We have the worst unemployment rate in the country here in Nevada. The "official" unemployment rate is around 14-15% but the real unemployment rate is well over 20% due to a lot of people just giving up looking. Tourism supports our economy and is just way down due to the problems all over the country, as well as the increases in construction of Indian casinos in other states.
The county we live in was the fastest growing in the nation a couple of years ago, now it has the highest unemployment rate (26%) and one of the highest foreclosure rates. 1 out of every 4-5 houses built in the last five years is in foreclosure.
If you have money and want to buy a new house cheap, this is the place to be. If you need a job in any industry but gold mining (which is doing well), Nevada is not the place to be right now.
Everyone is hurting. Even some government workers are being laid off, which is highly unusual. Our son has been out of work for two years.
But at least they did double the cost of our business licenses this year. (oh joy, oh joy). :x