News Summary
Land prices in Nevada are surging due to extensive federal control and a housing crisis fueled by high mortgage rates. With 85% of the state’s land federally controlled and similar challenges in Clark County, local leaders stress the need for more accessible land for development. Recent data reveals record home prices in Las Vegas Valley, exacerbated by slow land release by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). As local officials advocate for federal land management changes, a recent announcement of plans to sell 5,500 acres offers a glimmer of hope toward resolving the housing crisis.
Las Vegas, Nevada – Land prices in Nevada are experiencing a significant surge, primarily due to extensive federal control over land and limited opportunities for development. As the state continues to grapple with a housing crisis driven by high mortgage rates and construction costs, local leaders are increasingly raising concerns about the constraints imposed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
A staggering 85% of Nevada’s total land is federally controlled, making it the state with the highest percentage of federally managed land in the nation. This situation is rooted in history, dating back to the 1800s when Nevada became part of the United States. At the time of its statehood in October 1864, the focus was primarily on the northern part of the state for natural resource extraction and agriculture.
Specifically in Clark County, where Las Vegas is situated, approximately 90% of the land is under federal control. This is in stark contrast to Utah, which has the next highest percentage at 64%. Unlike most other states where local governments manage land within metropolitan areas, Nevada remains a unique case.
Home prices in the Las Vegas Valley have soared to record highs at the beginning of 2025 and have maintained proximity to these peaks through the last quarter of the year. Real estate experts underscore that one of the major barriers to constructing affordable housing in the region stems from the slow pace of land release by the BLM. Recent auction data indicates that land prices have reached as high as $240,000 per acre over the past 26 years.
Efforts to alleviate some of these challenges began in 1998 with the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act, designed to facilitate the sale of public land around Las Vegas. However, despite the passage of 27 years, around 29,000 acres of BLM-managed land remain unsold. The lengthy process for obtaining rights-of-way from the BLM can last up to three years, which further delays development timelines for basic utilities.
Local officials have expressed a pressing need for federal land to be managed locally, which they argue could enhance community planning and foster economic growth in the region. Despite various efforts to advocate for greater land releases through congressional action, these attempts have largely been unsuccessful.
In a move to address local growth, the BLM has announced plans to sell 5,500 acres of public land in Lincoln County. This sale will move forward after a 30-day appeal period and is anticipated to benefit the county’s recreation, education, and overall growth. This is considered a small step in the context of a larger issue affecting Nevada’s housing market.
As the pressures of high mortgage rates and construction costs continue to mount, the urgency for local and state leaders to collaborate with the BLM is becoming increasingly clear. The need to expedite land releases is critical to mitigating the growing housing crisis in the state, as homebuilders face significant challenges due to federal control of land resources.
With the housing market at a crucial juncture, the focus will continue to be on how local governments can effectively advocate for changes in federal policies to better meet the needs of Nevada’s residents and development sector.
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Additional Resources
- 8 News Now: BLM to Sell 5500 Acres
- KOLO TV: BLM Slates Online Geothermal Lease Sale
- Review Journal: New Head of Southern Nevada’s BLM
- The Nevada Independent: GOP Push to Sell Off Public Lands
- Utility Dive: Department of Interior Cancels Review of Nevada Solar Project
- Wikipedia: Land Management in the United States
- Google Search: Bureau of Land Management
- Google Scholar: Public Land Policy Nevada
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Federal Land Management in the United States
- Google News: Nevada Housing Market
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
