Sheriff Pope’s Message of the Week on February 27, 2026

Lyon County NV – February 27, 2026

Message of the Week 02/27/2026

Lyon County has been experiencing steady growth in population, employment, and economic development in recent years. If you pay attention to the agenda before the County Commissioners or the Fernley City Council, industrial projects and housing developments are frequently listed for approval. The county’s economy has also expanded, with employment growing at over 10.8% since 2019, outpacing national trends in some sectors such as logistics and manufacturing.

When traversing Lyon County, the population growth seems to be substantially more than what the U.S. Census Bureau estimates:

According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Lyon County’s population increased from about 59,235 in 2020 to roughly 63,718 by mid-2024, representing about a 7.6% total increase over that period. Some estimates put Lyon County’s population at over 68,000.

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has been very tactical in allocating resources to ensure law enforcement can manage current population growth. Strategic planning, expanding our partnerships in the region, and intelligence-led policing have ensured that the Sheriff’s Office is well-positioned to protect our quality of life in Lyon County. Statistically, we’ve never operated better.

To get ahead of expected population growth, I have asked for six new Deputy positions in the upcoming budget, which begins July 1st, 2026. These positions will fill critical needs and fill gaps in the placement of the Sheriff’s Office personnel. The addition of six deputies would have positive effects in every city or town within Lyon County.

A quick search shows the type of growth we have experienced and what is expected in the near future throughout Lyon County:

1. Fernley — One of the Fastest-Growing Cities

Fernley has been a key driver of Lyon County’s growth:

As of 2026, Fernley’s estimated population is 25,508, up about 10.78% since the 2020 Census, with an approximate 2.95% annual growth rate.

Fernley accounts for nearly 40% of Lyon County’s total population, highlighting its role as the primary population center in the county.

Growth in Fernley is tied to industrial and logistics development, including the Victory Logistics District, which is adding significant commercial space and jobs.

2. Dayton — Steady Population Increases

Dayton also reflects notable growth in Lyon County:

The estimated population in 2026 is about 17,467, with an annual growth rate of roughly 3.14%.

Data from recent years indicates Dayton grew from around 15,415 in 2022 to approximately 15,873 in 2023, a year-over-year increase of nearly 3%.

While Dayton is smaller than Fernley, its growth rate is comparable and shows ongoing residential expansion — influenced by its positioning along Highway 50 and commuter access to nearby employment markets.

3. Silver Springs — Slower but Positive Growth

Silver Springs has grown at a more modest pace:

The 2026 estimated population is 5,575, with an annual growth rate of around 0.31%.

More detailed data shows Silver Springs’ population grew from 5,117 in 2022 to 5,523 in 2023, a roughly 7.9% increase over the year.

Although slower than Fernley and Dayton, Silver Springs shows steady growth and benefits from development interest, including large-scale land acquisitions and rezoning for future industrial use.

4. Yerington — County Seat with Modest Growth

Yerington, the county seat of Lyon County, has experienced slower but positive growth in recent years:

Estimated 2026 population: about 3,247, growing at roughly 0.7% annually.

The population has increased about 4.6% since the 2020 Census (from 3,103 in 2020).

Year-to-year data show fluctuations, including a 1.98% increase in 2023 and smaller gains in subsequent years.

Though smaller than Fernley or Dayton, Yerington’s growth indicates resilience as a rural community and seat of county government.

Whether fast or slow, the County is growing, and the Sheriff’s Office is finding, and will continue to find ways to adapt to whatever challenges await us in the future.