Why is Las Vegas still growing so fast?

Since its humble beginnings as a dusty railroad town, Las Vegas' growth has skyrocketed. Nevada is consistently ranked as the fastest growing state. Even with nationwide foreclosures causing a housing slump that has hit Nevada hard, the city of Las Vegas looks forward in terms of property and economic growth. While some experts worry about Southern Nevada's changing marketplace, others predict a turnaround by 2009 or 2010.

Sun stories that help answer this question:

Biz Buzz: Looking ahead on the housing slump, resort openings and the gaming tax

Housing causes worry as state’s growth slips

Again in June, foreclosures hit Nevada harder than any other state

— Web content editor Andy Samuelson, multimedia technician Billy Steffens, and intern April Corbin compiled this report.