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Aerial View of Charlotte, North Carolina on clear day showing highways and skyline

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Charlotte is widening its lead as North Carolina’s largest city, according to new data from North Carolina’s Office of State Budget and Management.

The report, which reviewed population changes from April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2024, shows Charlotte’s population has grown by about 70,000 people, reaching an estimated 944,742 residents. That’s more than 444,000 ahead of Raleigh — a gap that’s increased by roughly 1% since 2020.

Concord is the only other Charlotte-area city to make the state’s top 10, ranking No. 10. Mooresville is the third-fastest-growing city, according to the report, trailing only Wake Forest and Holly Springs.

Largest Municipalities in North Carolina

1. Charlotte

Charlotte Downtown Skyline North Carolina Source:Getty

Charlotte, NC
Population 2020: 874 vs 2024: 687 944,742
% Change: 8.0

 

2. Raleigh

View of the skyline along Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh North Carolina with the NC State flag in the foreground Source:Getty

Raleigh,  NC
Population 2020: 467,911 vs. 2024: 500,639
% Change: 7.0

3. Greensboro

Aerial View of Jefferson Standard Building in Greensboro, North Carolina Source:Getty

Greensboro, NC
Population 2020: 299,190 vs. 2024: 306,749
% Change: 2.5

4. Durham

USA, North Carolina, Durham Source:Getty

Durham, NC
Population 2020: 283,827 vs. 2024: 300,907
% Change: 6.0

5. Winston-Salem

NC State v Wake Forest Source:Getty

Winston- Salem, NC
Population 2020: 249,567 vs. 2024: 259,045
% Change: 3.8

6. Fayetteville

The Hay Street United Methodist Church in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina Source:Getty

Fayetteville, NC
Population 2020: 208,472 vs. 2024: 211,756
% Change: 1.6

7. Cary

NC Courage v Seattle Reign Source:Getty

Cary, NC
Population 2020: 174,797 vs. 2024: 187,378
% Change: 7.2

8. Wilmington

Beachgoers Enjoy Labor Day Weekend On North Carolina's Coast Source:Getty

Wilmington, NC
Population 2020: 115,459 vs. 2024: 126,256
% Change: 9.4

9. High Point

World'S Largest Bureau Source:Getty

High Point, NC
Population 2020: 114,115 vs. 2024: 117,674
% Change: 3.1

10. Concord

AUTO: OCT 05 NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 Source:Getty

Concord, NC
Population 2020: 105,329 vs. 2024: 115,053
% Change: 9.2