The Largest City in Nevada Now and in 2050

Nevada is located in the western United States, where it borders California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. Also known as the Battle Born State, Nevada is the country’s 33rd most populated state with around three million residents. The state contains 19 incorporated cities, but which city is the most populated? Keep reading to learn all about Nevada’s largest city now and in 2050.

What Is the Largest City in Nevada?

Nevada’s most populated city is Las Vegas, located in the southern corner of the state in the Mojave Desert. Las Vegas is home to over 650,000 residents and is the state’s most densely populated city with over 4,600 residents per square mile. The city’s population is growing at an annual rate of 0.54%.

Las Vegas Statistics and Economics

According to the City of Las Vegas, the area’s largest industries are leisure and hospitality; trade, transport, and utilities; followed by education and health services. Las Vegas is a popular destination for tourists, and casinos account for several of the city’s top employers. The median annual income in Las Vegas is nearly $39,000, and the median closing price for an existing home in the city is $375,000.

What Attracts People to Las Vegas?

For decades, Las Vegas has been known as “Sin City” due to its casinos, gambling, and raucous entertainment scene. The city’s reputation for vice began to take hold after the state of Nevada banned gambling in 1910, which led to the establishment of several illicit casinos along Fremont Street. 

Once the state government reinstated gambling in 1931, casinos along Fremont Street flourished. Today, the city’s main attractions are mostly located along The Strip. Visitors can explore events, shows, and a dazzling culinary scene in addition to gaming and gambling. 

Las Vegas also has plenty to offer visitors who want to explore the outdoors. About a half hour from the city, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area features trails for hiking and driving. Visitors can also head to the Nevada-Arizona border to see Hoover Dam, which stands at a staggering height of 726 feet.

What Will Be the Largest City in Nevada in 30 Years?

If Las Vegas continues to grow at its current rate, it will maintain its position as the state’s most populated city. In its 2050 Master Plan, the City of Las Vegas predicts there will be 300,000 additional residents, which would bring the city’s population to nearly one million.

Henderson is the second most populated city in Nevada with over 330,000 residents. The state’s third most populated city, North Las Vegas, is also its fastest-growing, with an annual population increase of nearly 4%.

Las Vegas officials anticipate that the city’s growing population will spur the development of at least 100,000 units of housing, over 9,000 acres of parks, and at least 70 million square feet of commercial space. As the city prepares for growth, it is managing the challenges of a decreasing water supply and increasing urban heat. With a focus on conservation, Las Vegas is aiming for growth based in resilience and sustainability.

Top 5 Largest Cities in Nevada: A Comparison

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