Editing Laughlin, Nevada

{{Short description|Unincorporated community in the state of Nevada, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!--See the Table at Infobox settlement for all fields and descriptions of usage-->
<!--This infobox has been cut down to include fields relevant to unincorporated areas of the United States-->
|official_name = Laughlin, Nevada
|settlement_type = [[Unincorporated towns in Nevada|Unincorporated town]]
|image_skyline = Laughlin - panoramio.jpg
|imagesize = 250px
|image_caption = View of Laughlin
|image_map = Clark County Nevada Incorporated Areas Laughlin highlighted.svg
|mapsize = 250px
|map_caption = Location of Laughlin in [[Clark County, Nevada]]
|image_map1 = 
|mapsize1 = 
|map_caption1 = 
|image_dot_map = 
|dot_mapsize = 
|dot_map_caption = 
|dot_x = 
|dot_y = 
|pushpin_map = USA
|pushpin_map_caption = Location in the United States
<!-- Location ------------------>
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name = United States
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Nevada]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Nevada|County]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Clark County, Nevada|Clark]]
|subdivision_type3 = 
|subdivision_name3 = 
|government_type = 
|leader_title = 
|leader_name = 
|established_title = Founded
|established_date = 1964
|named_for = [[Don Laughlin]]
|area_magnitude = 
|unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web |title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory |url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=September 19, 2022}}</ref>
|area_total_km2 = 44.89
|area_land_km2 = 42.33
|area_water_km2 = 2.56
|area_total_sq_mi = 17.33
|area_land_sq_mi = 16.34
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.99
|area_water_percent = 1.55
<!-- Population ----------------------->
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes = 
|population_note = 
|population_total = 8658
|population_density_km2 = 204.52
|population_density_sq_mi = 529.70
|population_blank1_title = 
|population_blank1 = 
|population_density_blank1_km2 = 
|population_density_blank1_sq_mi = 
<!-- General information --------------->
|timezone = PST
|utc_offset = −08:00
|timezone_DST = PDT
|utc_offset_DST = −07:00
|coordinates = {{Coord|35|8|30|N|114|37|7|W|region:US-NV_city|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use  tags-->
|elevation_m = 170
|elevation_ft = 558
<!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP Code]]s
|postal_code = 89028–89029
|area_code = [[Area codes 702 and 725|702 and 725]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 32-41000
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0856066
|website = 
|footnotes = 
|pop_est_as_of = 
|pop_est_footnotes = 
|population_est = 
}}

'''Laughlin''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|ɔː|f|.|l|ɪ|n}}) is an [[unincorporated community]] in [[Clark County, Nevada]], United States.<ref>http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/admin_services/laughlin/Pages/LaughlinTownAdvisoryBoard.aspx Laughlin Town Board</ref> Laughlin lies {{convert|90|mi|km}} south of [[Las Vegas]], in the far southern tip of Nevada. As a [[resort town]], it is known for its gaming and water recreation. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,658.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2020 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Laughlin CDP, Nevada |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/laughlincdpnevada |access-date=June 19, 2022 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref> For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Laughlin as a [[census-designated place]] (CDP). It is located on the [[Colorado River]], downstream from the [[Davis Dam]] and [[Lake Mohave]], and directly across from the much larger [[Bullhead City, Arizona]]. The nearby communities of Bullhead City, Arizona; [[Needles, California]]; [[Fort Mohave, Arizona]]; and [[Mohave Valley, Arizona]], bring the area's total population to about 100,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bullheadazeda.com/ |title=Bullhead Regional Economic Development Authority |publisher=Bullheadazeda.com |access-date=January 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628174958/http://www.bullheadazeda.com/ |archive-date=June 28, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/04/04015.html |title=Mohave County QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau |publisher=Quickfacts.census.gov |access-date=January 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714215358/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/04/04015.html |archive-date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> Laughlin is also {{convert|286|mi|km}} northeast of [[Los Angeles]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Los+Angeles,+California/Laughlin,+Nevada+89029/@34.6945431,-118.7842359,7z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x80c2c75ddc27da13:0xe22fdf6f254608f4!2m2!1d-118.2436849!2d34.0522342!1m5!1m1!1s0x80ce447c75bf5f79:0xa553e5ccc49f2e5c!2m2!1d-114.5730208!2d35.1677771!3e0 |title=Los Angeles to Laughlin |publisher=Google Maps}}</ref>

Laughlin was named for [[Don Laughlin]], an [[Owatonna, Minnesota]] native, who purchased the southern tip of Nevada in 1964 (informally called South Pointe). At the time, Don Laughlin operated the 101 Club in Las Vegas. He opened what would become the [[Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino|Riverside Resort]], and later wanted to call the community Riverside or Casino, but the post office opted for Laughlin instead.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/hotels/laughlin/histlaug.html |title=History of Laughlin, Nevada |publisher=A2zlasvegas.com |access-date=December 29, 2010}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Avi Golfcourse.jpg|thumb|Avi Resort and Casino Golf Course in Laughlin in 2007]]
The townsite of Laughlin was established in the 1940s as ''South Pointe'' because of the proximity to the southern tip of the state of Nevada. The early town consisted of a motel and bar that catered to gold and silver miners, construction workers building [[Davis Dam]], and fishing enthusiasts. In the 1950s, construction workers left, and the town functionally disappeared.

In 1964, Don Laughlin, owner of the 101 Club in Las Vegas, flew over the site and saw its tourism potential. He offered to buy the land, and within a few years, the [[Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino|Riverside Resort]] motel and casino, consisting of only 12 slots and two live tables, begun operating.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riversideresort.com/don-laughlin-history-founder-riverside-resort-casino/ |title=Don Laughlin, History, Founder, Laughlin, Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino |access-date=February 3, 2021}}</ref> A second casino, the Bobcat Club, opened in 1967, where the Golden Nugget Laughlin currently operates. In 1968, a third casino, the Monte Carlo, opened its doors. The neighboring [[Bullhead City, Arizona]] was a key part in Laughlin's growth, with shuttle boats transported customers from the Arizona side of the river to Laughlin's resorts and back. The southernmost tip of Nevada, along the Colorado River, where Nevada, California, and Arizona meet, was a major national tourist destination and gambling resort during the 70s, 80s & 90s.<ref>{{Cite news|last=O'Reiley|first=Tim|date=September 4, 2011|title=Laughlin looks to halt decade of tourism declines|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/laughlin-looks-to-halt-decade-of-tourism-declines/|access-date=July 27, 2021|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|language=en-US}}</ref>

In the 1980s, Laughlin was developed with the construction of several more hotels and casinos. The Colorado Hotel (now the Pioneer), The Regency, Sam's Town Gold River (now the Laughlin River Lodge), and The Edgewater opened in the early 1980s. Other investors saw the growth as an opportunity to get in on the action. A second boom resulted in the construction of The Colorado Belle, Harrah's Del Rio, and The Ramada Express (now The Tropicana Express). In 1987, Don Laughlin funded and built the Laughlin Bridge at a cost of $3.5 million, which connected Laughlin to [[Bullhead City]] by land directly. He donated the bridge to the states of Nevada and Arizona. The bridge carries 30,000 vehicles daily. In 1988, a [[megaresort]] project called [[Emerald River (unfinished project)|Emerald River]] was announced. The $800 million project would have included four hotel-casinos, but construction was halted in 1990 due to financing problems, leaving two unfinished towers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Segall|first=Eli|title=Laughlin's abandoned Emerald River resort remains an eyesore|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/laughlins-abandoned-emerald-river-resort-remains-an-eyesore/|access-date=January 10, 2017|work=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]|date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> A golf course was the only aspect of Emerald River to be completed,<ref name=Hawkins>{{cite news |last=Hawkins |first=Dave |title=Las Vegas developer acquires acreage in Laughlin |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jun-01-Fri-2001/business/16224490.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 1, 2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020425003016/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2001/Jun-01-Fri-2001/business/16224490.html |archive-date=April 25, 2002}}</ref> operating from 1990 until 2005.<ref>{{cite news |title=USGA rates new Laughlin course Nevada's toughest |url=https://reviewjournal.newsbank.com/search?text=%22USGA+rates+new+Laughlin+course+Nevada%27s+toughest%22&content_added=&date_from=&date_to=&pub%5B%5D=1508AFD0E83DBED6 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 26, 1990 |access-date=November 25, 2024 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Town advisory board criticizes handling of golf course closure |url=https://www.newslibrary.com/newspapers?sort=dsc&formType=basic&alltext=%22Town+advisory+board+criticizes+handling+of+golf+course+closure%22 |work=Laughlin Nevada Times |date=July 5, 2005 |access-date=November 25, 2024 |url-access=subscription |via=Newslibrary}}</ref> The Flamingo Hilton, now known as The Aquarius, was built in 1990.

The [[Mohave Power Station]] opened in 1971,<ref>{{cite web|title=Existing Electric Generating Units in the United States, 2006|publisher=[[Energy Information Administration]], U.S. Department of Energy|year=2006|url=http://www.eia.gov/cneaf/electricity/page/capacity/capacity.html|format=Excel|access-date=July 14, 2008}}</ref> and closed down on December 31, 2005.

===Incorporation attempts===
In 2012, some residents disapproving of Clark County politics made a push to incorporate Laughlin as a city in order stave off additional loss business opportunities, as well as gain local control. The proposal did not include Laughlin Casinos.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/laughlin-pitching-incorporation-plan-to-county-commission/|title=Laughlin pitching incorporation plan to County Commission|date=February 15, 2012}}</ref> When the proposal came to a vote in a referendum, the vote was 57 percent opposed to 43 percent in favor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/laughlin-residents-vote-down-city-status/|title=Laughlin residents vote down city status}}</ref>

In 2019, Senate Bill 213 failed to pass the Nevada legislature's Committee of Government Affairs, which would have made Laughlin a city without the consent of the voters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mohavedailynews.com/news/legislation-to-incorporate-laughlin-dies-in-committee/article_190818da-600f-11e9-ac47-f36e93987a7e.html|title=Legislation to incorporate Laughlin dies in committee|work=Mohave Daily News}}</ref> This would have given Laughlin representation on 9 of the 15 entities now providing services to the community<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://laughlinedc.org/incorporation|title=Laughlin Economic|publisher=Laughlin Economic Development Corporation}}</ref>

In 2021, Senate Bill 79 was introduced to allow for an election for incorporation in 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/81st2021/Bill/7343/Text | title=SB79 Text }}</ref> The Bill was sent to the Committee of Government Affairs<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/81st2021/Journal/Senate/Final/sj001.pdf|title= SENATE DAILY JOURNAL}}</ref> where it failed to pass. Some local residents of the community also expressed concern that incorporation would make Laughlin unaffordable for senior citizens during the covid-19 pandemic. Others viewed it as an excuse to "raid" the Ft. Mohave Development Fund <ref name="files.clarkcountynv.gov">{{cite web|url=https://files.clarkcountynv.gov/clarknv/LTAB%20minutes%2003092021.pdf|title=Laughlin Town Advisory Board}}</ref> Senator Hardy, explained to community members in the March 9, 2021, meeting that the reason he introduced the bill was to provide better public safety services to a growing Laughlin. Currently, there are memorandums of understanding with Bullhead City, for fire protection in Laughlin<ref name="files.clarkcountynv.gov"/>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the [[census-designated place]] (CDP) of Laughlin (which may not coincide exactly with the town boundaries) has a total area of {{convert|89.3|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|88.0|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|1.4|sqmi|km2}} is water.

Laughlin is one of the lowest-lying communities in Nevada, situated just {{convert|558|ft|m}} above sea level.

===Climate===
Laughlin has a hot [[desert]] climate ([[Köppen climate classification]] BWh), with under six inches of [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] per year. Summers are extremely hot with days frequently exceeding {{convert|110|F|C|abbr=on}} in July and August while over-night lows tend to stay between {{convert|76|-|86|F|C|abbr=on}}. The winters are mild with days typically seeing temperatures between {{convert|65|-|75|F|C|abbr=on}} and corresponding over-night lows between {{convert|43|-|52|F|C|abbr=on}}. It is one of the United States' hottest cities during the summer. Heat waves with high temperatures over {{convert|120|F|abbr=on}} are unusual, but not unheard of. On June 29, 1994, Laughlin experienced the hottest temperature in Nevada state history at {{convert|125|F|C|1}}.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/scec/records/all/tmax |title = State Climate Extremes Committee |access-date = May 22, 2023}}</ref> At 10a the [[hardiness zone]] is the highest of any weather station in Nevada. [https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/]

{{Weather box |
|location = Laughlin, Nevada, 1991–2020 Normals, extremes 1988&ndash;present
|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 80
|Feb record high F = 90
|Mar record high F = 100
|Apr record high F = 106
|May record high F = 115
|Jun record high F = 125
|Jul record high F = 124
|Aug record high F = 121
|Sep record high F = 119
|Oct record high F = 109
|Nov record high F = 94
|Dec record high F = 80

|Jan avg record high F = 74.2
|Feb avg record high F = 79.7
|Mar avg record high F = 90.2
|Apr avg record high F = 100.1
|May avg record high F = 107.8
|Jun avg record high F = 115.5
|Jul avg record high F = 118.6
|Aug avg record high F = 116.3
|Sep avg record high F = 111.3
|Oct avg record high F = 102.1
|Nov avg record high F = 85.7
|Dec avg record high F = 73.3
|year avg record high F = 119.5

|Jan high F =  64.5
|Feb high F =  69.2
|Mar high F =  77.4
|Apr high F =  85.7
|May high F =  95.4
|Jun high F = 105.5
|Jul high F = 109.8
|Aug high F = 108.4
|Sep high F = 101.9
|Oct high F =  88.7
|Nov high F =  74.1
|Dec high F =  63.5
|year high F=  
|Jan mean F =  54.5
|Feb mean F =  57.9
|Mar mean F =  64.3
|Apr mean F =  71.5
|May mean F =  80.8
|Jun mean F = 90.1
|Jul mean F = 95.8
|Aug mean F = 94.9
|Sep mean F = 87.9
|Oct mean F = 75.0 
|Nov mean F =  62.3
|Dec mean F =  53.7
|year mean F=  
|Jan low F = 44.6
|Feb low F = 46.6
|Mar low F = 51.2
|Apr low F = 57.4
|May low F = 66.3
|Jun low F = 74.7
|Jul low F = 81.9
|Aug low F = 81.3
|Sep low F = 73.8
|Oct low F = 61.3
|Nov low F = 50.6
|Dec low F = 43.8
|year low F=

|Jan avg record low F = 33.1
|Feb avg record low F = 35.9
|Mar avg record low F = 39.9
|Apr avg record low F = 46.9
|May avg record low F = 54.4
|Jun avg record low F = 63.2
|Jul avg record low F = 71.7
|Aug avg record low F = 71.2
|Sep avg record low F = 63.3
|Oct avg record low F = 48.7
|Nov avg record low F = 38.7
|Dec avg record low F = 32.7
|year avg record low F = 30.4

|Jan record low F = 23
|Feb record low F = 24
|Mar record low F = 34
|Apr record low F = 37
|May record low F = 44
|Jun record low F = 54
|Jul record low F = 58
|Aug record low F = 60
|Sep record low F = 55
|Oct record low F = 35
|Nov record low F = 25
|Dec record low F = 22
|Jan precipitation inch = 1.02
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.16
|Mar precipitation inch = 0.75
|Apr precipitation inch = 0.17
|May precipitation inch = 0.04
|Jun precipitation inch = 0.04
|Jul precipitation inch = 0.18
|Aug precipitation inch = 0.43
|Sep precipitation inch = 0.32
|Oct precipitation inch = 0.34
|Nov precipitation inch = 0.32
|Dec precipitation inch = 0.58
|year precipitation inch= 
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 3.3
| Feb precipitation days = 3.6
| Mar precipitation days = 3.0
| Apr precipitation days = 1.4
| May precipitation days = 0.3
| Jun precipitation days = 0.3
| Jul precipitation days = 1.4
| Aug precipitation days = 1.7
| Sep precipitation days = 1.3
| Oct precipitation days = 1.4
| Nov precipitation days = 1.2
| Dec precipitation days = 1.9
|year precipitation days =

|source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00264480&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Laughlin, NV
|access-date = May 22, 2023
}}
</ref>
|source 2 = National Weather Service<ref name = NOWData>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/climate?wfo=vef
|publisher = National Weather Service
|title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Las Vegas
|access-date = May 22, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|2020= 8658
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2016}}</ref>
}}
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 7,076 people, 3,177 households, and 1,995 families residing in the CDP. The population density was {{convert|80.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 4,127 housing units at an average density of {{convert|46.8|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.06% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.81% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.62% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 2.29% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.18% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.74% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 2.29% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 10.56% of the population.

There were 3,177 households, out of which 19.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.2% were non-families. 26.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.61.

The population was spread out, with 18.3% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 33.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $36,885, and the median income for a family was $40,104. Males had a median income of $27,854 versus $20,973 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the CDP was $21,097. About 7.5% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 14.7% of those under age 18 and 1.9% of those age 65 or over.

==Tourism==
Laughlin is the third most visited [[casino]] and resort destination in the state after Las Vegas and [[Reno, Nevada|Reno]] and is one of the top five destinations for American [[Recreational vehicle|RV]] enthusiasts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.co.clark.nv.us/Administrative_services/Laughlin/LTMO_Homepage.htm |title=Laughlin Town Manager's Office |access-date=April 28, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070410212137/http://www.co.clark.nv.us/Administrative_services/Laughlin/LTMO_Homepage.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = April 10, 2007}}</ref> The casino corridor offers over two dozen food and beverage establishments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.visitlaughlin.com/food-and-drink/casual-dining/|title=Casual Dining}}</ref>

A September 2013, article in the ''[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]]'': {{cquote|Once a boomtown, Laughlin has seen nothing but declines for a dozen years, almost exactly coinciding with the loss of regular airline flights after Sept. 11, 2001. The 2.1 million visitors recorded last year by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is less than half the 1997 peak. Through July, the count has dropped another 2.2 percent compared to 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/laughlin-continues-to-pursue-resumption-of-regular-flights/|title=Laughlin continues to pursue resumption of regular flights|website=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=20 September 2013|access-date=1 April 2018}}</ref>}}

In 2019, Laughlin recorded 1.8 million visitors.<ref>Wargo, Buck - [https://cdcgaming.com/las-vegas-tourism-and-convention-business-rebounds-in-2021-poised-for-strong-2022/ Las Vegas tourism and convention business rebounds in 2021, poised for strong 2022]. CDC Gaming Reports, January 28, 2022</ref>

==Government and politics==
===Government===
Laughlin is an unincorporated town which has the same boundaries as the Township of Laughlin. The town is the subdivision by which it is governed by the [[Clark County Commission]], which receives advice from the elected Laughlin Town Advisory Board (LTAB). Members of the LTAB are elected for terms of two years. Prior to November 2016, the members of the LTAB were appointed.

There is a Laughlin Town Manager who is appointed by and reports to the Clark County Department of Administrative Services which, in turn, reports to the County Manager. The current position (February 2021) of Town Manager is vacant and is not expected to be refilled until sometime later in 2021; the current (February 2021) Town Board Secretary is Tammy Harris, who also reports to Administrative Services. Laughlin falls under the jurisdiction of the [[Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department]] (LVMPD), and fire protection is provided by the [[Clark County Fire Department]]. The current (May 2021) commander of the Laughlin police Sub-Station is Lt. Grant Rogers. Laughlin has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, with a crime rate index of 2 (100 being the national average).

The Township of Laughlin, which is a judicial district for the purposes of elections, consists of a Justice Court, presided over by a Justice of the Peace (elected for a six-year term as a non-partisan official) and a Constable (elected for a four-year term also as a non-partisan official). Currently (February 2021) the Justice of the Peace is the Honorable Timothy Atkins and the [[Constable#Nevada|Constable]] is Jordan Ross. Prior to 2020, the office of constable was partisan but this was changed to non-partisan by SB 462 (80th Session).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Statutes/80th2019/Stats201909.html#Stats201909page1553|title=2019 Statutes of Nevada, Page 1553}}</ref>

==Annual events==
Beginning in 2001, the [[Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino]] has hosted the Talent Quest National Finals. The contest is held in the third week of September, where qualifying singers compete for the top spot in Male and Female Pop/Rock/R&B and Country/Western.

The [[Laughlin River Run]], held from 1983 to 2019, attracted thousands of avid motorcyclists each spring, usually in late April.

For New Year's celebrations, the neighboring town of Bullhead City, Arizona (in the [[Mountain Standard Time Zone]]), is one hour ahead of Laughlin (in the [[Pacific Standard Time Zone]]); tourists can celebrate New Years midnight in Bullhead City and then cross the bridge into Laughlin to celebrate it again during their midnight.

==Education==
The [[Clark County School District]] serves Laughlin. Children are transported by bus to local schools all located within the town limits. They are William G. Bennett Elementary School (K-5), Laughlin Junior High School (6-8) and Laughlin High School (9-12).<ref>"[http://ccsd.net/schools/zoning/maps/esSE.pdf 2008-09 Elementary School - Southeastern Attendance Boundaries]." ''[[Clark County School District]]''. Retrieved September 28, 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930225330/http://ccsd.net/schools/zoning/maps/esSE.pdf |date=September 30, 2011 }}</ref><ref>"[http://ccsd.net/schools/zoning/maps/msNorth.pdf 2008-09 Middle School - Northern Attendance Boundaries]." ''[[Clark County School District]]''. Retrieved September 28, 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930225356/http://ccsd.net/schools/zoning/maps/msNorth.pdf |date=September 30, 2011 }}</ref><ref>"[http://ccsd.net/schools/zoning/maps/hsSouth.pdf 2008-09 High School - Southern Attendance Boundaries]." ''[[Clark County School District]]''. Retrieved September 28, 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930225417/http://ccsd.net/schools/zoning/maps/hsSouth.pdf |date=September 30, 2011 }}</ref> The Junior High School and the High School share the same campus.

==Infrastructure==

===Community Resources Center===
The Community Resources Center is in the Clark County Regional Government Center complex in Laughlin. Several social services agencies provide assistance to the public from this building. The River Fund, Inc., is a local non-profit agency providing direct emergency and crisis services for individuals and families. East Valley Family Services is a non-profit organization supporting Laughlin through a variety of programs for families, children, and seniors, as well as providing advice regarding other public assistance programs. The State of Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services offers timely and temporary services for families, the disabled, and the elderly. The local office of the Southern Nevada Health District<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/ |title=Home |publisher=Southern Nevada Health District}}</ref> and the constable's office are also in this building.

===Water supply===
{{Main|Big Bend Water District}}
The Big Bend Water District provides the water supply for Laughlin.

===Water reclamation===
{{Main|Clark County Water Reclamation District}}
The Clark County Water Reclamation District provides water treatment and recycling for Laughlin.

===Flood control===
{{Main|Clark County Regional Flood Control District}}
The Clark County Regional Flood Control District plans and engineers flood control management for Laughlin.

===Library===

Laughlin has a [[public library]], a branch of the [[Las Vegas–Clark County Library District]]. The Laughlin Library has full access to the district's extensive collection of books, periodicals, and videos. It includes computers with printers, and internet access for public use, wireless internet access, a fully stocked and staffed children's library, study rooms, a community room, a small conference room, and a small but excellent art gallery. It is the largest rural library in Clark County with {{convert|15,562| ft2|sigfig=4}} and over 70,000 volumes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thelibrarydistrict.org/branch-information-9/|title=Laughlin Library Branch Information |publisher=Las Vegas–Clark County Library District |access-date=April 2, 2023}}</ref>

===Parks===
Located in the North Reach of Laughlin is the Colorado River Greenway Heritage Trail park. It include {{convert|9|mi|spell=in}} of trails for bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians; restrooms; picnic sites; shade shelters; fishing piers; an extensive playground with water sprays in the summer; and a pedestrian bridge over State Highway 163 which provides access to the Colorado River.

In the center of Upper Laughlin, next to the Spirit Mountain Activity Center, and one block from the town library, is Mountain View Park. It includes two softball fields, a playground, exercise trail, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball court, shaded picnic tables, a dog run, and a skateboard park.

At the south end of Upper Laughlin is the town pool. It is open during the summer months, and it includes full locker room facilities, shaded tables, and a large water park-style slide.

At the southernmost reaches of the township is [[Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area]]. This 2,100-acre (850 ha) public recreation area on the west bank of the Colorado River offers boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking on {{convert|4|mi|spell=in}} of developed trails.

==Transportation==
There are no freeways that pass directly through Laughlin, though [[Nevada State Route 163]] connects Laughlin with southern Nevada and with [[Arizona State Route 95]] in Bullhead City via a bridge over the [[Colorado River]].{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} A second bridge—south of Bullhead City—is scheduled to open in June 2024 after three years of construction at a cost of $60.6&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Akers |first=Mick |date=April 22, 2024 |title=Decades in the making: New Laughlin-Bullhead City bridge set to open this summer |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/news-columns/road-warrior/decades-in-the-making-new-laughlin-bullhead-city-bridge-set-to-open-this-summer-3038040/ |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=May 5, 2024}}</ref>

[[Silver Rider Transit]] provides bus service on two routes in Laughlin, one of which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It also operates express buses to Las Vegas. [[Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport]] (IFP) lies across the river in Bullhead City, Arizona. The airport provides casino-sponsored chartered flights, and is also utilized by some private aircraft. Private shuttle companies connect Laughlin with [[Harry Reid International Airport]] in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tristateairportshuttle.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513033150/http://www.tristateairportshuttle.com/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 13, 2009|title=Tri State Shuttle|website=www.tristateairportshuttle.com|access-date=April 1, 2018}}</ref><ref name="airporter"/> A shuttle also connects Laughlin with the [[Amtrak]] station in [[Kingman station|Kingman, Arizona]].<ref name="airporter">{{Cite web| title = Pickup & Drop-off Locations – VegasAirporter.com| accessdate = February 6, 2021| url = https://vegasairporter.com/locations/}}</ref> Laughlin is served by the bus company [[TUFESA]] with service to Phoenix and Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotobus.com/tufesa/|title=Tufesa: Bus Tickets Los Angeles to Las Vegas - GotoBus|website=www.gotobus.com|access-date=April 1, 2018}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=May 2024}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Nevada}}
* [[Laughlin (Nevada gaming area)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Laughlin, Nevada}}
{{Wikivoyage|Laughlin|Laughlin, Nevada}}
*[http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/depts/admin_services/laughlin/pages/default.aspx Laughlin Town Manager]
*[https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/justice_courts/jurisdictions/laughlin_township/index.php Laughlin Township Justice Court]
*[http://www.laughlinconstable.org/ Laughlin Constable's Office]
*[http://laughlinchamber.org/ Laughlin Chamber of Commerce]
*[http://www.visitlaughlin.com/ Laughlin Visitor Information Center]
*[http://www.laughlinedc.com/ Laughlin Economic Development Corporation]
*[http://schools.ccsd.net/laughlin Laughlin Junior/Senior High School]
*[http://schools.ccsd.net/bennett William Bennett Elementary School]
*[http://www.tv2klbc.com/ KLBC-TV, Channel 2, Laughlin, Nevada]
*[http://www.mohavedailynews.com/laughlin_times/ Laughlin Nevada Times]
*[http://www.sntc.net Southern Nevada Transit Coalition], operator of RTC's routes in Laughlin & Mesquite, as well as the Veterans Medical Transportation Network

{{Laughlin casinos}}
{{Clark County, Nevada}}
{{Nevada}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Laughlin, Nevada| ]]
[[Category:Census-designated places in Clark County, Nevada]]
[[Category:Communities in the Lower Colorado River Valley]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1964]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Mojave Desert]]
[[Category:Unincorporated communities in Clark County, Nevada]]
[[Category:Unincorporated towns in Nevada]]