According to the 2000 Census, the West is still a growing region. Most of the Western states grew by about one fifth of their population between 1990 and 2000. Nevada was the country's fastest growing state during this time period. Its population grew by 66 percent. The Census also found that Hispanics and Asians were the two fastest growing groups of people in the West.

Companies that made movies were originally located in the Northeast, but filming required a lot of space and good weather. Producers began to move to California. Los Angeles and Hollywood are now the center of the movie and television industry. In the late 1900s, parts of the Northern California and Washington became known for their engineering and science colleges. Many students stayed in the area to work or start their own businesses with computers that used silicon chips. So many of these computer companies moved to one part of central California that it became known as Silicon Valley.

The rapid growth of the West has presented many challenges. One issue is land use. As more land is used for buildings, the region's forests and wildlife can be threatened. Many towns are trying to limit urban sprawl. This is the uncontrolled spread of buildings. City planners are trying to make public transportation more available. Government officials are looking for new ways to get the energy the region needs while encouraging energy conservation.