Las Vegas Unemployment Rate Rises Further Despite Slight Statewide Improvement

Amidst economic warnings and a declining gaming and leisure travel sector, Las Vegas unemployment keeps getting worse.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment in the southern portion of Nevada worsened last month, even if the state's overall labor market saw a little improvement. In Clark County, which is home to the Strip and Las Vegas, unemployment increased from 5.5% in May to 5.8% in June.

Unemployment increased for the second consecutive month in June.  The June unemployment rate in Las Vegas is higher than the 5.4% statewide average.  The unemployment rate in Nevada decreased somewhat from 5.5% in May.

Nevada is still the most unemployment state in the union, despite a slight decline.  The unemployment rate is higher only in Washington, DC (5.9%), primarily as a result of President Donald Trump's federal job cuts.

 

Las Vegas, Nevada Laboring

The unemployment rate in Nevada and Las Vegas is significantly higher than in most of the nation.  Over the previous 12 months, the national average of 4.1% has remained constant, ranging from 4% to 4.2%.

Las Vegas is the primary cause of Nevada's high unemployment rate.  Southern Nevada's casino business is still struggling financially, as many patrons gripe about being nickel-and-dimed and having to pay extra for almost everything.

The nation's casino capital is suffering as a result of the availability of casinos in almost every state and the decision by some Canadians and other international tourists not to take a holiday in Las Vegas.  The Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) presented a positive picture despite the serious worries.

"As we conclude the first six months of 2025 … the same trends continue — slow but steady job growth overall, a small decline in the unemployment rate, and labor force participation that continues to outperform the nation,” DETR Chief Economist David Schmidt said of the state’s June jobs report.

Schmidt attributed Nevada's high unemployment rate to a decline in government employment, particularly in public education.  According to him, jobs in the casino and hospitality industries typically experience "a temporary decline" during the sweltering summer months.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Statistical Area (Seasonally Adjusted) is, nevertheless, employing 2,000 fewer people than it did at this time last year, according to DETR's figures, when compared to June 2024.

High-Unemployment Casino States

There are other states with thriving gambling and hospitality sectors that are also dealing with high unemployment rates besides Nevada.

With 5.4% unemployment, California, home to numerous tribal casinos, has the second-highest state jobless rate.  Next at 5.3% is Michigan, which is home to iGaming and casinos in Detroit.  At 4.9%, New Jersey, the state where Atlantic City is located, is 45th in terms of unemployment.

Nevada, however, depends more on conventions, casino gambling, and leisure tourism than any other state.  An estimated one-third of the Silver State's tax revenue comes from gaming, which also contributes significantly to Nevada's yearly GDP.

With over 74,500 workers, MGM Resorts is the biggest employer in Nevada.