Published on: May 18, 2026, at 10:20 AM.
Updated on: May 18, 2026, at 11:10 AM.
- Nevada is the sole state where this Filipino language is predominantly spoken
- Nevada hosts over 275,000 Filipinos
The primary language spoken in Nevada after English and Spanish may take some by surprise.
With Las Vegas as its major city, Nevada is home to over 3.2 million residents. Almost everyone speaks some English, and Spanish is also widely used across the state.
Surprisingly, Tagalog ranks as the third-most spoken language in Nevada following English and Spanish.
While other states may have Chinese, German, French, or Vietnamese as their third language, in Nevada, it’s Tagalog.
Based on the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Tagalog (including Filipino) ranks as Nevada’s third most widely spoken language, with nearly 90,000 residents conversing in it, surpassing Chinese, which has about 36,000 speakers.
The Census Bureau highlights that over 600,000 Nevadans communicate in Spanish, with approximately 365,000 proficient in English, while an additional 235,000 know some English.
Filipino: Nevada’s Largest Asian Ethnic Group
Recent years have seen an influx of migrants to Nevada and Las Vegas, particularly from California, drawn by lower taxes. The Las Vegas metropolitan area has enjoyed a consistent population growth of over 5% annually since 2020.
The Filipino community represents the largest Asian American group in Nevada and continues to expand. Recently, Filipino Town was officially established in Las Vegas, designated by Clark County. Filipino Town is also a recognized nonprofit organization registered in Nevada.
Stretching 1.2 miles along Maryland Parkway from Flamingo Rd. to Desert Inn Rd., Filipino Town aims to “preserve and celebrate the culture, commerce, food, events, and faith of Filipinos who have settled in Clark County,” according to the county’s resolution.
A significant portion of Las Vegas’ Filipino population works in the gaming sector and is represented by the Culinary Workers Union Local 226. This union is the largest immigrant organization in Nevada, consisting of Latino, Asian Pacific American, and Black workers.
The Culinary Union boasts a diverse membership, comprising 55% women and 60% immigrants. The demographics include approximately 54% Latino/a, 18% white, 15% Asian, and 12% Black,” stated the Culinary Union.
Culinary Union members engage in various roles, from hotel housekeeping to food services, and kitchen operations.
Why Choose Nevada?
Following Hawaii, Nevada holds the second-highest percentage of Filipino residents in the United States, with about 4% identifying as Filipino.
Estimates suggest that more than 250,000 Filipinos call Nevada home.
The state, particularly the southern region, attracts Filipinos due to its low cost of living, quality healthcare, and ample job opportunities in the hospitality sector. Filipinos are recognized as vital contributors to the economy of Las Vegas.