Measures of consumer activity in Elko County remained at robust levels through the first half of the year, hovering near historical highs. In May 2023, taxable retail sales in Elko County increased by 4.9 percent to $169.3 million, with the trailing 12-month total of $2.0 billion ranking as the third-highest total ever. Meanwhile, gross gaming revenue increased 0.8 percent over the year, totaling $31.0 million in June 2023. Over the prior 12 months, gaming revenue totaled $398.5 million, just below the all-time high set three months earlier.

The sustained levels of consumer activity came despite a modest deceleration in Elko County employment. In June 2023, county-wide employment totaled 24,629, a decrease of 0.9 percent compared to the same period last year. Although monthly employment declined for six months in a row compared to the prior year, total employment increased 3.0 percent through the first half of the year following a December 2022 low point. The size of the Elko County labor force experienced the first uptick of the year as it increased by 0.2 percent compared to June 2022 following five months of year-over-year declines. The county’s unemployment rate experienced a sizeable increase in June 2023. The rate rose to 4.6 percent, more than a point higher than the 3.5 percent in the prior year, representing the highest level in over three years. Despite this rapid rise, the county’s unemployment rate remained the fifth lowest in the state

Click here to download the report and read more.