Image by Flickr user .m for matthijs

Amongst towns with 50,000 or more inhabitants, the Charleston area scored near the upper 10th percentile and lead the state for growth — with North Charleston leading the state and local area.

The latest update comes from U.S. Census population estimates from April 2010 to July 2011. The Charleston area was ranked number 8 on the top 10 list with 2.6% growth over the period. Myrtle Beach followed slightly below the Charleston area.

The Post and Courier has a short overview report (paywall; read that here) and you can get a national overview at the Census (get that here).

If you'd like the detailed tables, get them here.

• Keep up with other local growth news on our topic page.