Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada and serves as the cultural and economic heart of Clark County. As of the 2023 estimate, the city had a population of just over 660,000, making it the 25th most populous city in the United States.[1]
Founded in 1905 and incorporated in 1911, Las Vegas grew rapidly thanks to the arrival of the railroad and the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s.[2] The city became world-famous for its resort casinos, vibrant nightlife, and entertainment scene, especially along the Las Vegas Strip—a corridor actually located in nearby unincorporated communities like Paradise and Winchester.[3]
Today, Las Vegas is a global tourist destination, drawing over 38 million visitors annually.[4] It also has a growing local economy anchored by hospitality, technology, and sports—including being home to the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL), Vegas Golden Knights (NHL), and various major events like CES and Formula 1.
Despite its fame, Las Vegas is also a community of neighborhoods, schools, parks, and families—far more than just a tourist town.
Quick Facts
- **Incorporated:** 1911
- **County:** Clark County
- **Population:** ~660,000 (2023 est.)
- **Elevation:** ~2,001 ft
- **Nicknames:** "The Entertainment Capital of the World", "Sin City"
- **Airport:** Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
Education
Las Vegas is served by the Clark County School District, the fifth-largest in the U.S. It is also home to:
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
- Nevada State College (nearby Henderson)
- College of Southern Nevada (CSN)
Local Government
Las Vegas operates under a council–manager system. The city manages its own police department (LVMPD is shared with the county), public works, planning, and more.
Cultural Landmarks and Events
- Fremont Street Experience
- The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
- First Friday Arts Festival
- Mob Museum, Neon Museum, Natural History Museum
Economy
- **Tourism and Entertainment**
- **Technology and Startups**
- **Logistics and Transportation**
- **Professional Sports and Events**
Related Pages
References
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: Las Vegas city, Nevada. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/lasvegascitynevada
- ↑ City of Las Vegas. History of Las Vegas. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.lasvegasnevada.gov
- ↑ Los Angeles Times. Why the Las Vegas Strip isn’t actually in Las Vegas. July 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2022-07-08/why-the-las-vegas-strip-is-not-in-las-vegas
- ↑ Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. 2023 Visitor Statistics. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.lvcva.com