RALEIGH — Cary and Raleigh were among the country’s fastest growing large cities at the beginning of the new decade, according to estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau today.

In the 15 months ending July 1, 2011, Cary’s population grew by an estimated 3.2 percent, to 139,633, according to the census. Raleigh grew by 3.1 percent during that period to an estimated 416,468.

Cary’s growth rate was the 9th highest among cities with 100,000 or more residents, while Raleigh ranked 10th.

The estimates are the first since the decennial census in April 2010.

New Orleans, still rebounding from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, was the fastest growing city, at 4.9 percent, followed by six cities in Texas and Denver.

In terms of numerical growth, Charlotte was the ninth fastest growing city in the country, adding an estimated 19,663 residents in the 15-month period. New York City added the most new residents, nearly 70,000.

The census bureau also estimates that Durham has squeaked past Winston-Salem by 867 people to once again become the state’s fourth-largest city, according to the Winston-Salem Journal. Durham grew by 4,922 residents, or 2.2 percent, to 233,252.

Durham was more populous than Winston-Salem in 2000, but fell behind in 2007 after Winston-Salem went through a round of annexations.