News
NC population growth surges in new Census data
New Census data shows North Carolina leads in migration as metro areas grow rapidly while many rural counties lag or continue to lose population.
Opinion
North Carolina still isn’t very urban
According to the latest count by the US Census Bureau, North Carolina has added yet another metropolitan area. Has our state become an urban colossus? Not really, although most of our state’s cities are growing at robust rates. What actually happened was that the Census Bureau reclassified the Pinehurst-Southern Pines region as a metropolitan area....
Opinion
New era of urbanization in NC to have profound impact on 2024 elections and beyond
Rather than viewing urbanization as a threat, conservatives should embrace it as an opportunity — focusing on issues like housing, infrastructure, school choice, and public safety that can broaden their urban appeal.
Opinion
Political future may surprise us
A common political shorthand is to pit “neighborhood interests” against “developers.” But while past versions tended to associate the former with the Left and the latter with the Right, that formulation doesn’t capture the current mood.
Opinion
Population trends may surprise you
Even as North Carolina becomes the nation's seventh-ranking state in population by 2040, our growth rate will be declining significantly.
Opinion
Hometown Debates will inform voters
The six counties with population densities of at least 750 people per square mile accounted for 36 percent of all North Carolina ballots cast in 2012.
Opinion
Urban Voters Still Outnumbered
Even today, most North Carolinians do not live in large, dense cities. Most do not live in urban areas at all. These North Carolinians still vote. And they still matter — a lot.
Opinion
Population Shifts Shape Elections
For state offices and many county ones, spirited competition between Democrats and Republicans will continue for the foreseeable future. Alas, the same can’t be said for big-city elections.
Opinion
Is There a “Charlotte Curse”?
It is said that there is a "Charlotte Curse" in NC politics, given the failure of many Queen City politicians to win statewide elections. But the case may be overstated.
Opinion
Marc Basnight, Dying Breed?
North Carolina’s urban areas are growing faster than the rest of the state, leading some to predict that cities will gain political clout in statewide elections and the General Assembly — and more representation in legislative leadership.
