RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — U..S. Census Bureau estimates show Wake County is now North Carolina’s largest county. The census’s annual population estimates show the county containing Raleigh surpassing Mecklenburg County. Both of them had about 1.1 million people as of July 1.
Historical data shows Wake County last was the state’s population leader during the 1890 census, but more robust recent out-of-state migration helped close the gap with Mecklenburg.
The other largest counties haven’t changed with Guilford ranked third, followed by Forsyth and Cumberland. The census estimates show the population in 31 counties decreasing over the year.
Photo of Raleigh captured by Sandhills Sentinel Photographer John Patota.
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