Special to IFN

RALEIGH — North Carolina remains one of the fastest-growing states in the country, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released this week. Despite a nationwide slowdown in population growth last year, North Carolina grew by nearly 150,000 people, making it the state with third-largest total population increase after Texas and Florida. North Carolina was also ranked the No. 1 state for domestic (state-to-state) migration.

North Carolina’s population was 11.2 million as of July 1, 2025, according to the Census Bureau. North Carolina was also ranked third in terms of the percentage increase of its population.

“North Carolina’s secret is out. Our strong economic growth, natural beauty, and good people are attracting others from around the country,” said Gov. Josh Stein. “We cannot let this momentum slip through our fingers by chasing irresponsible tax cuts for out-of-state corporate shareholders when we can’t retain the best teachers and law enforcement officers will hinder our progress. Let’s pass a fiscally responsible budget that invests in our people and continues to make North Carolina the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Despite a rapidly growing population and North Carolina’s strong economy, economists warn that state revenues for the next several years will be billions of dollars less than what’s needed to maintain current operations after adjusting for inflation and population growth because of fiscal irresponsibility.

Census Bureau Estimates for North Carolina

July 2024 – July 2025)

♦ 1st in domestic net migration: +84,000
♦ 3rd-fastest growth rate: 1.3%
♦ 3rd-largest population gain: +146,000
♦ 3rd in total net migration: +131,000

Since April 2020

♦ 3rd-largest population gain: +757,000
♦ 6th-fastest growth rate: 7.2%
♦ 3rd-largest net migration: +709,000