Nevada Produces 3 Billionaires, Study Finds

The state ranks low on a per-capita basis compared to other U.S. hubs for the ultra-wealthy.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of gold bullion bars, a diamond ring, and a rolled-up stack of hundred-dollar bills, arranged elegantly on a clean, white background to symbolize the abstract concepts of wealth, finance, and economic power.A visual representation of the staggering wealth creation among the world's billionaire class, as documented in the latest Forbes report.Today in Detroit

According to a recent Forbes study, a record 3,428 entrepreneurs, investors, and heirs made the outlet's World's Billionaires list in 2026, up from 3,028 the previous year. While New York led the nation with 90 billionaire births, Nevada produced just 3 billionaires, or 0.9 per one million people.

Why it matters

The Forbes data provides insight into which regions and states are fostering the growth of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, shedding light on economic and business trends across the country. Nevada's relatively low billionaire production, despite its reputation as a hub for wealth and luxury, raises questions about the state's ability to cultivate and retain top entrepreneurial talent.

The details

The Forbes study found that the combined wealth of the world's billionaires now stands at a record $20.1 trillion, up from $16.7 trillion the previous year. On a per-capita basis, New York ranked highest among U.S. states, reflecting the city's central role in the global economy and historic wealth centers like Westchester County.

  • The Forbes World's Billionaires list was published on March 20, 2026.
  • The study found that the number of billionaires globally increased by 400 from 2025 to 2026.

The players

Forbes

A leading business and financial information company that publishes the annual World's Billionaires list.

New York

The U.S. state that produced the most billionaires, with 90, more than California and Texas combined.

Nevada

The U.S. state that produced 3 billionaires, or 0.9 per one million people, ranking low on a per-capita basis compared to other states.

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The takeaway

Nevada's relatively low billionaire production, despite its reputation as a hub for wealth and luxury, raises questions about the state's ability to cultivate and retain top entrepreneurial talent compared to other U.S. regions. The data highlights the uneven distribution of wealth creation across the country and the dominance of certain states and cities in fostering the growth of the ultra-high-net-worth class.