Adjacent counties and city

• Carson City – north
• Lyon County – east
• Mono County, California – southeast
• Alpine County, California – south
• El Dorado County, California – west
• Placer County, California – northwest

National protected area

• Toiyabe National Forest

Major highways

2000 census

As of the census^[11] of 2000, there were 41,259 people, 16,401 households, and 11,890 families living in the county. The population density was 58 people per square mile (22 people/km²). There were 19,006 housing units at an average density of 27 per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 91.9% White, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.7% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 2.5% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. 7.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 16,401 households, out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 20.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 102.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.7 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $51,849, and the median income for a family was $57,092. Males had a median income of $40,436 versus $28,762 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,288. About 5.8% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 46,997 people, 19,638 households, and 13,519 families living in the county.^[12] The population density was 66.2 inhabitants per square mile (25.6/km²). There were 23,671 housing units at an average density of 33.4 per square mile (12.9/km²).^[13] The racial makeup of the county was 89.6% white, 1.9% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.4% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 3.2% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 10.9% of the population.^[12] In terms of ancestry, 25.7% were German, 17.5% were English, 14.9% were Irish, 8.0% were Italian, and 4.1% were American.^[14]

Of the 19,638 households, 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.5% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.2% were non-families, and 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.80. The median age was 47.4 years.^[12]

The median income for a household in the county was $60,721 and the median income for a family was $73,543. Males had a median income of $52,001 versus $39,825 for females. The per capita income for the county was $35,239. About 5.4% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.^[15]

Census-designated places

There are no incorporated towns or cities in Douglas County. The following communities are census-designated places, meaning population and demographic data is available from the U.S. Census Bureau for each one:

Unincorporated communities

• Centerville
• Dresslerville
• Holbrook Junction
• Mottsville
• Sheridan
• Indian Hills

Major employers

• Starbucks roasting plant
• Patmont Motor Werks
• Bently Nevada, part of Baker Hughes
• North Sails
• TeslaWatt

Lake Tahoe

• George Whittell High School
• Zephyr Cove Elementary School

Carson Valley

Private schools

• Sierra Lutheran High School
• Faith Christian Academy
• Grace Christian Academy