Struggling to find a job? Try looking in Nevada

The Strip, The Sphere and full replica of the Eiffel Tower in daytime Strekoza2 | Istock Editorial | Getty Images A sparsely-populated state known for its world-class casinos and dry desert climate has been a bright spot in the tepid U.S. job market . Nevada 's workforce grew 1.9% from April 2025 to 2026, the highest of any state, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nationally, that rate inched up just 0.2% over the same period. About 12% of new jobs in the U.S. were created in Nevada during those 12 months, data shows. That's an outsized gain for the Silver State, which houses only about 1% of the national population. Economic leaders in Nevada say their success is the culmination of years of work to diversify business activity beyond gambling and entertainment. Home to 3.3 million residents, Nevada has long benefited from its proximity to California and is increasingly becoming a hub for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Economically, Nevada is "a relatively small state being mentioned in the same breath as California, Texas, Florida," said David Schmidt, chief economist in the state's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation . The jobs market, in particular, is putting up "really remarkable numbers that we're seeing." 'Widespread' workforce growth In the past year, Nevada saw the most growth in professional and business services roles, which Schmidt attributed to favorable state tax policies. …