Las Vegas at a Glance
Of registered voters, approximately 44.8 percent are Democrats, 33.2 percent are Republicans, 16.4 percent are nonpartisan, 0.6 percent are Libertarian and 5 percent are affiliated with other parities. Visit www.clarkcountynv.gov to learn about elected officials in your precinct.

LIVING IN A DESERT CLIMATE
An important aspect of the area’s quality of life is its dramatic desert landscape. Residents enjoy gorgeous sunsets framed by beautiful mountains and the sheer natural beauty of the terrain. There are specific conditions to be aware of living in the Las Vegas Valley that can help prepare newcomers. These include flash flooding, windy weather and extreme heat.

— FLASH FLOODING
With few rainy days experienced in the region, the desert ground isn’t very absorbent. When it rains, flash floods are common, and they happen in just seconds. When flash flooding occurs while driving, it is best to look for alternate routes and avoid driving through the areas because water erodes the soil under roads and may force the pavement to collapse. Stay away from moving water, low areas, dry washes, power lines and electrical wires. Report downed wires to the power company. If a flood is coming while you are home, shut off the gas and electricity and move valuable contents upstairs.

— WINDY WEATHER
The desert winds also pose hazards to health and property. Be cautious with car doors as they can blow open or closed, possibly causing personal injury. Secure patio furniture, close patio umbrellas and anything else that could be hazardous if in motion. Dust clouds are common in windstorms, and the dust is inhaled easily. If you have respiratory problems, stay inside on very windy days. High-profile vehicles can be blown from one lane to the next, so drive with caution in windy conditions if you own or drive one of these vehicles.

— EXTREME HEAT
Although the desert climate is ideal for active lifestyles with 300 days of sunshine per year and a healthy mean temperature of 66°F, there are summer days when the temperature exceeds 115°F. It is important to note the dangers of this extreme heat. Walking barefoot on pavement, especially blacktop, may cause second- and third-degree burns to your feet. Always wear shoes to prevent injury. When the temperature outside is 115°F, the temperature in a vehicle can be upwards of 165°F. It’s a good idea not to leave anything in your car that is perishable, could melt or be damaged by intense heat, such as cans of soda (which can explode), electronic devices, crayons and lipstick and lip balm. They all get very messy when melted. Never leave a child, elderly person or animal unattended in a car for any length of time. If you become stranded, do not leave your car, wear a hat and sunglasses and drink lots of water. It’s a good idea always to have a bottle of water in your car.

— GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
With an altitude of 2,028 feet above sea level, Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert and is its largest city. Mountains surrounding the Las Vegas Valley extend 2,000–10,000 feet above the valley floor. The Las Vegas Valley, comprising approximately 600 square miles, runs from northwest to southeast. The Sheep Range bound the valley on the north, the Black Mountains bound the valley on the south and the Spring Mountains are to the west, which includes Mt. Charleston, the region’s highest peak at 11,918 feet. There are several smaller ranges on the eastern rim of the valley, including the Muddy Mountains and the Eldorado Range.

The climate in Southern Nevada is generally very pleasant during the fall, winter and spring. Winters are mild and pleasant, with afternoon temperatures near 60°F and mostly clear skies. The spring and fall seasons are generally considered ideal. Although rather sharp temperature changes can occur during these months, outdoor activities are seldom hampered. In the summer months (June through August), lows are in the 70s with temperatures climbing into the 100s, but it is a dry heat with extremely low humidity.

TAXES AND LAWS

— PROPERTY TAXES
The Clark County Assessor determines taxable value of each parcel of improved and unimproved property in the county, and that value is multiplied by 35 percent to obtain the assessed value. To figure the property tax, multiply the assessed value by the tax rate: $2.4730–$3.4030 per $100 of assessed valuation. Tax rates are formulated by various government boards in each municipality and county.

— SALES TAX
Clark County assesses an 8.1-percent sales-and-use tax, exempting food for home consumption and prescribed medical goods. Nevada is proud to have the lowest overall tax rate of any state in the nation. With no state income, inheritance, gift, estate, franchise, inventory or corporate taxes levied, Nevada leaves your money where it belongs, in your pocket. Nevada’s Freeport Law exempts citizens from all taxation materials or goods stored in the state for later shipment.

   
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