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One of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, the greater Triangle offers more of all the things you look for in a community. It is home to Research Triangle Park, state government, healthcare systems and some of the best schools and universities in the nation, making it an attractive place to live, work and play. That’s why it’s attracting more business and industry, more research, more families, more entrepreneurs and more workers.

Growing population …

2008 population: 1.4 million (up 25% from 2000)
2013 projection: 1.5 million (a 13% increase from 2008)
Wake County (Raleigh) is projected to surpass Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) by 2016 according to the State Data Center of North Carolina.

Growing wealth …

2008 median household income: $57,371 (up 15% since 2000)
2013 projection: $62,209 (an 8% increase from 2008)
2008 HHs with HH income of $150,000+: 44,315 (up 81% since 2000)
2013 projection: 63,502 (a 43% increase from 2008)

Growing retail & business …

Nearly 13 million square feet of retail space added from 2002 to 2008
2007 consumer expenditures: $27.2 billion
2012 projection: $36.5 billion (a 34% increase from 2007)
Check out our market report; and Sue Stock’s retailing column or blog to find out what’s happening across the Triangle as businesses open, relocate, expand and evolve

Websites of interest:

Source: Claritas 2008

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Market Data One of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, the greater Triangle offers more of all the things you look for in a community. It is home to Research Triangle Park, state government, healthcare systems and some of the best schools and universities in the nation, making it an attractive place to live, work and play. That’s why it’s attracting more business and industry, more research, more families, more entrepreneurs and more workers. Growing population … 2008 population: 1.4 million (up 25% from 2000) 2013 projection: 1.5 million (a 13% increase from 2008) Wake County (Raleigh) is projected to surpass Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) by 2016 according to the State Data Center of North Carolina. Growing wealth … 2008 median household income: $57,371 (up 15% since 2000) 2013 projection: $62,209 (an 8% increase from 2008) 2008 HHs with HH income of $150,000+: 44,315 (up 81% since 2000) 2013 projection: 63,502 (a 43% increase from 2008) Growing retail & business … Nearly 13 million square feet of retail space added from 2002 to 2008 2007 consumer expenditures: $27.2 billion 2012 projection: $36.5 billion (a 34% increase from 2007) Check out our market report; and Sue Stock’s retailing column or blog to find out what’s happening across the Triangle as businesses open, relocate, expand and evolve Websites of interest: Cary Chamber of Commerce Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Durham Chamber of Commerce Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Research Triangle Park Smithfield-Selma Chamber of Commerce Wake County Economic Development Source: Claritas 2008	#1 Best U.S. City for Business & Careers Excellent schools, low cost of living, low unemployment, and a smart population are just a few of the reasons Forbes.com ranked Raleigh first for jobs. More accolades (PDF file) »

Market Data