The city’s altitude, a critical geographical characteristic, is not a single, uniform figure. Rather, the terrain’s height above sea level varies significantly across the Las Vegas Valley. This variation is primarily due to the city’s location within a basin surrounded by mountains. A common approximation places the altitude at approximately 2,030 feet (620 meters). However, this figure represents a general average; specific points within the metropolitan area can be considerably higher or lower.
The geographical attribute impacts several aspects of the region, from its climate to infrastructure planning. The elevation contributes to the arid desert environment, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, influencing architectural designs and water resource management. Furthermore, the differing heights within the valley present unique challenges and opportunities for transportation systems and urban development.