North Carolina Growth Among Top in Nation

January, 05, 2012 , by Logan Mintz

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North Carolina has grown by 121,000 residents just since the head count of the 2010 census – ranking our state fifth in growth following Texas, California, Florida, and Georgia. North Carolina continues to rank as the tenth most populous state in the nation, with a little over 9,600,000 citizens.

Our state is growing significantly despite N.C.’s 10 percent unemployment rate -- the fourth-highest in the country. Reasons for this seemingly paradoxical situation are explained by the state’s plethora of technological companies and the quality of the state’s higher education system. According to the governor’s liaison with the Census Bureau, Bob Coats, this allure is encouraging many unemployed people to migrate to North Carolina in search of improving their current status.

Raleigh’s recent rating as “The Best City to Live” has also drawn people here to Wake County. According to state demographer Jennifer Song, the temperate climate and proximity to beaches and mountains are major determining factors for this rating, as well as for the subsequent influx of citizens. Approximately half of the state’s increase in population can be attributed to migration.

We’re also seeing significant demographic changes in the Triangle as well, with more senior citizens, Gen Y/young professionals, and Hispanics. These groups are seeking lifestyles that include smaller homes and apartments in more urban, walkable neighborhoods, with access to public transit. The good news is that this shift can promote more sustainable cities for North Carolina.

In response to this growth, we must invest in infrastructure that plans for increasing population demands, while ensuring a high quality of life for us all.

To provide more information about responsible growth, WakeUP Wake County and the City of Raleigh will co-host Lessons in Livability for 21st Century Cities, featuring smart growth expert Congressman Earl Blumenauer January 19th,5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at The Stockroom at 230 Fayetteville St. Also, WakeUP Wake County hosts American Planning Association president, Mitchell Silver speaking on Changing Demographics of the Triangle: Looking to the Future at their annual meeting January 30th, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Or in Raleigh. Register for these free events at www.wakeupwakecounty.org.