Sun Belt Dominates Population Growth

The Census recently released population estimates, which paint a picture of the new trends in growth across the country.  The fastest growing metropolitan area from April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011 was the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland region in Washington, with a 4.3% increase.  46 of the 50 fastest growing metropolitan areas were located in the South or West, a trend that has persisted in recent years with the boom of the Sun Belt.  Harris, Texas added the greatest quantity of people, with an increase of 88,452.  Los Angeles, California ranked second, adding 70,451 in population.  Interestingly, Palm Coast, Florida, which was the fastest growing metropolitan area from 2000 to 2010, fell to 55^th in the rankings, and Las Vegas, Nevada, which was the third fastest growing metro area in the last decade, dropped to 155^th.  Of the 50 fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the past decade, only 24 remained in the top 50 fastest growing since 2010.