City's youth population to outpace U.S. rate

Las Vegas— The fast-growing Las Vegas metro area has topped the growth charts for more than a decade. Its population is expected to grow at more than four times the national rate between 2004 and 2009, according to projections by New York-based Easy Analytic Software.

Overall, the Las Vegas metro area is younger than the nation as a whole, with a median age of 34.6, compared with the national median of 35.6.

Especially important for kids marketers — the 0–5 age group is projected to grow by 18%, compared with a 2% growth for the group nationally. The number of 6- to 11-year-olds is expected to increase by 14% in the Las Vegas metro area, compared with a 3% decline in the age group nationally. The area will also see an increase in its teen population, expected to grow by 26%, according to EASI, again outpacing the nation's growth for the age group by a wide margin.

The metro area has a large service economy centered around the tourist industry. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this has not led to overall lower incomes. At $44,645, the area's median income is $934 above the national median.

Already one of the most ethnically diverse metro areas in the nation with a high percentage of both Asian and Hispanic households, Las Vegas is expected to continue to grow its minority population. At present growth rates, nearly half of the population will be part of a minority group by 2009.