9]

In the fall of 1917, manganese ore along with other metals were found at the site of the Three Kids Mine, a now-defunct mine adjacent to the Lake Las Vegas area 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Boulder City and 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Las Vegas.^[10] Mining would continue intermittently until the mine was officially closed in 1961.^[11]

Instead, there were clusters of Hoovervilles scattered throughout the area with a variety of names. Pittman, the most prominent settlement of what would become Henderson, still exists today —though not incorporated nor a city—was the most prominent of the settlements and is currently known, many of which remain neighborhood names today.^[12]

In an effort to supply the Allies in Word War II, the federal government needed vast quantities of magnesium for the war. Mined from Gabbs, Nevada, the ore needed to be processed in order to produce a variety of critical war materials, such as airplane engines, fuselages, and incendiary munitions casing.^[13][14]

Near a large magnesium mine, the area was chosen to build a two-mile long industrial complex to house the company chosen to run the operation, Basic Magnesium Incorporated (BMI), which would go on to have a massive impact on the development of Henderson.^[15]

The War Department identified the area as being ideal for military industrial manufacturing. The area was at least 250 miles from the coast in between the McCullough Hills and River Mountains, protecting the area from low-altitude aircraft attacks. The area is also roughly halfway between the railroad line connecting Las Vegas to Los Angeles and Salt Lake and the Hoover Dam's water and electricity.^[13][16]

In September 1941, around 2,700 workers began construction of the BMI complex in order to complete it in just 11 months. When the plant opened in February 1942, around 15,000 people would come from around the country to come work at the plant.^[12] At its peak, it would produce 25% of the nation's magnesium. In between the preexisting communities of Pittman and Midway, what is now downtown Henderson was referred to as the Basic Townsite.^[17]

During this time, the first high school in Henderson and second in Clark County, Basic High School, was established in 1942. The school has moved twice, once in the 1950s and again in 1972 to its current location. The school has a large, white letter "B" made of painted boulders on the side of the River Mountain range.^[18]

By the end of World War II, Henderson suffered a sharp decline when the BMI plant ceassed production, with most of its 14,000 employees leaving with their families. With the sharp population decline, Henderson's future was uncertain and the state government was looking to public and private sectors to repurpose infrastructure.^[19] In 1946, the Nevada Legislature authorized the Colorado River Commission of Nevada to purchase the industrial plants, preventing the town's dissolution.^[20]

This intervention paved the way for the city of Henderson to exist. Henderson was officially incorporated as a city on April 16, 1953, with a population of 7,500 and Dr. Jim French serving as its first mayor.^[21]

Despite its proximity to Las Vegas, Henderson maintained a distinct identity throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with slower rates of development and a priority placed on developing single-family homes, retail, and manufacturing industries.

In 1971, a land sale involving local businessman and Las Vegas Sun publisher, Hank Greenspun, caused controversy but resulted in the development of the first neighborhoods outside the original downtown, Green Valley. Greenspun acquired 4,720 acres of government-released land at approximately $280 per acre, a price which drew controversy, with many noting its location directly in between Las Vegas and downtown Henderson.^[19]

Although Henderson retained its industrial core, the city shifted away from that into a larger suburban city. It became home to Southern Nevada's first master-planned community, Green Valley. The middle-to-upper class suburban development spurred growth with other master planned communities following suit.^[22] This period of growth set the stage for Henderson's emergence as Nevada's second-largest city in subsequent decades.^[12]

On May 4, 1988, the Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada (PEPCON) chemical plant experienced a catastrophic fire and series of explosions. The facility was one of only two in the United States producing ammonium perchlorate, a key component in solid rocket fuel.^[23]

The disaster resulted in two fatalities, injured over 300 individuals, and caused extensive damage throughout the Las Vegas Valley.^[24] The explosions were so powerful that they registered seismic activity equivalent to a 3.5 magnitude earthquake and were felt up to 10 miles away.^[23]

The incident led to significant changes in industrial safety regulations and emergency response protocols in the region.^[25] In the aftermath, PEPCON ceased operations in Henderson, and the site was eventually redeveloped for commercial use.^[23]

Henderson is about 16 miles (26 km) southeast of downtown Las Vegas.^[26]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 107.7 square miles (279.0 km²), all land.^[27]

The city is in the Mojave Desert with wildlife and vegetation typical of the Mojave. The mountains that surround Henderson mostly have gentle slopes. The McCullough Range is closest to the city; most of this range is covered by black rocks from a volcanic explosion millions of years ago. These mountains reach an average height of about 3,800 feet (1,200 m). The landscape consists of the desert; the only water in the city is found in washes like Duck Creek.

Residential neighborhoods in Henderson include Anthem, Anthem Country Club, Ascaya, Black Mountain Vistas, Cadence, Calico Ridge, Champion Village, The Fountains, Grand Legacy, Green Valley, Green Valley Estates, Green Valley Ranch, Hillsboro Heights, Inspirada, Lake Las Vegas, MacDonald Highlands, MacDonald Ranch, Madeira Canyon, Club at Madeira Canyon, Roma Hills, Seven Hills, Sun City Anthem, Sun City MacDonald Ranch, Tuscany Village, and Whitney Ranch.

Henderson is classified as having a hot desert climate (BWh) in the Köppen climate classification. It has mild winters and hot summers. Snow can occasionally fall in the winter. The monsoon can bring storms in the summer, which can cause flash flooding and thunderstorms. The hottest month is July and the coldest month is December. On average there are 292 clear days per year.^{[28][failed verification]}

According to the 2020 census,^[1] Henderson had a population of 317,610 residents, a just-over 23% increase from the 2010 census. The city's racial makeup was 66.4% White alone, 6.0% Black or African American alone, 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 9.3% Asian alone, 0.7% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander alone, and 10.9% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.1% of the population, while 59.3% were non-Hispanic White.

There were 124,626 households, with an average household size of 2.54 individuals. Owner-occupied housing units accounted for 65.2% of all households, with a median value of $427,900. The median gross rent was $1,641.

The age distribution in 2020 was as follows: 4.9% under 5 years old, 21.4% under 18, and 20.0% aged 65 or older. The median age was 42.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.81 males.

Economically, the median household income was $85,311, with a per capita income of $46,882. Approximately 8.1% of the population lived below the poverty line.

Residents with at least a high school diploma accounted for 93.6% of the population, while residents with bachelor's degrees or higher accounted for 35.3%.

At the census of 2010,^[34] 257,729 people resided in Henderson. The racial makeup was 76.9% White, 5.1% African American, 0.7% Native American, 7.2% Asian, 0.6% Pacific Islander, and 4.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.9% of the population and 68.7% of the population was non-Hispanic White.

According to the 2000 census, there were 175,381 people, 66,331 households, and 47,095 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,200.8 inhabitants 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 city's racial makeup was 80.49% White, 3.76% African American, 0.70% Native American, 3.98% Asian, 0.42% Pacific Islander, 3.16% from other races, 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 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 city's median household income was $63,830, and the median family income was $74,120. The per capita income for the city was $33,238. 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.^[35]

The largest single employer in Henderson is the city government itself, with 3,524 full-time equivalent employees. Other large employers include Barclays, Green Valley Ranch, Sunset Station, Amazon, the Las Vegas Raiders, and Dignity Health, which operates two hospital campuses in Henderson.^[36]

In 2023, the city released a report to identify areas for public policy improvement to support the city economy's primary industries, including: logistics, electric equipment and components manufacturing, financial and credit services, media and sports production, and back-office management and support services.^[37] Overall, the city attracts more advanced industries than its Southern Nevada counterparts such as Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Boulder City since Henderson has more bachelor's and master's degree-holding residents per capita.^[38]

TIMET, one of the largest manufacturers of titanium in the world, operates a facility in Henderson that produces titanium sponge and titanium tetrachloride,^[39] employing approximately 600 people.^[36]

Levi Strauss operates a 620,000-square-foot (58,000 m²)^[40] manufacturing and distribution facility in Henderson, where it utilizes advanced laser technology to create custom-designed denim products. This facility allows for the production of personalized designs at a rapid pace.^[41]

Haas Automation, a leading manufacturer of computerized numerical control machines, began constructing a major production facility in Henderson in 2024.^[42][43] The new facility will cover 2,400,000 square feet (220,000 m²) and is expected to employ up to 1,400 people over five years.^[42]

ProCaps Laboratories, a vitamin manufacturing company, operates a 90,000-square-foot (8,400 m²) facility in Henderson. The facility includes a unique 1,400-square-foot (130 m²) glass-enclosed broadcast studio that enables live broadcasting while production continues uninterrupted. This arrangement is a first-of-its-kind setup in the U.S. for a vitamin production facility.^[44]

Google's $600 million data center in Henderson operates on a 64-acre (260,000 m²) campus.^[45] This facility supports Google's network infrastructure Google Cloud, AI, Maps, Search in North America.^[46] In addition to the initial investment, Google announced plans to invest an additional $400 million in 2024 to upgrade its Nevada data centers, including the one in Henderson.^[47]

Amazon operates multiple facilities in Henderson. Among them is a 600,000-square-foot (56,000 m²) cross-dock facility that enables efficient redistribution of large inventory shipments. The facility employs over 1,000 workers and is one of three Amazon fulfillment centers in Nevada.^[48]

The Las Vegas Raiders maintain their corporate headquarters and a healthcare performance center in Henderson. The facility features a 336,000-square-foot (31,200 m²) complex with training fields and administrative offices.^[49]

Kroger operates a major distribution center in Henderson, which supports grocery operations throughout the region. The 428,000-square-foot (39,800 m²) facility employs around 270 people and serves as a vital logistics hub for the company's network of stores.^[50]

Ethel M Chocolates, established by Forrest Mars Sr., has been a part of Henderson's economic fabric since 1981.^[51] The facility produces gourmet chocolates and offers a popular tourist attraction with its cactus garden and interactive experiences.^[52]

Although ranges are given in order to protect employee privacy, according to the report, the City of Henderson Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, fiscal year ending June 30, 2024,^[36] identifies the city's largest employers as:

An increasing number of major shopping malls, movie theater complexes, concert venues, restaurants and casino resorts offer residents a variety of choices for leisure time in Henderson. The city also sits a few miles southeast of Las Vegas and is not too far from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. "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 Henderson Multigenerational Facility – in Nevada as well as Nevada's only scenic Bird Preserve. The city supports a variety of other cultural events, many of which are held at the outdoor amphitheater, the largest one of its kind in Nevada.

Henderson has a public library system with five branches.^[55][56]

The headquarters of the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) and the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA) are located in Henderson.

The Las Vegas Raiders, formerly the Oakland Raiders, announced their relocation to Las Vegas in 2017. In 2018, they announced the purchase of 55 acres in the southwest part of Henderson where the team's executive offices and practice facility were built.^[57] The $75 million complex was named the Intermountain Health Performance Center and opened in June 2020.^[58]

The Las Vegas Aces' 64,000-square-foot (5,900 m²) complex houses the team's practice facility, offices, training and weight rooms, hydrotherapy space, physical therapy area, locker rooms, a lecture hall, player and alumni lounges, and an on-site day care center.^[59] In 2023, the Aces became the first WNBA team to have a facility built exclusively for itself when their new complex opened.^[60]

Henderson is also home to three minor league professional sports teams: the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League, the Vegas Knight Hawks of the Indoor Football League, and the Vegas Thrill of Pro Volleyball Federation.^[61][62] All three teams are headquartered and play at the 6,000-seat Lee's Family Forum, formerly the Dollar Loan Center.^[61] Before folding, the NBA G League Ignite spent its final two seasons headquartered at the arena.^[63]

Henderson hosts an annual invitational rink bandy tournament.^[64]

Henderson has more than 37 miles (60 km) of trails.^[65]

The city received its charter from the Nevada State Legislature in 1953, formally incorporating the city with a council/manager form of government.

Henderson is divided into four wards. A mayor and four council members are elected citywide, but no more than one council member are allowed to reside in each ward.

Lorna Kesterson was elected as Henderson's first female mayor, serving two terms until 1993.^[66][67]

In 2013, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it had reached a cooperative settlement agreement with the city of Henderson under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The DOJ received complaints by individuals who are deaf that officers for the city of Henderson did not provide them with qualified sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids and services when needed for effective communication. One of the complainants was arrested and detained for two days in the Henderson detention facility, while the other was an alleged crime victim.^[68]

During its investigation into the allegations, the department inquired whether the city of Henderson would be interested in resolving the matter voluntarily. The city expressed its full commitment to ensure compliance with the ADA. Under the settlement, the city of Henderson will pay $35,000 to the complainants. The city agreed to provide sign language interpreters, usually within an hour of a person's request to law enforcement officers. Henderson also agreed to modify its handcuffing policies for people who use sign language or hand writing to communicate, and to adopt other policies consistent with the ADA.^[68]

The Clark County School District 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, including Basic, Coronado, Green Valley, Foothill, and Liberty. The remaining four are private college preparatory schools, including the Henderson International School. A tenth high school, Silverado High School, also serves parts of Henderson but is in unincorporated Clark County.

Findlay Prep was a high school basketball program sponsored by the Henderson International School. Henderson International School – a private preparatory school owned by Meritas – hosted Findlay College Prep. Since its creation in 2006 by businessman Cliff Findlay, its dozen students comprised the school's only high school students.^[69]

Henderson is home to Nevada State University, a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education, and has a satellite campus of the College of Southern Nevada. It also has campuses for private institutions of higher education including the Roseman University of Health Sciences, Touro University, and DeVry University.

Several for-profit colleges also operate in the city, including The Art Institute of Las Vegas and Everest College.

• Las Vegas Review-Journal
• Las Vegas Sun
• Green Valley View
• The Henderson Press

KVVU-TV (channel 5) is the Las Vegas Valley's Fox affiliate and licensed to Henderson, and is based from studios on the northwest side of the city.

• The documentary Real CSI featured the Henderson Police Department (HPD) Crime Scene Analysts/Investigators.
• The 1998 film Lethal Weapon 4 used Interstate 215 as a filming location.^[70]
• A scene in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever in which Bond (Sean Connery) is nearly cremated alive was filmed at Palm Mortuary's Henderson location.^[71][72]
• America's Sweethearts, starring Julia Roberts and John Cusack, featured many scenes filmed at Lake Las Vegas.^[73]
• Paranormal Activity 4 takes place at the home of a wealthy family in a Henderson suburb.^[74]

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), which is the main thoroughfare connecting with Las Vegas and Boulder City; Lake Mead Parkway (State Route 564); Interstate 11 and Interstate 215. State Route 146, also known as Saint Rose Parkway, connects Interstate 15 near Sloan with Interstate 215 in Green Valley. This stretch is formally a part of Lake Mead Parkway which is a direct link to Henderson for motorists traveling in and out of Southern California.

The city of Henderson has a low percentage of households without a car. In 2015, 2.8 percent of Henderson households lacked a car, and increased to 5 percent in 2016. The national average was 8.7 percent in 2016. Henderson averaged 1.74 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8.^[75]

Henderson is home for the Henderson Executive Airport. The main airport for the metropolitan area is Harry Reid International Airport, northwest of Henderson.

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 serves Henderson over a branch line originally built to support construction of Hoover Dam. 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; in 1985, the state purchased the section east of appropriately I-11, with the Nevada Southern Railroad Museum operating excursion trains over the easternmost seven miles (11 km).

Fire prevention services are provided by the Henderson Fire Department and police services by the Henderson Police Department.

The following is an incomplete list of notable Henderson residents:

• Nick Rattigan (born 1992), multi-instrumentalist, journalist and music video director^[76]
• Steve Aoki (born 1977), electro-house musician, record producer, DJ and music executive^[77]
• Zico Bailey (born 2000), soccer player^[78]
• Gavin Beavers (born 2005), soccer player^[79]
• Erica Blasberg (1984–2010), LPGA golfer^[80]
• Lisa Cano Burkhead, 36th Lieutenant Governor of Nevada^[81]
• Glen and Les Charles, creators of Cheers and Taxi^[82]
• Andrew Cherng (born 1948), founder of Panda Express^[83]
• Tony Curtis (1925–2010), actor^[84]
• Phyllis Davis (1940–2013), film and television actress
• Hailey Dawson (born 2010), girl with 3D-printed robotic hand^[85]
• Sheena Easton (born 1959), Scottish singer and actress^[86]
• Joe Farré (born 1967), racing driver
• Flavor Flav (born 1959), rap music artist and reality television personality^[87]
• Brandon Flowers (born 1981), vocalist for The Killers^[88]
• Joey Gallo, professional baseball outfielder
• Jeff Gillan (born 1957), journalist
• Greg Haugen (born 1960), three-time world champion boxer^[89]
• Joe Heck (born 1961), U.S. Army Brigadier General, former U.S. Representative, and 2016 Republican nominee for United States Senate in Nevada^[90]
• Iris Kyle (born 1974), professional female bodybuilder
• Oksana Marafioti, author^[91]
• Pierre Omidyar (born 1967), CEO and founder of eBay^[92]
• Jermaine O'Neal (born 1978), NBA player^[93]
• Marie Osmond (born 1959), singer, doll designer, and talk show host^[94]
• Orlando Pace, NFL Hall of Fame offensive lineman with the St. Louis Rams, purchased a home in Henderson in 2025.^[95]
• Paul Pierce (born 1977), NBA player^[96]
• Harry Reid (1939–2021), United States Senator^[97]
• Jacky Rosen (born 1957), United States Senator;^[98] former United States Representative
• Nia Sanchez (born 1990), Miss Nevada USA 2014, Miss USA 2014 and 1st runner-up Miss Universe 2014^[99]
• David Sklansky (born 1947), professional poker player/author^[100]
• Mike Tyson (born 1966), retired heavyweight boxer and television personality^[101]
• Nancy Walton Laurie (born 1952), daughter of Walmart co-founder James "Bud" Walton^[102]
• Chumlee (full name Austin Lee Russell, born 1982), star of History Channel TV show Pawn Stars
• Mary Wilson (1944–2021), singer^[103]

Henderson appears in the 2010 video game Fallout: New Vegas, where it is depicted as home to the REPCONN headquarters.^[104]

• City of Henderson official website