What State Is Prostitution Legal? Only Nevada (With Major Limits)

Nevada is the only U.S. state where prostitution is legal, but only in licensed brothels located in counties with populations under 700,000. This means prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas (Clark County) and Reno (Washoe County). As of January 2026, only 19 licensed brothels operate across 6 rural Nevada counties. Prostitution remains a crime everywhere else in the United States.

Why These Laws Matter

You’re traveling to Nevada and need to understand the law. You’re researching U.S. prostitution regulations for academic or legal work. You want to know what’s actually legal versus common misconceptions.

Here’s the truth: Nevada’s prostitution laws are extremely narrow. Most people assume prostitution is legal in Las Vegas—it’s not. The state tightly regulates where, how, and under what conditions prostitution can occur.

Understanding these distinctions matters whether you’re a Nevada resident, tourist, legal professional, or researcher examining sex work policy. Violating Nevada’s prostitution laws carries criminal penalties including jail time and significant fines.

Where Prostitution Is Legal in Nevada

The 10 Counties That Permit Licensed Brothels

Nevada state law allows counties with populations under 700,000 to license brothels. Currently, 10 of Nevada’s 17 counties permit prostitution in licensed establishments:

Churchill County (no active brothels)
Elko County (7 active brothels)
Esmeralda County (no active brothels)
Humboldt County (no active brothels)
Lander County (1 active brothel)
Lyon County (4 active brothels)
Mineral County (no active brothels)
Nye County (4 active brothels)
Storey County (1 active brothel)
White Pine County (2 active brothels)

Bottom line: Legal permission doesn’t guarantee operating brothels. Four counties allow prostitution but have zero active brothels.

Where Prostitution Is Illegal in Nevada

Prostitution is illegal in these 7 Nevada counties and jurisdictions:

Clark County (includes Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas)
Washoe County (includes Reno, Sparks)
Carson City (independent city)
Douglas County
Eureka County
Lincoln County
Pershing County

Most sites won’t tell you this, but Clark County alone contains over 70% of Nevada’s population. The vast majority of Nevada residents live where prostitution is completely illegal.

What “Licensed Brothel” Means Legally

Nevada doesn’t just legalize prostitution—it heavily regulates it. Licensed brothels must meet strict requirements:

Location restrictions: Brothels cannot be within 400 yards of schools or churches, cannot front on main streets or thoroughfares, and must comply with local zoning ordinances.

Health requirements: Sex workers must undergo weekly testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia, monthly testing for HIV and syphilis, and mandatory condom use for all sexual acts. Brothel owners face liability if customers contract HIV after a worker tests positive.

Operational requirements: Brothels must maintain valid business licenses, employ only workers over 18 (or 21 in some counties), and submit to health authority inspections.

PRO TIP: If you’re researching Nevada brothel law, understand that county regulations vary significantly even where state law permits prostitution. Some counties like Lyon allow brothels throughout the county; others like Elko only permit them in specific incorporated communities. Always verify both state law (NRS 244.345) and local county ordinances before assuming prostitution is legal in a particular location. This matters for legal compliance, real estate transactions, and business licensing issues.

Penalties for Illegal Prostitution in Nevada

Engaging in prostitution outside licensed brothels is criminal in Nevada:

First offense (as sex worker): Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months jail (jail uncommon for first offense).

First offense (as customer): Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 6 months jail, plus $400 administrative fine and $200 civil penalty.

Second offense: Gross misdemeanor, up to $2,000 fine and/or 1 year jail.

Third offense: Gross misdemeanor, same penalties as second offense plus additional $1,300 fine.

HIV-positive sex worker: Category B felony, 2-10 years prison and/or up to $10,000 fine.

Soliciting a minor: Category E felony for first offense (probation/suspended sentence), Category D felony for second offense (1-4 years prison, up to $5,000 fine).

What State Is Prostitution Legal? Only Nevada (With Major Limits)

Legal Framework and Recent Developments

How Nevada’s Unique System Developed

Nevada’s legal prostitution traces back to 19th-century mining towns where brothels operated openly, though not explicitly legalized. In 1971, Joe Conforte’s Mustang Ranch became Nevada’s first officially licensed brothel when Storey County sanctioned it.

That same year, the legislature passed laws prohibiting prostitution legalization in counties above certain population thresholds—specifically targeting Clark County to prevent legal brothels near Las Vegas. The current 700,000 population cap became law in 1971.

Current Status: Declining Brothel Numbers

Nevada had 35 operating brothels at peak. As of January 2026, only 19 remain active across 6 counties. Several factors contribute to declining numbers:

Competition from illegal prostitution and escort services
Online platforms changing sex work markets
Financial challenges operating rural businesses
Increased regulatory compliance costs
Changing community attitudes in some counties

Some counties that permit prostitution haven’t had operating brothels in years. Churchill County’s last brothel license was surrendered in 2004.

Ongoing Legal and Political Debates

Nevada legislators periodically propose banning or taxing brothels. In 2011, then-Senator Harry Reid called for banning prostitution statewide, arguing Nevada should be known for innovation, not brothels. Proposals never advanced.

A 2009 bill would have taxed brothels to fund education and services. It failed committee vote despite support from some sex workers. Then-Governor Jim Gibbons opposed it, stating he didn’t support legalizing prostitution and taxing it would recognize its legality.

Lyon County voters in 2018 rejected a measure to ban brothels. Counties maintain authority over prostitution regulation within state legal frameworks.

What You Must Know

Escort Services Are Not Legal Prostitution

Escort services operate legally in Las Vegas and Reno with valid business licenses. However, escorts trading sexual acts for money commit illegal prostitution.

Law enforcement conducts regular undercover stings targeting escort services that function as fronts for prostitution. The distinction between legal escort companionship and illegal prostitution hinges on whether sexual acts are exchanged for payment.

Child Prostitution Carries Severe Federal and State Penalties

Nevada imposes harsh penalties for child prostitution and trafficking. Assembly Bill 380 (2009) established:

Up to $500,000 fines for trafficking prostitutes under 14
Up to $100,000 fines for trafficking prostitutes ages 14-17
Felony charges with mandatory prison time

Federal law also criminalizes child sex trafficking with penalties up to life imprisonment. Nevada has safe harbor laws protecting child victims—children cannot be prosecuted for prostitution.

Legal Brothel Workers Face Unique Restrictions

Sex workers in legal brothels must comply with numerous requirements including mandatory 9-day minimum work periods, regular health testing, and condom use. They receive some legal protections but face restrictions not imposed on other workers.

Workers in legal brothels cannot be prosecuted for prostitution within the licensed establishment but face criminal charges for any prostitution outside the brothel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prostitution legal anywhere else in the United States?

No. Nevada is the only U.S. state with any form of legal prostitution. All other 49 states criminalize prostitution entirely.

Can I legally hire a prostitute in Las Vegas?

No. Prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas and all of Clark County. Despite popular misconceptions, Las Vegas does not have legal prostitution. Law enforcement actively arrests people for prostitution and solicitation in Las Vegas.

Where is the nearest legal brothel to Las Vegas?

The nearest legal brothels to Las Vegas are in Pahrump, Nye County, approximately 60 miles west of Las Vegas. Four licensed brothels currently operate in Nye County.

Do legal brothels prevent sex trafficking?

This is debated. Supporters argue legal brothels provide safer, regulated environments. Critics contend legal brothels don’t prevent illegal prostitution or trafficking and may facilitate exploitation. The FBI identified Las Vegas as one of 14 U.S. cities with high child prostitution rates despite (or perhaps because of) Nevada’s legal framework.

Can Nevada expand legal prostitution to Las Vegas?

Not under current law. State law prohibits counties with populations over 700,000 from licensing brothels. Clark County has over 2.2 million residents. The legislature would need to change state law, which faces significant political obstacles.

Final Disclaimer: This article provides general information about prostitution laws in the United States and Nevada for educational purposes only. Prostitution laws vary by jurisdiction and change through legislative action and court decisions. AllAboutLawyer.com does not provide legal services and is not affiliated with any government agency. For specific legal questions about prostitution laws, sex work regulations, or criminal charges related to prostitution, consult with qualified criminal defense attorneys familiar with your jurisdiction’s laws. Do not rely on this article as legal advice for any specific situation.

Want to understand more about criminal law and your rights? Explore our resources on criminal defense and legal protections.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2026 — We keep this current with the latest legal developments

Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about prostitution laws in the United States, not legal advice—consult with a qualified attorney regarding specific legal questions about prostitution laws in your jurisdiction.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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