Surry Business

North Carolina tied with Georgia as the fifth fastest–growing state from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Nevada and Arizona, Utah and Idaho topped the list, based on percentages of increase.

North Carolina added almost 200,000 people in 12 months — a 2.2 percent increase — and crossed the 9 million population mark for the first time, according to the Census Bureau’s new estimate.

The Census Bureau says Surry County’s population has grown to 72,687, up nearly 1,500 (2.0 percent) from 2000, making it North Carolina’s 35th most-populous county.