Washoe County, Nevada

Washoe County at a glance.

Washoe County had an estimated 507,280 residents in July 2024, the second most populous of Nevada's 17 counties, up 4.3% since the 2020 census. Of those, 405,490 are 18 or older, the voting-age population, and 18.5% are 65 or older. It covers 6,316 square miles of land (80 people per square mile), and 22.5% of residents live outside any incorporated city or town.

The largest cities and towns are Reno (281,714) and Sparks (111,520). The American Community Survey (2020-2024) puts it at a median age of 39.0, a median household income of $88,096, 34.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 59.9% of occupied homes owned by the people living in them. In 2024, 263,734 votes were cast for president, about 65.0% of the voting-age population; the Democratic ticket took 49.3% and the Republican ticket 48.3%.

The two-party margin moved from D+12.7 in 2008 to D+1.0 in 2024.

Population (2024 estimate)

507,280

Population (2020 census base)

486,491

Voting-age population (18+)

405,490

Residents 65 and older

18.5%

People per square mile

80

Living outside incorporated places

22.5%

Land area

6,316 sq mi

Median age

39.0

Median household income

$88,096

Adults 25+ with a bachelor's degree

34.2%

Owner-occupied homes

59.9%

Largest cities and towns

1. Reno 281,714
2. Sparks 111,520

Presidential vote, 2008–2024

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 population estimates and 2024 Gazetteer; American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates; certified county presidential returns. Growth, density and turnout are simple arithmetic on those figures.