Southern Nevada’s jobless rate was again one of the highest in the country for large metro areas, new data shows. The Las Vegas-area’s unemployment rate in September, 5.7 percent, was third highest among the 50-plus metro areas with at least 1 million people, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For years, Nevada has ranked near the bottom of all states in unemployment rate — and there are few signs of that changing. Since the start of 2022, the Silver State’s unemployment rate has never exceeded 5.8 percent or fallen below 5 percent, marks that are well behind most other states. According to the latest federal unemployment data, 45 states had unemployment rates under 5 percent. But is there significant cause of concern? Or is the stagnant rate expected? According to experts who spoke with The Nevada Independent, it’s a mixed bag.

Station Casinos has officially opened a new high-limit room and parking garage at its Durango location, marking the latest phase of a $100 million expansion. The new garage offers 1,800 free parking spots, allowing patrons easier access to the expanded gaming floor.

The U.S. Travel Association recently released its Travel Forecast, projecting little growth in spending for 2025 but a significant decline in international inbound travel.

Southern Nevada business leaders’ confidence fell this quarter to the lowest level since the Great Recession, amid weak tourism and economic uncertainty, according to UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research.

As 2025 comes to a close, Las Vegas is looking towards a potential resurgence in its tourism sector in the upcoming year. The Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has released a study suggesting that the slump in visitor numbers currently affecting the city may end in 2026. However, experts agree that the future of tourism in Las Vegas is dependent on a variety of broader economic factors.

As 2025 draws to a close, Las Vegas is looking ahead to a potentially brighter year for its hospitality industry, which supports more than one in four jobs in the state. The Center for Business and Economic Research at UNLV has released a study suggesting that the current slump in visitor numbers could end in 2026.

Despite Las Vegas’ ongoing tourism slump, Southern Nevada gained thousands of jobs in September as consumer spending also picked up speed, state data shows.

UNLV’s 2025 Economic Outlook, presented in Las Vegas on November 13, indicates that Nevada’s tourism sector will experience slower growth over the next few years, following a period of rapid post-pandemic recovery. Visitor volume to Nevada is expected to stabilize at around 50 to 51 million annually, with a slight decline forecasted for 2026 and 2027. Despite global economic uncertainty, inflation, and shifting domestic travel patterns, the state’s tourism sector is forecast to remain resilient due to Nevada’s strong global brand and the continued influx of major events.

One job sector is outpacing inflation in Clark County – and it might not be the industry you expect. Hospitality is often seen as the heart of the Las Vegas job market. But as tourism declines, one industry is quietly becoming the valley’s fastest-growing – and highest paying despite national trends.

A new economic study projects visitation to Las Vegas will bounce back in 2026. But the city's top tourism officials are taking nothing for granted as they grapple with the effects of 2025's lull and adjust prices to try to lure back tourists in the new year.

Democrats looking to win back Nevada’s gubernatorial mansion want to tie incumbent GOP Gov. Joe Lombardo to Donald Trump’s agenda — but the first-term governor is not making it easy.