Most of the people who visit Las Vegas come from within the United States. California leads by a wide margin. Millions of visitors drive or fly in from Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area every year. The short distance makes it easy for weekend trips, which is why you’ll see so many California license plates on the Strip.
After California, other states that send large numbers of visitors are Texas, Florida, Illinois, Washington, and New York. These states all have major airports with direct flights to Las Vegas, and they’re home to large populations who see Las Vegas as an easy getaway for a few days of fun.
International travel makes up a smaller share of visitors compared to domestic travel. The top foreign countries are Canada and Mexico, followed by the United Kingdom. These visitors usually stay longer and spend more per trip, but their total numbers are much smaller than those from nearby U.S. states.
Age Groups of Visitors
The average age of a Las Vegas visitor is in the early 40s. In recent years, the crowd has been getting younger. More people in their late 20s to early 40s are visiting compared to older generations. Millennials, people roughly between 28 and 43 years old, now make up nearly half of all Las Vegas visitors.
The number of visitors over 65 has dropped sharply. A decade ago, seniors made up close to one-fifth of the total visitors. Now, they’re less than ten percent. That change shows how Las Vegas has evolved from a gambling-focused city into an entertainment city filled with restaurants, concerts, and experiences that attract a wider and younger audience.
Visitors in their 30s are one of the fastest-growing age groups. They often come for events like music festivals, conventions, or sports. This group tends to spend more on entertainment and food but less on gambling compared to older generations.
What This Means for Real Estate and Business
These visitor trends matter for anyone in real estate or hospitality. Since most travelers come from California and other nearby states, short stays and weekend visits are common. Properties used for short-term rentals can benefit the most. Homes or condos located near the Strip, downtown, or the airport tend to get the highest occupancy rates.
A younger crowd means different expectations. They want modern interiors, smart home features, and walkable areas with coffee shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Investors and property owners who focus on design, convenience, and comfort will attract more guests.
Because Las Vegas relies mostly on domestic visitors, the local tourism market can be affected by the U.S. economy, gas prices, and airline costs. A rise in fuel prices or job losses in California, for example, can slow visitor traffic quickly.
Changing Visitor Behavior
Younger visitors spend their money differently. They might not gamble as much as older guests, but they’re more likely to go to concerts, pool parties, and high-end restaurants. This shift helps businesses outside casinos — such as food, retail, and short-term rentals — grow faster.
Families have also become a larger part of the mix. Las Vegas used to be seen as an adults-only destination, but more visitors now travel with kids, choosing resorts that have pools, entertainment, and nearby attractions.
In Summary
Most Las Vegas visitors come from the United States, especially from California. The average visitor is around 40 years old, and the city is attracting more people in their 30s than ever before. International travelers still come, but they’re a smaller group compared to domestic tourists.
For real-estate investors, this means focusing on short-term rentals, modern amenities, and easy access to entertainment will attract the kind of visitors who now define the Las Vegas travel scene.
