As of the census of 2000, there were 34,501 people, 13,007 households, and 9,443 families residing in the county. The population density was 17 people per square mile (7/km²). There were 14,279 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.62% White, 0.65% Black or African American, 2.45% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 4.59% from other races, and 2.94% from two or more races. 10.97% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 13,007 households out of which 33.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.40% were married couples living together, 9.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 21.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.02.
In the county the population was spread out with 27.10% under the age of 18, 6.60% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 25.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 102.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,699, and the median income for a family was $44,887. Males had a median income of $34,034 versus $25,914 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,543. About 7.20% of families and 10.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.10% of those under age 18 and 7.10% of those age 65 or over.
From 2000 until 2008, Lyon County was one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.[1] However, its growth rate collapsed during 2008.[2]
Amtrak's passenger train, the California Zephyr goes through Lyon County. The nearest Amtrak passenger stations are Sparks and Winnemucca, Nevada. The California Zephyr runs from the San Francisco Bay Area to Chicago via Salt Lake City, Denver and Omaha. There are three known airports in Lyon County, The Yerington Airport, The Silver Springs Airport with 7200 feet long runway capable of accepting 737's, its runway lights are visible when driving down on Fir Street from Ramsey Weeks cut-off to 95A; and The Tiger Field on 95A from Fernley with a dirt runway of 2,750 feet and a paved runway of 5,600 feet.
Interstate 80 also passes through Lyon county.