The City That Grows Like a Weed

It seems the city of Reno is on a growth spurt and not the kind you see when your toddler eats an entire cake for breakfast. No, this is a grown-up growth, the sort you might expect from a place that’s somehow managed to sneak a few extra folks under the radar while the rest of us were busy minding our business.

According to some freshly minted data from the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN)—which sounds official enough to make even a politician blush—Reno’s population has shot up by a whopping 90,280 since 2013. And hold onto your hats because another 61,500 are expected by 2033, meaning Reno will be as packed as a Vegas buffet line on New Year’s Eve.

Now, one might wonder where all these new folks are coming from. Maybe they’re fleeing California, or it’s just the siren call of Reno’s economy—after all, they say it’s a “no state income tax” sort of place, and who to turn down a little extra pocket change?

If you’re wondering what the good people of Reno are doing to keep the wheels of this busy city turning, look no further than the booming trade, transportation, and utilities sector. Since 1990, the share of Nevadans employed in this area has nearly doubled, jumping from 34.5 percent to 58.9 percent.

That’s a lot of folks hauling stuff around—whether it’s goods, services, or just the occasional casino buffet truck. If Reno’s economy were a vehicle, that sector would be the engine—and folks, it’s running like a finely tuned car, or at least like a pickup truck with good brakes.

Leisure and hospitality are also alive and well, which is no surprise to anyone who’s been to a Reno casino, hotel, or any establishment where you can throw dice at a table and hope for a little good fortune. Government jobs are growing because who wouldn’t want a cushy job where you can justify sitting in an office and calling it “economic development”?

Meanwhile, mining—the backbone of the state for many years—has taken a backseat. Since 1990, it’s been shrinking like a pair of jeans after an unfortunate encounter with the dryer.

The silver rush may have turned to dust, but don’t worry, Reno’s economy is still running full steam ahead. It looks like we’re trading mines for gigabytes—and the only thing harder than finding blue mud these days is finding someone who knows what a “silver rush” even is.

So, as Reno’s population grows and industries evolve, the city’s future looks brighter than a neon sign on Virginia Stree. Just don’t forget to bring your wallet because growth doesn’t come cheap.