The U.S. Census released estimates of local population change from 2010 to 2011 on Thursday.  Among cities with core population centers greater than 50,000, the South and West dominated the rankings with seven metros in the South and the remaining three in the West.  Not a single market in the Midwest or Northeast made the rankings, but markets in Texas have been a magnate for those searching for work.

For smaller cities, those with core population centers between 10,000 and 50,000, the South once again dominated with six of the top ten growing metros.  However, three areas all of which are in North Dakota made the list.  The reason for the sharp increase in population for these areas is likely a result of the ongoing oil boom in North Dakota’s Bakken Formation that has attracted many people in search of work.