State figures show Douglas losing population

After two years of Census data showing Douglas County's population decreasing, the Nevada Demographer beginning to come to the same conclusion releasing the first negative numbers for the county in decades.

According to information released on Wednesday, Douglas lost 255 people between July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2008.

Demographer Jeff Hardcastle reported Douglas lost half a percent of its population during the year, with 52,131 people, fewer than neighbors Carson City or Lyon County.

Hardcastle reported both the capital and Lyon also posted decreases over the year. Only Washoe County increased in population during the year.

"While we are currently in what many are describing as uncharted economic waters, Nevada still managed to grow, though marginally over this past fiscal year," Hardcastle said. "Separate estimates released in December by the Census Bureau showed that while Nevada is no longer the fastest growing state in the country it is still among the top 10 as the eighth fastest growing state."

The estimates are an average of two independent estimates for the counties. One is based on housing units and the other on indicators of population change such as labor force and school enrollment. The two estimates are averaged together for the county total.

The estimates are prepared for July of each year and used for a variety of purposes including revenue distribution between the cities and towns. The State Demographer's Office is part of the Nevada Small Business Development Center at the University's College of Business Administration, and is funded by the Nevada Department of Taxation.

The U.S. Census has reported decreases in Douglas County's estimated population starting July 1, 2006. Census figures have run consistantly behind the state's. As of July 1, 2007, the Census reported Douglas had 45,406 people living here.

After the 2000 Census, the demographer had to revise Douglas County numbers downward by1,200 people. Tallying the county's population has always been a challenge due to the high number of part-time residents.