The map shows the population growth of Las Vegas and the decline of Lake Mead over the decades

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Southern Nevada’s population is expected to continue to thrive, growing 1.8% in 2022, according to UNLV’s Center for Economics and Business Research.

A CBER annual report said the population is already expected to exceed 3 million by 2040. Southern Nevada’s population is currently around 2.33 million.

An animated map shows the growth of the Las Vegas Valley since 1996. You can see the outward expansion of homes and businesses, and Lake Mead’s alarming decline, over the years to 2022.

Satellite imagery shows the growth of the Las Vegas Valley from 1996 to 2022. (UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research)

CBER said the population increase reflects a strong economy boosted by infrastructure investment, including “the high-speed rail project and the addition of new hotel rooms.”

CBER also predicts that 498,000 jobs will be added in Clark County by 2060 and Southern Nevada’s economy will be diversified, with health care and social assistance becoming the second largest sector by 2025. , after food services and accommodation.

This is due to predictions of an aging population: Clark County residents over the age of 65 are expected to more than double over the next few decades.

To view the full annual report on population forecasts, visit this link.