The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported on where the heaviest population growth in North Carolina was concentrated last year.
The fastest-growing county in North Carolina between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2013, was Brunswick County, whose population rose 2.8 percent over the period. Brunswick was followed by Mecklenburg County (2.4), Harnett County and Wake County (2.3 percent), Durham County and Pender County (2.1 percent).
With respect to numerical growth, Mecklenburg County added 23,006 people over the period, more than any other county in the state. It was followed by Wake County which grew by 22,146 people, Durham County (6,052), Guilford County (5,592) and Union County (4,258).
Mecklenburg County is the most populous county in North Carolina, with 990,977 residents, followed by Wake County (974,289) and Guilford County (506,610).
This information is based on annual population estimates for each of the nation’s counties, county equivalents, metropolitan areas and micropolitan areas since the 2010 Census and up to July 1, 2013. Internet tables are available showing rankings and components of population change (births, deaths, migration).
Later this year, data will be available from County Business Patterns, which provide the economic side of the story. Annual statistics will be released on the number of establishments, employees and annual payroll for nearly 1,200 industries at the national, state and county levels. Statistics on the number of people who commute from one specific county to another will also be released this spring.