New research from New American Economy underscores the critical role immigrants in Washoe County play in the community’s labor force, both as workers in critical industries and as entrepreneurs. The new report, New Americans in Washoe County, was prepared in partnership with the Northern Nevada International Center, City of Reno, and the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce.

The report also features profiles of four Washoe County residents: Teresa Sidle, Gustavo Velasco, Miguel Estrada, and Eugene Nduwimana.

Key Findings

• Immigrants and refugees are supporting the workforce in Washoe County. As of 2019, immigrants and refugees made up 13.9 percent of the County’s overall population with 83.1 percent of working age, as compared to 61.7 percent of the U.S.-born population, making immigrants 34.8 percent more likely to be of working age than their U.S.-born counterparts.
• Immigrants and refugees are helping the region meet its rising labor needs. Despite making up 13.9 percent of the overall population, immigrants accounted for 29.6 percent of the region’s construction workers, 28 percent of hospitality workers, and 25.3 percent of manufacturing workers.
• Immigrants in the region are making substantial economic contributions. In 2019, immigrants earned $2 billion in income, with $321.6 million going to federal taxes and $125.3 million going to state and local taxes, leaving them with $1.5 billion in spending power.

The report was produced as part of NAE’s and Welcoming America’s Gateways for Growth Challenge, which includes tailored research on the local immigrant population and technical assistance in the creation of a multi-sector strategic immigrant integration plan.

Read the full press release here.