CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina's population grew nearly 10% in the last 10 years, far more than most of the United States.
Census data tells us where the growth is happening. Whether it's big cities exploding, suburbs popping up or if rural areas expanding, this information gives us an idea of where North Carolina is headed in the future.
The data also gives the racial and ethnic makeup of those folks who are coming to the Tar Heel State. So what does this mean for the state's future?
Let's connect the dots.
More practically, lawmakers use this information to draw up North Carolina's 14 congressional districts and state legislative districts. Sounds wonky, but it's also really important.
Redistricting happens after every census. It can influence who gets elected, how your community is represented and the ways public resources are distributed.
By knowing where the growth is happening, state and local leaders are able to use census numbers to decide where schools are built and which roads need to be repaired or upgraded.
It all goes back to why the census is so important. These numbers are used to make these big decisions for the next 10 years until the next census gathers new information.
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