The population of the west changed drastically during the late 1900s due to improved economic quality, job opportunities, facilities etc. The US government also helped by passing the homestead act in 1862.
With the rising level of economical quality of the west it grew in population due to the large number of immigrants that came for better quality of life and facilities. Also, the rising levels of job opportunities and the cheap cost of living attracted many in need for a better living.
The homestead act passed by the US government in 1862 also helped to increase the heads in the west by offering immigrants 160 acres of land for free. The building of railways also played an important role by improving the transportation facilities and economic developments.
To know more about the homestead act refer to the link below
