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 thePEPCON 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 theThree Kids Mine, a now-defunct mine adjacent to theLake 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 ofHoovervilles 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]
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]
TheWar Department identified the area as being ideal for military industrial manufacturing. The area was at least 250 miles from the coast in between theMcCullough Hills andRiver Mountains, protecting the area from low-altitude aircraft attacks. The area is also roughly halfway between the railroad line connecting Las Vegas toLos Angeles and Salt Lake and theHoover 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]
The first permanent houses in Henderson being built to house Basic Magnesium workers.
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 theRiver 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 theColorado 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 andLas 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]
The city is in theMojave Desert with wildlife and vegetation typical of the Mojave. The mountains that surround Henderson mostly have gentle slopes. TheMcCullough 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 includeAnthem, 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 ahot desert climate (BWh) in theKöppen 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 causeflash flooding andthunderstorms. The hottest month is July and the coldest month is December. On average there are 292 clear days per year.[28][failed verification]
There were 124,626households, 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.
Theage 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.
Residents with at least ahigh school diploma accounted for 93.6% of the population, while residents withbachelor's degrees or higher accounted for 35.3%.
Henderson, Nevada – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
According to the2000 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% fromother races, and 3.49% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino 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% weremarried 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. Theper capita income for the city was $33,238. About 3.9% of families and 5.6% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.[35]
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 morebachelor's andmaster's degree-holding residents per capita.[38]
TIMET, one of the largest manufacturers oftitanium in the world, operates a facility in Henderson that produces titanium sponge andtitanium 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 ofcomputerized 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, avitamin 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-enclosedbroadcast 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 milliondata center in Henderson operates on a 64-acre (260,000 m2) campus.[45] This facility supports Google's network infrastructure GoogleCloud,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 threeAmazon 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 withtraining fields and administrative offices.[49]
Kroger operates a major distribution center in Henderson, which supportsgrocery 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]
Although ranges are given in order to protect employee privacy, according to the report, the City of HendersonComprehensive 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-famousLas 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.
The Las Vegas Raiders, formerly theOakland Raiders, announced theirrelocation 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 theIntermountain 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]
The city received its charter from theNevada 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, theDepartment of Justice (DOJ) announced it had reached a cooperative settlement agreement with the city of Henderson under theAmericans 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 Hendersondetention facility, while the other was an allegedcrime 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 providesign 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]
Findlay Prep was ahigh school basketball program sponsored by the Henderson International School. Henderson International School – a private preparatory school owned byMeritas – hostedFindlay College Prep. Since its creation in 2006 by businessman Cliff Findlay, its dozen students comprised the school's only high school students.[69]
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]
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.
TheUnion Pacific Railroad serves Henderson over a branch line originally built to support construction ofHoover 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 toBoulder City; in 1985, the state purchased the section east of appropriatelyI-11, with theNevada Southern Railroad Museum operating excursion trains over the easternmost seven miles (11 km).
^"Fact Sheet".City of Henderson.Archived from the original on October 3, 2024. RetrievedNovember 25, 2024.
^Lyle, Michael (May 15, 2008)."Battle-born Henderson now 'A Place to Call Home'".Las Vegas Sun.Archived from the original on May 16, 2023. RetrievedNovember 25, 2024.On April 16, 1953, Henderson was officially a city, electing its first mayor, Dr. Jim French, on May 23. The city was only 13 square miles and had a population of 7,410 people. The city slogan soon became 'A Place to Call Home.'
^Moehring, Eugene P.; Green, Michael S. (2005).Las Vegas: a Centennial History. Wilbur S. Shepperson series in Nevada history. Reno: University of Nevada Press. pp. Chapter 10: Suburbanization and Diversity,1970–2005.ISBN978-0-87417-611-7.Creating the momentum for Henderson's metamorphosis has been the development of Green Valley. Its origins lie in the land acquisitions of Las Vegas Sun editor Hank Greenspun in the southeastern portion of the valley, west of Henderson. Between 1956 and 1971, he bought eight thousand acres of land with the intention of bringing in large developers to build residential communities that the City of Henderson would eventually annex...Green Valley grew simultaneously with Spring Valley and sooner than Summerlin. Of course, it needed help. Fine convinced county commissioners to rename Lamb Boulevard Green Valley Parkway, which he connected to Patrick Lane.
^"History of Henderson".Las Vegas Sun. April 16, 2003.Archived from the original on April 2, 2024. RetrievedNovember 25, 2024. 1972 — "On Jan. 17, the city sells 4,700 acres of what then was known as "Section 25" to Las Vegas Sun Publisher Hank Greenspun, who then is approved by the City Council to develop on the huge parcel the master-planned community that would become Green Valley. Basic High moves from Van Wagenen to its present location on Palo Verde Drive."
^"History of Henderson".Las Vegas Sun. April 16, 2003.Archived from the original on April 2, 2024. RetrievedNovember 25, 2024. 1988 — "Henderson voters approve the first park improvement bond of $4 million...More than half of Henderson's buildings suffer some damage and thousands of insurance claims are filed. The plant paid more than $74 million in settlements and later moved to Utah. Construction begins on a 2,300-acre residential resort subdivision, Lake Las Vegas."
^"History of Henderson".Las Vegas Sun. April 16, 2003.Archived from the original on April 2, 2024. RetrievedNovember 25, 2024. "2003 — "Henderson Multigenerational Center, a huge recreational facility, opens on Feb. 7. Henderson annexes 5,458 acres ofBureau of Land Management land, preserving southwest entryway into city. (Today the city includes 96 million acres and has a population greater than 220,0000.)"
^[[#CITEREF|]]In historical documents, BMI is often used generically to refer to the plant and the company. Also, the area still exists today as the Black Mountain Industrial Complex, running along the length ofLake Mead Parkway and between theI-215Boulder Highway sfn error: no target: CITEREF (help)
^Jones, Florence Lee; Cahlan, John F. (1975).Water: A History of Las Vegas. Vol. 1. The Early History and Water Resources of the Las Vegas Valley in Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas: Las Vegas Valley Water District. p. 137.
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