W
ildfires that ravaged thousands of homes around Los Angeles are expected to send refugees fleeing across the desert to Las Vegas, putting pressure on its already tight housing market. Housing industry experts predict displaced Angelenos will flock to Nevada in search of more affordable homes and apartments.

    "The data shows that severe wildfires can have a ripple effect on neighboring states," said Shawn McCoy, director at the University of Nevada Las Vegas's Lied Center for Real Estate. "The media attention surrounding these fires is likely to drive up interest in nearby areas like Las Vegas."

    Los Angeles tops the list of migration into the greater Las Vegas Valley, with nearly 158,000 people moving from California to Nevada between 2019 and last year. Those looking to relocate may not escape fire risks entirely, but they'll find more affordable housing options.

    "It's unlikely that people will move to Las Vegas for lower fire risk," said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin. "Instead, they'll be drawn by better affordability." With Los Angeles rents likely to rise due to depleted housing stock and displaced households seeking new homes, some residents may leave the city because they've been priced out.

    The wildfires, which have destroyed 12,000 structures and killed at least 24 people, may also discourage potential movers from choosing Los Angeles over Las Vegas. As a result, there could be upward pressure on rent in Las Vegas's local rental market, with displaced residents seeking new places to live.