Census Bureau: Charlotte one of 10 fastest growing cities in the U.S.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new report released Thursday morning revealed that Charlotte is one of the fastest growing big cities in the country.

According to the Census Bureau, more people are moving to Charlotte because of its warm climate, strong job market and lower housing costs.

Channel 9 went through the new numbers from the census bureau and found the population in the Queen City grew by 18,000 people last year -- a 2.19 percent increase from 2014 to 2015.

North Carolina as a whole is estimated to have crossed the 10 million population mark for the first time.

The Wall Street Journal said millennials, empty nesters and immigrants are moving to Charlotte because of its pedestrian-friendly and vibrant, revitalized areas like uptown, NoDa and South End.

However, unlike some of the other cities seeing population surges, Charlotte is struggling with an increase in crime. Just this year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department crime stats show violent crime went up 17 percent.

Police Chief Kerr Putney said a reason for the increase could be the rise in population, along with gang and drug activity.

The numbers also show that many people in their late 20s are reaching the home-buying age and suburbs are becoming very appealing.

Read more about the report here.

Cox Media Group