#8: Florida
Population: 18,801,310
Growth rate: 17.6%
Unemployment rate: 12.0%
The Sunshine State's explosive growth flagged a bit after the real estate bubble burst started in 2006. In fact, the state grew by just 0.6% in the 12 months ended July 1, 2009, according to Census estimates, ranking it 32nd among the states.
The growth earlier in the decade, however, was high enough to keep Florida in the top 10 fastest-growing states for the decade. It now ranks as the fourth most populous state and is closing on New York.
Growth rate: 17.6%
Unemployment rate: 12.0%
The Sunshine State's explosive growth flagged a bit after the real estate bubble burst started in 2006. In fact, the state grew by just 0.6% in the 12 months ended July 1, 2009, according to Census estimates, ranking it 32nd among the states.
The growth earlier in the decade, however, was high enough to keep Florida in the top 10 fastest-growing states for the decade. It now ranks as the fourth most populous state and is closing on New York.
NEXT: #9: Colorado
Last updated December 21 2010: 12:52 PM ET
