Henderson, Nevada


Henderson is a city in Clark County, Nevada, United States, about southeast of downtown Las Vegas. It is the 2nd most populous city in Nevada, after Las Vegas, with 317,610 residents. The city is part of the Las Vegas Valley.
Henderson is notable for its extensive system of outdoor recreation facilities, including over of trails and 72 parks.
Incorporated in 1953, Henderson was originally known for its role in magnesium production during World War II. Since then, it has grown rapidly through the development of master planned communities starting with the large Green Valley neighborhood, redevelopment and reinvestment after the PEPCON disaster, and the city government's historically proactive planning and management.
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History

1913 to the Hoover Dam

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 northwest of Boulder City and southeast of Las Vegas. Mining would continue intermittently until the mine was officially closed in 1961.
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.

World War II growth

In an effort to supply the Allies in World 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.
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, which would go on to have a massive impact on the development of Henderson.
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.
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. 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.
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.

Incorporation

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. In 1946, the Nevada Legislature authorized the Colorado River Commission of Nevada to purchase the industrial plants, preventing the town's dissolution.
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.

Post-war growth to 1980s

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.
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. This period of growth set the stage for Henderson's emergence as Nevada's second-largest city in subsequent decades.

PEPCON disaster and aftermath

On May 4, 1988, the Pacific Engineering and Production Company of Nevada 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.
The disaster resulted in two fatalities, injured over 300 individuals, and caused extensive damage throughout the Las Vegas Valley. 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.
The incident led to significant changes in industrial safety regulations and emergency response protocols in the region. In the aftermath, PEPCON ceased operations in Henderson, and the site was eventually redeveloped for commercial use.

Geography

Henderson is about southeast of downtown Las Vegas.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, all land.
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. 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.

Climate

Henderson is classified as having a hot desert climate 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.

Demographics

2020 census

According to the 2020 census, 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%.
Race / Ethnicity Pop 2000Pop 2010% 2000% 2010
[Non-Hispanic or Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino whites|White] 137,174177,039186,10978.21%68.69%58.60%
Black or African American 6,37612,47120,2883.64%4.84%6.39%
Native American or Alaska Native 9551,1821,2530.54%0.46%0.39%
Asian 6,83818,17228,9303.90%7.05%9.11%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian 6811,3542,2250.39%0.53%0.70%
Some other race 2604791,7480.15%0.19%0.55%
Mixed race or Multiracial 4,3128,65520,0932.46%3.36%6.33%
Hispanic or Latino 18,78538,37756,96410.71%14.89%17.94%
Total175,381257,729317,610100.00%100.00%100.00%

2010 census

At the census of 2010, 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. There were 71,149 housing units at an average density of. 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.

Economy

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.
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. 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.

Manufacturing

TIMET, one of the largest manufacturers of titanium in the world, operates a facility in Henderson that produces titanium sponge and titanium tetrachloride, employing approximately 600 people.
Levi Strauss operates a 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.
Haas Automation, a leading manufacturer of computerized numerical control machines, began constructing a major production facility in Henderson in 2024. The new facility will cover and is expected to employ up to 1,400 people over five years.
ProCaps Laboratories, a vitamin manufacturing company, operates a facility in Henderson. The facility includes a unique 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.

IT networking infrastructure

Google's $600 million data center in Henderson operates on a campus. This facility supports Google's network infrastructure Google Cloud, AI, Maps, Search in North America. 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.

Logistics

Amazon operates multiple facilities in Henderson. Among them is a 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.
The Las Vegas Raiders maintain their corporate headquarters and a healthcare performance center in Henderson. The facility features a complex with training fields and administrative offices.
Kroger operates a major distribution center in Henderson, which supports grocery operations throughout the region. The facility employs around 270 people and serves as a vital logistics hub for the company's network of stores.
Ethel M Chocolates, established by Forrest Mars Sr., has been a part of Henderson's economic fabric since 1981. The facility produces gourmet chocolates and offers a popular tourist attraction with its cactus garden and interactive experiences.

Top employers

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, identifies the city's largest employers as:

Arts and culture

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.

Points of interest

Library

Henderson has a public library system with five branches.

Sports

The headquarters of the Las Vegas Raiders and the Las Vegas Aces 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. The $75 million complex was named the Intermountain Health Performance Center and opened in June 2020.
The Las Vegas Aces' 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. In 2023, the Aces became the first WNBA team to have a facility built exclusively for itself when their new complex opened.
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. All three teams are headquartered and play at the 6,000-seat Lee's Family Forum, formerly the Dollar Loan Center. Before folding, the NBA G League Ignite spent its final two seasons headquartered at the arena.
Henderson hosts an annual invitational rink bandy tournament.

Minor professional teams

TeamSportLeagueVenue EstablishedTitles
NBA G League IgniteBasketballNBAGLDollar Loan Center 20200
Henderson Silver KnightsIce hockeyAHLDollar Loan Center 20200
Vegas Knight HawksIndoor footballIFLDollar Loan Center 20210

Parks and recreation

Henderson manages more than of scenic trails.

Government

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.
ServiceMayor
1953–1957James B. French
1957–1965William B. Byrne
1965–1969William R. Hampton
1969–1973Estes M. McDoniel
1973–1975Cruz Olague
1975Richard A. Stewart Sr.
1975–1981Lorin L. Williams
1981–1985Leroy Zike
1985–1993Lorna J. Kesterson
1993–1997Robert A. Groesbeck
1997–2009James B. Gibson
2009–2017Andy Hafen
2017–2023Debra March
2023–presentMichelle Romero

2013 Americans with Disabilities Act settlement

In 2013, the Department of Justice announced it had reached a cooperative settlement agreement with the city of Henderson under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 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.
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.

Education

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 College Prep

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.

Colleges and universities

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.

Media

Newspapers

Las Vegas Review-JournalLas Vegas SunGreen Valley View
  • ''The Henderson Press''

Television

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

Film history

Infrastructure

Transportation

The city is served by RTC Transit with its network of bus routes which run throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
Henderson is served by four major highways: Henderson Black Hills and, which is the main thoroughfare connecting with Las Vegas and Boulder City; Lake Mead Parkway ; 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.
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 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.

Public safety

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

Notable people

The following is an incomplete list of notable Henderson residents:

In popular culture

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