Census: NC ranks 3rd in population gain

RALEIGH -- A new U.S. Census report shows that North Carolina had the third-largest population gain in the country in the past year. The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Wednesday that for the year ending in July, North Carolina gained more than 130,000 residents, bringing the total population to about 9.4 million. Texas and California were the only states to gain more residents. The new estimates show North Carolina's population grew by a rate of 1.4 percent - the 9th fastest growth rate in the nation. Wyoming was the fastest-growing state at a rate of just over 2 percent. Michigan, Maine and Rhode Island saw a drop in population. Official figures come after April's census survey. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)