Las Vegas has consistently maintained the highest new job growth in the United States.  Of the 25 cities likely to have the country’s highest employment growth over the next five years, Las Vegas ranked sixth in a Forbes Magazine study. Since 1990, Las Vegas has also ranked number 1 in high-tech job growth (primarily high tech services).  The Nevada labor force has increased by nearly 350,000 people in the last decade.  More than half of the new companies that recently relocated to the Las Vegas Valley were high-tech/manufacturing firms.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the construction industry continues to be a major employer in Southern Nevada as the demands for residential, resort, office and industrial space continue to soar.  With  some 6,000 new residents moving to the Las Vegas Valley each month, residential construction is valued at more than $2 billion annually. 

Gaming, Las Vegas’ trademark industry has served as the catalyst for the lion’s share of the Valley’s phenomenal growth and outstanding economic success.  The recent completion of four new mega resorts on the Las Vegas Strip generated thousands of new jobs. 

From finance to construction and retail to service, Las Vegas’ tourist and entertainment venues and hotel and casino resort properties promise a steady demand for jobs as well as creating a wealth of new business opportunities. 

If you are hired in a food and beverage or child care position, you must obtain a health card from the Clark County Health District.  If you are hired in hotel or gaming, you are required to have a Sheriff ’s Work Card.  If you handle or work directly with liquor, you are required to have a Total Alcohol Management (TAM) card.  For information about obtaining a Sheriff ’s Work Card call (702) 229–3465; a Health Card call (702) 383–1226; or a TAM Card call (702) 647–1954.  

Las Vegas has continued to rank first nationally in employment growth since 1995, according to the Arizona State University Economic Outlook Center.  With Clark County’s consistently low unemployment rate, Las Vegas is projected to maintain its position well into the millennium.  The population explosion has resulted in great opportunities for new businesses and more jobs.  Las Vegas continually ranks among the top cities in job growth — an important element to people relocating.  Outlook Magazine recently named Las Vegas as one of the top five cities in the country to live. Inc. Magazine rated Las Vegas as the #1 entrepreneurial city in America, citing the thousands of new businesses that start each year. Fortune Magazine named Las Vegas as the #2 city in the country in which to do business. 

Because Tourism adds up to nearly one-third of the state’s total tax revenue, business owners are not subject to corporate income tax or franchise, inventory or unitary taxes. 

Residents pay no personal income tax. The minimal tax burden means that Nevadans can keep more of the money they earn. U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Analysis Bureau ranks Las Vegas as the top metro area for income per capita, with an annual growth rate of 2.3%.

If you are planning to relocate, Las Vegas should always be at the top of your list of desirable locations.

Las Vegas has no personal income tax.  There are no state income, inheritance, gift or estate taxes.  The Clark County Assessor’s Office determines the taxable value of each parcel of land.  Property taxes are figured by multiplying the assessed value by the tax rate, which for the 2003 tax year is an average of $3.2877 per $100 of assessed value.  

Sales tax is charged at retail on the sale of tangible personal property unless exempt by statute.  A companion “use” tax is charged on property purchased outside of Nevada and brought into the state for use.  The minimum rate is 6.50%. 

Motor vehicle taxes – fees are annual and must be paid on all vehicles at time of registration. Registration fees are based on the depreciated manufacturer’s retail price at the time of registration.  Truck costs are also based on their gross vehicle weight established by the manufacturer.  

Lodging tax – A statewide tax of 1% of gross receipts is imposed on the rental of (transient lodging) hotel and motel rooms. This is in  addition to any locally imposed room taxes  which range from 0 to 11%.

If you are planning on moving to Las Vegas, you will need to know the following information.  If  you have young children, there are plenty of good, licensed people who specialize in child care. Clark County as more than 500 licensed day care  providers according to statistics provided by licensing officials. Twelve centers are licensed foot 24-hour care. If you want to enroll a child in day care or preschool, you must provide the facility current immunizations and a doctor’s certificate stating the child is in good health and has no contagious diseases or illnesses.

Clark County School District

The Clark County School District services Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite, Indian Springs, Laughlin and Searchlight, as well as all rural areas in the county. It is the 6th largest school district in the country with 172 elementary schools, 43 middle schools, 33 high schools, 23 alternative schools and 6 special schools.  A number of special programs and services are offered, ranging from assistance for physically and mentally handicapped children, to bilingual programs, classes for the academically talented, and magnet programs. Official student enrollment for the 2002-2003 school year was 255,316. Children between the ages of 6 and 17 are required by Nevada Law to attend school.

Kindergarten is part of the regular school program, but is  not mandatory. A child must be 5 years old on or before September 30 to attend kindergarten and must be 6 years old on or before September 30 to attend first grade.

Bus Transportation

Bus transportation is furnished for students living two or more miles from school, with the exception of kindergarten students. 

Registration

Two proofs of address are required to register  students in school. The child’s identity must be proven by an official document. Current immunization records should show the child has received: four DPT shots, three polio doses, and two MMR shots.  Previous school records can ensure the proper placement of your child. Once these requirements have been met, call (702) 799–7573 to enroll your student n the proper school. Contact the Clark County School District for more information.

Highways: Major highways include:

Department of Motor Vehicles