Nevada, Missouri

History

Nevada was originally called "Hog Eye", and under the latter name was platted in 1855. The town's name was changed to Nevada after Nevada City, California by circuit and county clerk DeWitt C. Hunter, for the city where he had been a miner.

Nevada was home of the Weltmer Institute of Suggestive Therapeutics from 1897−1933. During the early 20th century, the business this healing institution generated was a driving force in the growing prosperity of the town.

The Carrington Osage Village Site, Infirmary Building, Missouri State Hospital Number 3, Vernon County Courthouse, and Vernon County Jail, Sheriff's House and Office are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

Nevada is located at 37°50′27″N 94°21′20″W (37.840930, -94.355576). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.06 square miles (23.47 km²), of which 8.98 square miles (23.26 km²) is land and 0.08 square miles (0.21 km²) is water.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 8,386 people, 3,491 households, and 1,908 families residing in the city. The population density was 933.9 inhabitants per square mile (360.6/km²). There were 4,018 housing units at an average density of 447.4 per square mile (172.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% White, 1.1% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 3,491 households of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.9% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 45.3% were non-families. 40.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 38.3 years. 23.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 11.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 24.4% were from 45 to 64; and 18.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.3% male and 54.7% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 8,607 people, 3,463 households, and 1,973 families residing in the city. The population density was 964.1 people per square mile (372.1/km²). There were 3,857 housing units at an average density of 432.0 per square mile (166.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.79% White, 1.03% African American, 0.94% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.29% of the population.

There were 3,463 households out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.0% were non-families. 38.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 11.8% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 82.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,774, and the median income for a family was $36,639. Males had a median income of $28,939 versus $17,424 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,118. About 13.7% of families and 20.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.7% of those under age 18 and 16.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people