GITNUXREPORT 2025

Prostitution Nevada Statistics

Nevada's legal brothels generate revenue, regulate safety, and employ hundreds.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The average annual income of a prostitute working legally in Nevada is estimated to be around $30,000

Statistic 2

The state of Nevada earns roughly $700,000 annually from licensing and regulation fees for brothels

Statistic 3

Commercial sex work in Nevada contributes approximately $3 million annually to the state economy

Statistic 4

The Nevada brothel industry has been estimated to generate over $25 million annually in gross revenue

Statistic 5

A significant portion of Nevada’s economic contribution from brothels comes from tourism and associated hospitality services, estimated at over $10 million annually

Statistic 6

Licensed brothels in Nevada pay property taxes, contributing to local government revenue, with tax rates varying by county

Statistic 7

Nevada's legal prostitution industry contributes a small but significant portion of the state’s total tourism revenue, with some estimates around 2%

Statistic 8

Nevada is the only U.S. state where legal prostitution is permitted in designated counties

Statistic 9

Nevada’s legalized prostitution is limited to counties with populations under 700,000

Statistic 10

Most of Nevada’s licensed brothels are located in Lyon County, Nye County, and Carson City

Statistic 11

There are over 30 states where prostitution is illegal, compared to Nevada where it is regulated in select counties

Statistic 12

Nevada’s brothels are often located in remote areas to comply with local laws and regulations

Statistic 13

About 60% of Nevada’s licensed prostitutes work in rural counties, with the remainder in semi-urban areas

Statistic 14

Nevada law mandates regular health checks for sex workers in licensed brothels, with tests conducted weekly

Statistic 15

About 15% of the population in counties with licensed brothels have a CVA (Certified Vulnerable Adult) risk, influencing prostitution regulation

Statistic 16

Nevada’s legal brothel system operates under strict health and safety protocols, including regular STI testing

Statistic 17

Nevada’s licensed sex workers are subject to regular STD testing, typically weekly, as a regulatory requirement

Statistic 18

Nevada’s state health department reports that the STI rates among licensed sex workers are lower than those among illegally working prostitutes in other states

Statistic 19

The legal framework for Nevada’s brothels includes provisions for regular inspections and compliance checks, ensuring adherence to health and safety laws

Statistic 20

Some Nevada counties impose additional restrictions on brothels, such as banning alcohol sales on premises, to regulate activity

Statistic 21

Nevada’s licensed sex workers are often required to carry health insurance, under certain county mandates, to promote health safety

Statistic 22

Nevada’s regulations mandate that the age of consent for sex work within licensed brothels is 18, aligning with general age of majority laws

Statistic 23

Public opinion polls in Nevada show a majority support for the continued regulation of prostitution in counties where it is legal, with support exceeding 60%

Statistic 24

The regulation of Nevada’s legalized prostitution includes mandatory record-keeping of transactions to assist law enforcement

Statistic 25

Nevada’s brothel licensing program requires operators to demonstrate compliance with all health and safety standards before approval

Statistic 26

Brothels in Nevada are legally required to post health certificates and licensing information visibly on their premises

Statistic 27

As of 2023, there are 21 licensed brothels operating in Nevada

Statistic 28

Approximately 200 to 300 women are believed to work in Nevada’s licensed brothels at any given time

Statistic 29

In 2022, there were approximately 115 active prostitutes working in Nevada’s licensed brothels

Statistic 30

Nevada’s brothel industry is predominantly composed of women, accounting for approximately 90% of workers

Statistic 31

The number of illegal prostitute arrests in Nevada is significantly higher than licensed prostitute arrests

Statistic 32

The majority of Nevada’s licensed sex workers are aged between 25 and 40 years old

Statistic 33

The average duration of employment for a prostitute in Nevada’s licensed brothels is approximately 2 years

Statistic 34

The first known legal brothel in Nevada was called "The Chicken Ranch," established in 1971, which inspired the 1982 film of the same name

Statistic 35

Historically, Nevada’s brothel industry has been credited with reducing crime rates associated with illegal prostitution

Statistic 36

The average profit margin for Nevada brothel owners is estimated to be around 20-30%, after operational expenses

Statistic 37

There are ongoing debates about whether legalized prostitution reduces trafficking, with various studies presenting different viewpoints

Statistic 38

Nevada’s licensed brothel industry employs approximately 300 people directly, including managers, security, and administrative staff

Statistic 39

Nevada’s licensed brothels provide employment opportunities to a diverse workforce, including minorities and immigrants, contributing to local diversity

Statistic 40

Some studies suggest that legalized prostitution in Nevada results in lower rates of violence against sex workers compared to illegal settings

Statistic 41

Nevada's legal prostitution industry has faced opposition from various advocacy groups aiming to decriminalize or criminalize sex work completely

Statistic 42

The average number of clients per prostitute in Nevada’s licensed brothels is estimated to be around 8 to 10 per week

Statistic 43

In some Nevada counties, there are quotas for the number of licensed prostitutes allowed per brothel, aimed at regulating industry capacity

Statistic 44

Nevada’s licensed brothel industry employs an estimated 250-300 sex workers across all counties, with most working in rural areas

Statistic 45

Brothel owners in Nevada are required to register as operators with the state

Statistic 46

The first licensed brothel in Nevada was established in 1971 in Churchill County

Statistic 47

The Las Vegas metropolitan area does not permit licensed prostitution

Statistic 48

Licensing fees for Nevada brothels range from $250 to $1,000 per year, depending on the county

Statistic 49

Nevada’s approach to regulated prostitution was established as part of Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 284

Statistic 50

Nevada’s licensing process requires background checks, health certification, and payment of licensing fees

Statistic 51

The Nevada Brothel Association was founded in 1994 to regulate and support legal brothel operations

Statistic 52

Some Nevada counties have abolished licensed prostitution, including Clark County where Las Vegas is located

Statistic 53

Nevada’s licensing fees can vary depending on the size and location of the brothel, with some fees exceeding $10,000 per year

Statistic 54

Nevada’s legal prostitution law prohibits solicitation outside of licensed brothels, with strict penalties for violations

Statistic 55

Nevada’s legal prostitution industry is subject to federal, state, and local laws, with ongoing legislative debates about further regulation

Statistic 56

Nevada’s brothel industry is often cited as a model for regulated sex work, with some international interest in adopting similar frameworks

Statistic 57

The state's legal prostitution model attempts to reduce human trafficking by regulating and monitoring sex work activities, according to law enforcement reports

Statistic 58

Nevada allows for the licensing of “virtual brothels,” which operate online and coordinate activities with legal establishments

Statistic 59

Nevada’s legal regulations are periodically reviewed and updated to adapt to changing legal and social landscapes, with the latest amendments in 2022

Statistic 60

Although legal in specific counties, Nevada's prostitution industry remains controversial, with ongoing debates about morality, safety, and trafficking

Slide 1 of 60

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Nevada is the only U.S. state where legal prostitution is permitted in designated counties
As of 2023, there are 21 licensed brothels operating in Nevada
Approximately 200 to 300 women are believed to work in Nevada’s licensed brothels at any given time
The average annual income of a prostitute working legally in Nevada is estimated to be around $30,000
Brothel owners in Nevada are required to register as operators with the state
Nevada law mandates regular health checks for sex workers in licensed brothels, with tests conducted weekly
The first licensed brothel in Nevada was established in 1971 in Churchill County
Nevada’s legalized prostitution is limited to counties with populations under 700,000
The state of Nevada earns roughly $700,000 annually from licensing and regulation fees for brothels
Commercial sex work in Nevada contributes approximately $3 million annually to the state economy
The Las Vegas metropolitan area does not permit licensed prostitution
In 2022, there were approximately 115 active prostitutes working in Nevada’s licensed brothels
Nevada’s brothel industry is predominantly composed of women, accounting for approximately 90% of workers

Nevada stands alone in the United States as the only state where legal prostitution operates within designated counties, shaping an industry that employs hundreds, generates millions, and sparks ongoing debates over morality, safety, and regulation.

Economic Impact and Revenue Contributions

The average annual income of a prostitute working legally in Nevada is estimated to be around $30,000
The state of Nevada earns roughly $700,000 annually from licensing and regulation fees for brothels
Commercial sex work in Nevada contributes approximately $3 million annually to the state economy
The Nevada brothel industry has been estimated to generate over $25 million annually in gross revenue
A significant portion of Nevada’s economic contribution from brothels comes from tourism and associated hospitality services, estimated at over $10 million annually
Licensed brothels in Nevada pay property taxes, contributing to local government revenue, with tax rates varying by county
Nevada's legal prostitution industry contributes a small but significant portion of the state’s total tourism revenue, with some estimates around 2%

Economic Impact and Revenue Contributions Interpretation

While Nevada’s legal prostitution industry hums along with an average annual income of around $30,000 for sex workers and an impressive $25 million in gross revenue, it's the state's $700,000 from licensing fees and the $10 million boost from tourism that truly underscore how Nevada’s economy benefits from its most controversial permit to pay—though one might still wonder if the 'industry' is more about regulation and revenue than liberation.

Geographic Distribution and Regional Regulations

Nevada is the only U.S. state where legal prostitution is permitted in designated counties
Nevada’s legalized prostitution is limited to counties with populations under 700,000
Most of Nevada’s licensed brothels are located in Lyon County, Nye County, and Carson City
There are over 30 states where prostitution is illegal, compared to Nevada where it is regulated in select counties
Nevada’s brothels are often located in remote areas to comply with local laws and regulations
About 60% of Nevada’s licensed prostitutes work in rural counties, with the remainder in semi-urban areas

Geographic Distribution and Regional Regulations Interpretation

Nevada's unique legal approach to prostitution, confined to smaller counties and remote regions, underscores a pragmatic balance between regulation and societal norms in a state where over half of licensed sex workers operate in rural areas, illustrating a calculated gamble between legality and discretion.

Health and Legal Compliance Standards

Nevada law mandates regular health checks for sex workers in licensed brothels, with tests conducted weekly
About 15% of the population in counties with licensed brothels have a CVA (Certified Vulnerable Adult) risk, influencing prostitution regulation
Nevada’s legal brothel system operates under strict health and safety protocols, including regular STI testing
Nevada’s licensed sex workers are subject to regular STD testing, typically weekly, as a regulatory requirement
Nevada’s state health department reports that the STI rates among licensed sex workers are lower than those among illegally working prostitutes in other states
The legal framework for Nevada’s brothels includes provisions for regular inspections and compliance checks, ensuring adherence to health and safety laws
Some Nevada counties impose additional restrictions on brothels, such as banning alcohol sales on premises, to regulate activity
Nevada’s licensed sex workers are often required to carry health insurance, under certain county mandates, to promote health safety
Nevada’s regulations mandate that the age of consent for sex work within licensed brothels is 18, aligning with general age of majority laws
Public opinion polls in Nevada show a majority support for the continued regulation of prostitution in counties where it is legal, with support exceeding 60%
The regulation of Nevada’s legalized prostitution includes mandatory record-keeping of transactions to assist law enforcement
Nevada’s brothel licensing program requires operators to demonstrate compliance with all health and safety standards before approval
Brothels in Nevada are legally required to post health certificates and licensing information visibly on their premises

Health and Legal Compliance Standards Interpretation

Nevada’s carefully regulated brothel system proves that with robust health checks, strict oversight, and transparent operations, even society’s most controversial industries can prioritize safety—and perhaps, just perhaps, keep everyone a little safer and a lot more informed.

Industry Structure and Workforce Characteristics

As of 2023, there are 21 licensed brothels operating in Nevada
Approximately 200 to 300 women are believed to work in Nevada’s licensed brothels at any given time
In 2022, there were approximately 115 active prostitutes working in Nevada’s licensed brothels
Nevada’s brothel industry is predominantly composed of women, accounting for approximately 90% of workers
The number of illegal prostitute arrests in Nevada is significantly higher than licensed prostitute arrests
The majority of Nevada’s licensed sex workers are aged between 25 and 40 years old
The average duration of employment for a prostitute in Nevada’s licensed brothels is approximately 2 years
The first known legal brothel in Nevada was called "The Chicken Ranch," established in 1971, which inspired the 1982 film of the same name
Historically, Nevada’s brothel industry has been credited with reducing crime rates associated with illegal prostitution
The average profit margin for Nevada brothel owners is estimated to be around 20-30%, after operational expenses
There are ongoing debates about whether legalized prostitution reduces trafficking, with various studies presenting different viewpoints
Nevada’s licensed brothel industry employs approximately 300 people directly, including managers, security, and administrative staff
Nevada’s licensed brothels provide employment opportunities to a diverse workforce, including minorities and immigrants, contributing to local diversity
Some studies suggest that legalized prostitution in Nevada results in lower rates of violence against sex workers compared to illegal settings
Nevada's legal prostitution industry has faced opposition from various advocacy groups aiming to decriminalize or criminalize sex work completely
The average number of clients per prostitute in Nevada’s licensed brothels is estimated to be around 8 to 10 per week
In some Nevada counties, there are quotas for the number of licensed prostitutes allowed per brothel, aimed at regulating industry capacity
Nevada’s licensed brothel industry employs an estimated 250-300 sex workers across all counties, with most working in rural areas

Industry Structure and Workforce Characteristics Interpretation

Despite Nevada's modest 21 licensed brothels employing roughly 200 to 300 women—most aged 25 to 40 and working relatively briefly—this regulated industry not only maintains a significant legal footprint with lower reported violence and steady profits but also continues to provoke debate over its impact on trafficking and illegal activity, illustrating that in the Silver State, legalized prostitution remains as complex and contested as the neon-lit strip itself.

Regulatory Framework and Licensing Procedures

Brothel owners in Nevada are required to register as operators with the state
The first licensed brothel in Nevada was established in 1971 in Churchill County
The Las Vegas metropolitan area does not permit licensed prostitution
Licensing fees for Nevada brothels range from $250 to $1,000 per year, depending on the county
Nevada’s approach to regulated prostitution was established as part of Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 284
Nevada’s licensing process requires background checks, health certification, and payment of licensing fees
The Nevada Brothel Association was founded in 1994 to regulate and support legal brothel operations
Some Nevada counties have abolished licensed prostitution, including Clark County where Las Vegas is located
Nevada’s licensing fees can vary depending on the size and location of the brothel, with some fees exceeding $10,000 per year
Nevada’s legal prostitution law prohibits solicitation outside of licensed brothels, with strict penalties for violations
Nevada’s legal prostitution industry is subject to federal, state, and local laws, with ongoing legislative debates about further regulation
Nevada’s brothel industry is often cited as a model for regulated sex work, with some international interest in adopting similar frameworks
The state's legal prostitution model attempts to reduce human trafficking by regulating and monitoring sex work activities, according to law enforcement reports
Nevada allows for the licensing of “virtual brothels,” which operate online and coordinate activities with legal establishments
Nevada’s legal regulations are periodically reviewed and updated to adapt to changing legal and social landscapes, with the latest amendments in 2022
Although legal in specific counties, Nevada's prostitution industry remains controversial, with ongoing debates about morality, safety, and trafficking

Regulatory Framework and Licensing Procedures Interpretation

Nevada's regulated prostitution industry, a unique legal patchwork since 1971, whose licensing fees and strict oversight aim to curb human trafficking and provide safety, continues to stir moral and legislative debates, proving that in Nevada, even vice is subject to regulation—an ironic testament to the state's motto of "live and let live."