Dayton
Dayton is an unincorporated town and census-designated place (CDP) in western Lyon County, Nevada, located along the Carson River near the base of the Virginia Range. As of the 2020 Census, Dayton had a population of approximately 15,000, making it one of the fastest-growing communities in the state.[1]
Dayton is one of Nevada’s oldest permanent settlements, dating back to the 1850s as a key waypoint on the Overland Trail and later the Comstock-era supply chain. Today, it blends its frontier heritage with modern suburban development, serving as a bedroom community for Carson City and the broader Reno-Tahoe region.[2]
Quick Facts
- **Status:** Unincorporated
- **County:** Lyon County
- **Population:** ~15,000
- **ZIP Code:** 89403
- **Elevation:** ~4,400 ft
- **Founded:** ~1850
- **Routes:** U.S. 50 and State Route 822
Local Economy
Dayton’s economy is driven by:
- **Residential growth and real estate development**
- **Retail and service industries**
- **Commuting population working in Carson City and Reno**
- **Tourism tied to mining history and proximity to Virginia City**
Attractions and Landmarks
- Historic downtown Dayton – including original buildings and old mills
- Rock Point Mill ruins and Gold Discovery Park
- Annual Dayton Valley Days celebration
- Golf course and parks along the Carson River
Education
Dayton is served by the Lyon County School District and includes:
- Dayton Elementary School
- Dayton Intermediate School
- Dayton High School
Governance and Services
As an unincorporated community, Dayton is managed by the Lyon County Commission with input from a local Town Advisory Board. County services include planning, utilities, law enforcement, and emergency response.
Related Pages
References
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: Dayton CDP, Nevada. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/daytoncdpnevada
- ↑ Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. History of Dayton. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://shpo.nv.gov