Four Nevada cities are considered America's new 'boomtowns' There are few states as synonymous with boomtowns as Nevada — with towns that boomed into bustling cities less than a century ago, like Las Vegas, or towns that were abandoned as quickly as they were built, like Candelaria. SmartAsset, a financial technology company, said in a recent report that Nevada is still home to several boomtowns, or cities that "stand out for attracting people, investment and development at a pace that sets them apart." The list was compiled by analyzing more than 400 U.S. cities with populations of 65,000 or more. Each city received a score based on five-year changes in three factors: economic output, housing units and labor force size. Four Nevada cities landed in the 75 highest-scoring cities, which SmartAsset said represent America's new boomtowns. "Boomtown status does not mean growth benefits everyone equally, but it does reflect a city’s expanding economic capacity and the new opportunities that come with it," wrote Smart Asset. Here's what else to know. Nevada is home to these four 'boomtowns,' according to Smart Asset North Las Vegas was the highest Nevada city on the list, at No. 39. It had a 21% increase in housing units, a 24% rise in labor force, and a compound annual real GDP growth rate of 3.5%.. Nevada's runner-up was Sparks at No. 53, which saw housing units grow by 16%, labor force increase by 14%, and a 3.8% compound annual GDP growth rate. Henderson followed at No. 63, posting a 13% increase in housing units, an 18% rise in labor force, and a 3.5% annual GDP growth rate. Reno came in last out of the Nevada cities on the list at No. 66, with housing units up 14%, a labor force increase of 11%, and a 3.8%