KNIGHTDALE - This town is the fastest growing town in the state, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau released last week.

Knightdale increased 24.5 percent or 2,000 residents, between July 1, 2008 and July 1, 2009, bringing its population to more than 10,000.

It is one of five Wake County towns that are among the 10 fastest-growing cities or towns in the state. Rolesville, which grew at a 10.4 percent rate, was third in the state, Fuquay-Varina was the sixth-fastest growing town at 5.8 percent. Cary was the seventh fastest growing city in the state and second nationally among municipalities with at least 100,000 residents. It grew by 5.7 percent.

Holly Springs was number 10 with a 4.6 percent increase pushing its population over 21,000.

The census report said Raleigh's population exceeded 405,000, making it the 45th largest city in the U.S.