Las Vegas is the seventh best city in America, according to a new ranking.
The ranking is an annual one compiled by Resonance, a research firm that focuses on city-related data and statistics, and Las Vegas beat out a number of larger cities including Dallas (8th), Houston (9th) and Boston (10th). New York topped the ranking followed by Los Angeles and Chicago.
The company’s methodology breaks down cities rankings into three primary categories: livability, lovability and prosperity, weighing a number of factors including economic and quality of life scores, along with user-generated data from online sources such as Google, Instagram and TikTok. The study also looks at a city’s ability to attract prime age population residents (25 to 44) along with visitation trends and business formation.
The report noted Las Vegas’ tourism rankings helped it shoot up the rankings as the valley came in ninth last year despite some negative press headlines.
“The ‘Vegas is empty’ meme had some fuel in 2025 outside the marquee weekends. But the city’s pull is still magnetic, and it shows up where it counts: Las Vegas ranks #3 on our Lovability index, #3 for Facebook Check-ins, #6 for Instagram Posts, and #4 for Shopping,” reads the report. “People still come to post and spend, even if they’ve gotten pickier about room rates and table minimums.”
However the ranking noted Las Vegas is still heavily reliant on specific sectors to drive its economy and its convention industry is pulling a lot of the weight right now as tourism has essentially flatlined.
“That price sensitivity is why the convention engine matters. Las Vegas wrapped 2025 with nearly 38.5 million visitors, but convention attendance held at roughly six million, keeping the midweek machine running,” reads the report. “Annual occupancy stayed strong at just over 80 percent, with an average daily rate around $184, which places it among the highest years on record. Gaming was steadier than the headlines, with Clark County gaming revenue edging up for the year. Air passengers still topped about 55 million in 2025, even after a year of declines.”
Contact Patrick Blennerhassett at pblennerhassett@reviewjournal.com.
