Carson City, Nevada Population 2023

It is an independent city, and it also serves as the state capital. The city was originally founded in 1858 and was once a stopover until silver was discovered in the mountains. Since then, the city has grown and expanded.

Carson City Population and Diversity Statistics

Over 14% of the Carson City population speaks Spanish at home, while over 82% speak English. The city’s largest employer is Carson Tahoe Health. The Carson City School District, Carson City Municipal Government, and the Nevada Department of Transportation are other top employers.

Carson City Population Growth

According to census data, Carson City's population has seen highs and lows, with declining populations recorded during the early 20th century. However, by the time of the 1940 census, the population was on the rise again, with numbers jumping significantly in the 1970s and 1980s. Recent estimates show that the population is down slightly from the last census. However, there is nothing that would indicate that this will become a trend, and Carson City is likely to see continued growth in its future.

The Washoe people were the first known inhabitants in what is now Carson City. John Fremont was the first European to come to the area and first arrived in the region of Eagle Valley in 1843. The region was initially named Washoe after the first inhabitants.

During the next decade, the area served as a trading post and stopover for people settling in California. The post was named Eagle Station and was located along the Carson River. In 1858, it was purchased by Abraham Currey and was surveyed for development, and it was at this time that the name was changed to Carson City. Curry believed that Carson City would be the capital, so a plot of land was reserved in which to build a capitol building.

The population began to grow following the discovery of gold and silver at Comstock Lode in the late 1850s. The city had a hotel built in the city center, and further growth continued when Carson City was chosen as the capital of the territory. It was during the next decade when Nevada was made a state and Carson City designated as its capital.

Through the end of the 19th century, growth continued with the arrival of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad and the Carson City Mint. Many Chinese immigrants came to the area during this period. However, when the Central Pacific Railroad arrived, the population decreased, as it was located far north of Carson City. The population continued to drop through the 1930s. It was at this time that Carson City nicknamed itself, “America’s smallest capital,” although the population rose again following World War II.

Carson City expanded its boundaries in the 1960s when Ormsby County and Carson City merged, making Carson City one of the largest state capitals in the United States. The population also continued to grow, and today the city’s population exceeds 50,000.