Las Vegas

The City in Brief

Founded: 1905 (incorporated, 1911)

Head Official: Mayor Oscar B. Goodman (since 1999)

City Population

1980: 164,674

1990: 258,877

2000: 478,434

2003 estimate: 517,017

Percent change, 1990–2000: 84.1%

U.S. rank in 1980: 89th

U.S. rank in 1990: 63rd

U.S. rank in 2000: 39th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 528,000

1990: 852,737

2000: 1,563,282

Percent change, 1990–2000: 83.3%

U.S. rank in 1980: 72nd

U.S. rank in 1990: 53rd

U.S. rank in 2000: 32nd

Area: 113 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 2,180 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 67.1° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 4.16 inches

Major Industries: Gaming, tourism, mining, retailing, warehousing

Unemployment Rate: 4.0% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $22,060 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 81,627

Major Colleges and Universities: Nevada State College, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Community College of Southern Nevada

Daily Newspapers: Las Vegas Review Journal