Laughlin, Nevada

Laughlin, Nevada
View of Laughlin
Location of Laughlin in Clark County, Nevada
Laughlin, Nevada
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 35°8′30″N 114°37′7″W / 35.14167°N 114.61861°W / 35.14167; -114.61861
CountryUnited States
StateNevada
CountyClark
Founded1964
Named afterDon Laughlin
Area
  Total
17.33 sq mi (44.89 km2)
  Land16.34 sq mi (42.33 km2)
  Water0.99 sq mi (2.56 km2)  1.55%
Elevation
558 ft (170 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
8,658
  Density529.70/sq mi (204.52/km2)
Time zoneUTC−08:00 (PST)
  Summer (DST)UTC−07:00 (PDT)
ZIP Codes
89028–89029
Area code(s)702 and 725
FIPS code32-41000
GNIS feature ID0856066

Laughlin (/ˈlɔːf.lɪn/) is an unincorporated community in Clark County, Nevada, United States. Laughlin lies 90 miles (140 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. 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. Laughlin is also 286 miles (460 km) northeast of Los Angeles.

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, and later wanted to call the community Riverside or Casino, but the post office opted for Laughlin instead.