North Carolina is the 5th fastest growing state in the nation.

The state added 142,774 people -- a 1.7 percent increase -- between July 2004 and July 2005 for a total population of 8,683,242. That tied for the fifth fastest-growing population in the country along with Texas and Georgia, according to annual estimates released Dec. 22, 2005.

We are behind the following states:

1. Nevada, Arizona (both 3.5%)

2. Idaho (2.4%)

3. Florida (2.3%)

4.  Utah (2.0%)