Las Vegas jobless rate still among nation's highest as tourism declines

Las Vegas recorded the third-highest unemployment rate among major U.S. metro areas in June, as visitor numbers continued to fall.

The Las Vegas metropolitan area posted a 5.8% unemployment rate in June — the third highest among metro areas with populations over 1 million, as per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only Fresno, California (8.5%), and Riverside, California (5.9%) recorded higher rates.

In May, Las Vegas held the second-highest unemployment rate in the nation among large metros, behind only Fresno.

While Southern Nevada’s jobless rate remains lower than earlier in the year, economic uncertainty and slumping tourism have begun to drag on employment. Analysts cite national concerns, including President Donald Trump’s fluctuating trade policies, as factors contributing to softer consumer confidence and rising business costs.

Visitor numbers in Las Vegas dropped sharply in June. The city welcomed just under 3.1 million visitors, an 11.3% decline compared to the same month in 2024, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

The decline reflects “persistent economic uncertainty and weaker consumer confidence,” Kevin Bagger, Vice President of the LVCVA’s research center, said in a report. He noted that June was also a slower month for conventions, which compounded the drop.

Convention attendance fell 10.7% year-over-year to 374,600 attendees. Overall, Las Vegas attracted 19.5 million visitors in the first half of 2025, down 7.3% from the same period last year.

In a recent report, CBRE Group casino analyst John DeCree pointed to decreased travel from key international markets, notably Mexico and Canada, as a contributing factor. He also cited ongoing tariff threats, broader economic uncertainty, and rising travel costs in Las Vegas that may be deterring budget-conscious tourists, particularly during the typically slower summer months.

To counter the downturn, casino operators across the Strip and beyond have launched summer promotions, including waived resort fees, free parking, and discounted room rates. While such offers are common in the off-season, they also address growing visitor frustration over rising costs.

Amanda Belarmino, a hospitality professor at UNLV, previously told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that while seasonal deals are expected, some view them as a necessary correction to Las Vegas’ increasing reputation as an expensive destination.