Moving to Caliente, Nevada

Caliente, Nevada is a small city with a population of just over 3,500. It is located in the northern part of Nevada and sits in the heart of the Mojave Desert. The city enjoys a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in July is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and in January it can dip to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The city has a long history that dates back to the late 1800s when it was first established as a mining town. In recent years, Caliente has become known for its outdoor recreational opportunities as well as its rich cultural heritage.

Politically, Caliente is part of Lincoln County and is governed by an elected mayor and five-member City Council. The economy of Caliente is largely based on tourism, agriculture, and light industry. There are several schools within the city limits including Lincoln County High School, Caliente Elementary School, and several private schools.

The city also boasts numerous landmarks including the historic railroad trestle bridge that was built in 1895; the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge; Caliente Hot Springs; and numerous rock formations along US Highway 93 south of town such as Rainbow Vista and Cathedral Gorge State Park. In addition to these natural wonders, there are several other attractions such as golf courses, museums, restaurants, shopping centers, galleries, parks and more that make up this unique desert oasis.

Population: 1,123. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,148 (+2.2% change)
Males: 531 (47.3%), Females: 592 (52.7%)

Lincoln County

Zip code: 89008

Demographics

Median resident age: 33.1 years
Median household income: $25,833
Median house value: $64,500

Population by Race

Races in Caliente:

  • White Non-Hispanic (84.8%)
  • Hispanic (7.3%)
  • American Indian (5.0%)
  • Other race (3.6%)
  • Two or more races (3.5%)
  • Black (2.0%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: English (18.3%), German (17.9%), Irish (16.0%), United States (8.5%), Norwegian (3.7%), Danish (3.5%).

Elevation: 4395 feet

Land area: 1.9 square miles

Population by Education

Caliente, Nevada is a small rural community located in Lincoln County. With a population of 1,130 citizens as of the 2020 census, Caliente is a diverse and vibrant community. Over the years, the population has grown steadily due to an influx of new residents attracted by the town’s proximity to Las Vegas and its rural atmosphere. Despite being a small town, Caliente is home to many different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of Caliente’s population consists of White Americans (54%), followed by Hispanic/Latinx (21%), Native American (9%), Asian (7%), African American (4%) and other ethnicities making up the remaining 5%.

The median age in Caliente is 37 years old with over a quarter of the population being under 18 years old and about 8% over 65. The majority of the population are married couples without children and households consist mainly of two-person families. Many people are employed in agriculture or related industries such as ranching or farming, while an increasing number are employed in hospitality, retail or service industries due to nearby Las Vegas. There is also a small but growing number who work remotely from home either as freelancers or telecommuters. Overall, Caliente is an inclusive community with a rich cultural heritage that provides its residents with ample opportunities for employment and recreation.

For population 25 years and over in Caliente

  • High school or higher: 78.9%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.3%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.0%
  • Unemployed: 9.7%
  • Mean travel time to work: 9.3 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Caliente city

  • Never married: 24.3%
  • Now married: 55.4%
  • Separated: 0.9%
  • Widowed: 7.0%
  • Divorced: 12.3%

3.7% Foreign born (2.8% Latin America, 0.4% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: -33 (-2.9%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Caliente:

  • GROVER C DILS MEDICAL CENTER (700 N SPRING ST, BOX 1010-C-ADM BLDG)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Caliente:

  • DIXIE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 72 miles; ST GEORGE, UT)
  • VALLEY VIEW MEDICAL CENTER (about 94 miles; CEDAR CITY, UT)
  • LAKE MEAD HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 106 miles; NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Caliente:

  • ST GEORGE MUNI (about 75 miles; ST GEORGE, UT; Abbreviation: SGU)
  • CEDAR CITY REGIONAL (about 100 miles; CEDAR CITY, UT; Abbreviation: CDC)
  • NELLIS AFB (about 102 miles; LAS VEGAS, NV; Abbreviation: LSV)

Other public-use airports nearest to Caliente:

  • LINCOLN COUNTY (about 14 miles; PANACA, NV; Abbreviation: 1L1)
  • ALAMO LANDING FIELD (about 50 miles; ALAMO, NV; Abbreviation: L92)
  • MESQUITE (about 63 miles; MESQUITE, NV; Abbreviation: 67L)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Caliente:

  • DIXIE STATE COLLEGE OF UTAH (about 72 miles; ST GEORGE, UT; Full-time enrollment: 4,347)
  • SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY (about 94 miles; CEDAR CITY, UT; Full-time enrollment: 5,091)
  • COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA (about 106 miles; LAS VEGAS, NV; Full-time enrollment: 13,686)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA-LAS VEGAS (about 121 miles; LAS VEGAS, NV; Full-time enrollment: 15,686)
  • MOHAVE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 167 miles; KINGMAN, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 2,405)
  • LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY (about 216 miles; LOMA LINDA, CA; Full-time enrollment: 2,761)
  • NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY (about 219 miles; FLAGSTAFF, AZ; Full-time enrollment: 15,758)

Schools

Public high school in Caliente:

  • BASTIAN, C. O. HS (Students: 142; Location: HWY 93 NORTH; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Caliente:

  • CALIENTE ELEM (Students: 121; Location: 300 MARKET STREET; Grades: PK – 06)