Community Health Assessment: Henderson, Nevada ZIP 89015

History and Growth of Henderson, Nevada

The city of Henderson, Nevada came into existence in service of America's defense more than a decade prior to its official incorporation. During World War II, a Basic Magnesium Plant was constructed in the area to supply the U.S. War Department with magnesium for munitions and airplane parts. However, by 1947 magnesium production was no longer necessary for the war effort, and most of the plant's 14,000 employees had moved away. School enrollment dropped by two-thirds, and well over half of the town's housing, built specifically to accommodate plant workers, was abandoned. That same year, the United States War Assets Administration offered Henderson for sale as war surplus property.

In an effort to save the city, the Nevada Legislature spent a weekend in Henderson evaluating the possibility of state administration of Basic Magnesium. Following that visit, the legislators unanimously approved a bill granting the Colorado River Commission of Nevada the authority to purchase the industrial plants — a move that spared Henderson from being absorbed as war surplus property (Our History, 2009).

On April 16, 1953, the City of Henderson, Nevada was officially incorporated. Originally encompassing approximately 13 square miles, the city quickly began to grow and flourish. Today, Henderson covers more than 103 square miles and is the second-largest city in Nevada. Its official slogan — "Henderson: A Place to Call Home" — reflects a community that embraces small-town values while benefiting from big-city efficiencies (Our History, 2009).

Over the years, Henderson has added major shopping malls, movie theater complexes, restaurants, and casino resorts that offer residents a wide variety of leisure options. The city is also home to the largest recreational facility in Nevada, the Multigenerational Facility at Liberty Pointe, as well as Nevada's only scenic bird preserve. Henderson is located just a few miles from McCarran International Airport and the Henderson Executive Airport, which was recently acquired by Clark County (Our History, 2009).

Despite this growth and prosperity, Henderson faces significant challenges. Two of the most pressing are a low rate of higher educational attainment among residents and a growing drug problem that concerns the entire community. Both issues have direct implications for the nursing profession and affect the community as a whole.

Higher Education in Henderson

Within the past five years, eight higher education institutions have opened campuses in Henderson, Nevada, bringing the total to thirteen throughout the city. These schools have been drawn by an untapped market created by the area's unprecedented population growth and the subsequent demand for nurses, teachers, and other professionals. The Las Vegas Valley's maturing economy has further benefited these institutions, as local employers increasingly require highly trained technical employees and professionals (Private schools finding success in Henderson market, 2004).

Henderson's low property tax rates and business-friendly environment have led many to believe that expanding access to higher education will assure a high quality of life and create broad opportunities for residents. Nearly one in three Henderson residents has attended some college but has not yet earned a degree — a gap that local universities are actively working to close. Educational institutions are seen as essential partners in developing the city's skilled workforce and sustaining its long-term economic growth. The relationship between the business community and higher education is viewed as critical to Henderson's economic success both now and in the decades ahead (Private schools finding success in Henderson market, 2004).

Educational Attainment Data and Economic Impact

Despite the trend of new educational institutions opening in the Henderson area, overall levels of higher educational attainment remain low. In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau conducted the American Community Survey, which measured educational attainment levels in Henderson. The data revealed that only 17% of residents aged 25 and older had obtained at least a bachelor's degree, and only 9.8% of that same group held a graduate or professional degree (Educational Attainment, 2007).

The impact of economic conditions on education is visible throughout the region, particularly in higher education. As budgets are cut, classes are cancelled, and student-to-teacher ratios increase. This trend has long-term consequences for Nevada, contributing to a shortage of trained professionals such as nurses and teachers. While rising unemployment typically motivates workers to improve or diversify their skills — benefiting both job seekers and employers when the economy recovers — many experts argue that Nevada should be investing more heavily in education during economic downturns in order to prepare for future workforce demands (Doug, 2009).