North Carolina population surpasses 10 million people

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The U.S. Census Bureau reports that North Carolina has become the ninth state to surpass the 10 million mark in population.

Estimates released by the bureau on Tuesday said that by adding an average of 281 people per day during the last year, North Carolina’s population topped the 10 million threshold, making it the ninth-most populous state in the U.S. with 10,042,802 people.

The report said North Carolina’s population gain between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2015, trailed only Texas, Florida, California, Georgia and Washington.

Gov. Pat McCrory credited a growing economy, great colleges and universities and quality of life for making North Carolina a desirable place to live.

McCrory added that the state’s transportation system and other infrastructure need to be upgraded as North Carolina continues to grow.

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