N.C. Among Nation's Booming Housing Markets

Raleigh, N.C. — North Carolina saw the fifth-largest increase in new home construction nationwide in the past six years, according to census estimates released Wednesday.

The state added 506,625 houses, townhouses and apartments between 2000 and July 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau reported.

North Carolina trailed only Florida, Texas, California and Georgia in terms of new housing units during that period.

Mecklenburg County built the most housing in North Carolina during the period, with 77,125 units. Wake County was second, with 66,660 units.

But Union County had the fastest-growing housing market, adding 39.3 percent to its housing inventory during the past six years. That growth rate ranked 21st nationally, according to the Census Bureau.

Brunswick County's housing grew by 34.2 percent, which ranked 41st nationally, while Currituck County placed 90th nationally with a 26.9 percent growth in housing units.

Mecklenburg's 26.3 percent growth was 92nd nationally, while Wake's 25.7 percent growth wasn't in the Top 100 growth markets, according to the Census Bureau.

Jones County placed last statewide, with 47 housing units added in the past six years.