Nye County grew by 386 residents in the second quarter of 2007, county planners estimate, from a population of 46,041 March 31 to 46,427 by June 30.

Pahrump accounted for the vast majority of the increase, it grew by 363 people, from 38,068 residents to 38,431, planners estimate.

Nye County's population increased by 1.5 percent so far this year, from 45,703 at the start of 2007. Pahrump grew at a 1.9 percent rate from 37,696 Pahrumpians at the start of the year.

Elsewhere, Tonopah gained three residents in the second quarter, with 2,870 resident Tonopahns by the latest county estimates. Beatty's population went up by eight, to 1,133 at the end of the second quarter. Amargosa Valley gained seven more people, it now has 1,386 residents.

Smoky Valley took in 10 more residents, it now has a population of 1,767. Gabbs had a gain of three people, for an estimated population of 386. Northeast Nye County has two more residents to count, for a total of 340. Reese River Valley's population stayed at 114.

Nye County planners base their calculations on customer data from various electrical utilities multiplied by the average number of persons per household for each area, as determined by the 2000 census.

Residents in group quarters, like nursing homes and detention facilities, were counted using a trending factor, which are checked by annual telephone interviews. There are now no residents permanently residing on the Nevada Test Site and Tonopah Test Range.

The population estimates are used to monitor and assess baseline conditions for the Yucca Mountain projects, to prepare baseline projections for the county and its communities and for public and private agency planning and management.

August family night

The Nye Communities Coalition, in partnership with St. Martin's in the Desert Episcopal Church, is hosting a family night at the Pahrump town pool 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 19. Families (children accompanied by a parent or adult guardian) are invited to an evening of free swimming, food and fun. This is an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free event. Call Julie Platson, 537-1115 or the Nye Communities Coalition office, 727-9970 for more information.