CARSON CITY, Nev. (FOX5) — Nevada’s unemployment rate fell below 5% in August for the first time in more than six years, bolstered by steady payroll gains led by the Las Vegas metropolitan area, state officials said Thursday.
According to figures released by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points from July to 4.8%. That marks the lowest jobless rate for the state since February 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Las Vegas area accounted for the bulk of the monthly gains, adding 7,000 jobs in August—a 0.6% increase from the prior month. Over the past year, the Las Vegas metro area has expanded payrolls by 14,200 jobs, up 1.2% compared to August 2025.
Statewide, employers added 4,400 nonfarm jobs from July to August, bringing total employment to 1,619,400. That represents a 1.3% increase over the past 12 months.
David Schmidt, chief economist for DETR, said the figures point to continued momentum across multiple sectors.
“This report continues to indicate steady gains in Nevada’s labor market,” Schmidt said in a statement. “Job growth accelerated slightly, with gains spread across multiple industries. The unemployment rate fell to 4.8%, the first time it has been below 5% since February 2020.”
Schmidt noted that while the decline in the unemployment rate was partly driven by a reduction in the overall labor force—which shrank by 5,951 workers over the month—Nevada’s labor force participation rate remains a full percentage point above the national average.
Regional performance varied across the state in August:
- Las Vegas: Gained 7,000 jobs from July (+0.6%) and 14,200 jobs year-over-year (+1.2%).
- Reno: Added 1,100 jobs over the month (+0.4%) and 2,800 jobs over the year (+1.0%).
- Carson City: Shed 100 jobs from July (-0.3%) and was down 400 jobs from August 2025 (-1.2%).
Gov. Joe Lombardo praised the milestone in a statement Thursday, crediting state economic initiatives for the drop in joblessness.
“Nevada’s unemployment rate is below 5% for the first time since February 2020 — and our economy is continuing to add jobs,” Lombardo said. “These results reflect what happens when you create a business environment built for growth and diversification. From cutting taxes and burdensome regulations to making strategic investments in infrastructure, energy, and workforce development, we’re laying the foundation for more businesses, more jobs, and more opportunity for Nevadans.”
Detailed labor market figures and dashboards are available through the state at nevadaworkforce.com.
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