Are Retirees Really Fleeing Las Vegas?

In your Vegas News item about the cooling housing market in Las Vegas, you quoted an analysis that claimed "retirees are fleeing the city." Really? I follow your News and Vegas news in general and this is the first I've heard of that. Are retirees really "fleeing" the city and if so, why?

Frankly, it was the first we'd heard of it as well, which made us curious, so thanks for asking; it gave us a chance to delve more deeply into this contention.

The hard data about the comings and goings of retirees seems to contradict that analysis and argue in favor of Las Vegas continuing to serve as a haven for those over 65.

For example, a 2025 SmartAsset study analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data on net migration for people aged 60+ in 2023, revealing Las Vegas as one of the most popular destinations; four Las Vegas-area cities ranked in the top 10 U.S. cities for retiree gains. North Las Vegas placed second, Paradise third, Spring Valley fifth, and Henderson seventh. Nevada as a whole ranked seventh, with nearly 6,000 incomig retirees. Compare that to California in 2023, which lost nearly 57,000 people 65 and older.

Bank of America data from 2024 similarly highlighted Las Vegas as a top city for Baby Boomer relocations.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Nevada's 65+ population increased by 149,000 between 2010 and 2018 and the Clark County population of 65+ grew by 45% from 2020 to 2023. A UNLV study projects that it will rise another 45% by 2030.

This is what we'd expected: Retirees are still attracted to our region's affordability, no-income-tax status, 300 days of sunshine, vibrant dining and entertainment scenes, and even a growing cultural element.

That's not to say that some aren't leaving; we personally know a few who have (Jean and Brad Scott among them). Reasons are varied: escalating housing costs, the intense summer heat, the desire to be closer to family, a transition to assisted living, better health care, and a decline in the perceived quality of life, including the loss of amenities.

And the inventory of homes for sale is soaring. At the end of August, 7,200 single-family houses were for sale, up 37% from August 2024, plus 2,560 condos and townhomes, an increase of 54% year over year. Nearly 10,000 someones are selling out and we have no doubt that plenty of them are seniors who remember the good old days and fall under the above category of "loss of amenities." That pace could accelerate in the near future.

So to us, it seems like a toss up. On the one hand, anecdotal evidence points to dissatisfaction with Las Vegas on the part of some retirees, while on the other, the overall migration trend shows a continued growth in the senior sector, with further increases projected into the next decade. Time will tell.

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Kevin Rough Sep-16-2025

No Income Tax

While Nevada has no income tax, the other taxes more than make up for it.  Just the taxes on registering a car more than negates the savings from no income tax.  Then factor in the higher sales tax, the higher utility costs, and the higher gas prices, it no longer seems like a bargain at all.

Doug Miller Sep-16-2025

“Retirees” are not synonymous with over 65

I appreciate both the QOD and the answer, but I think it would make the discussion clearer if we separate “retirees” from “senior citizens”.  Not all retirees are over 65 or even over 60, and many people over 65 are not retirees; either they stayed at home or continued to work after age 65, which seems to be a growing trend.  That being said, I really appreciate the detailed information in the answer to the QOD and found it helpful, even though I don’t live in Las Vegas.

Lucky Sep-16-2025

Less Costly

I think that living in NV is still less costly than living in CA.  In CA you have higher sales taxes and gas in most areas, more difficult invasive government, and state income tax.  We were looking at making NV our primary address, and moving there, but with my kids living in CA, my wife won, and we are staying. Comparative real estate gets you much more bang for the buck in NV.  As for retirement, I am 72, have my own family business, and would go bat shit crazy if I retired (I tried).  How much golf can one play!?

Donzack Sep-16-2025

Health

Years ago  I considered retiring in Nevada for many good reasons but read about quality doctors and wait time for appointments. This wasn’t good for me. I also read that doctors  fled because of constant lawsuits. Any comments?

Kevin Lewis Sep-16-2025

Lotsa reasons to leave

Particularly for those who came to Vegas in the 1990s/2000s, what used to be a great place to live, full of bargains and fun things to do, has now become Ripoff City. The traffic has gotten exponentially worse, with only one stretch of freeway added on the west side. And utilty costs have skyrocketed.

The real deterrent, though, is the abysmal health care. The cost is high, the delays are ridiculous, and the quality is low.

Vegas's other major negative is the awful school system, but that doesn't affect retirees.

Donzack Sep-16-2025

Kevin

Thanks Kevin

sunny78 Sep-16-2025

Last

Sick care "abysmal" is not a NV thing by any stretch, it's a US thing.  

From Grok:

"The US ranks last in healthcare outcomes among high-income peer nations (e.g., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, UK), based on 2024 Commonwealth Fund and OECD/Peterson-KFF data. It has the lowest life expectancy (~77 years vs. OECD average 80+), highest preventable mortality rates, and worse infant/maternal mortality and post-treatment survival rates. The US spends ~$13,500 per capita annually on healthcare, nearly double the OECD average, making it the highest spender with the poorest outcomes."

But in fairness to the business of sick care, when 74% of the population is overweight/obese, & sedimentary, eats a bad diet, etc, well, kind of obvious we are where we are. The vast majority are their own worst enemies when it comes to their health. 74% data says a lot.


"I think that living in NV is still less costly than living in CA."

Ya think, lol.

sunny78 Sep-16-2025

Substantial growth won't stop in 65+ population in Las Vegas

And same results when I put 55+. Grok:

"Future Predictions
Projections from the University of Nevada Las Vegas Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) and other demographic analyses forecast significant growth for the retiree (65+) population in the Las Vegas metro area over the coming decades, fueled by continued retirement migration, lower birth rates, and increased life expectancy. Expected trends for the 65+ group are:

2025: ~417,000 (17% of the metro population)
2030: ~504,000 (19%)
2040: ~630,000 (21%)
2050: ~719,000 (23%)
2060: ~823,000 (25%)"

"The data shows that the retiree population in Las Vegas has been growing over the last few years and is predicted to increase substantially—big increases in both numbers and share of the population—through 2050 and beyond."

Data from ADSD, Federal Reserve, RTC, & SNRPC show same big growth ahead.

Lots of these boomers moving in have substantial equity in homes in states where housing is much more expensive than Las Vegas.

Question of the Day - 16 September 2025

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