The U.S. Census Bureau said Nevada returned to its position as the fastest-growing sate with a population increase of 2.9 percent from July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2007.

Arizona held the top position between 2005 and 2006 and slipped to second place behind Nevada.

Louisiana rebounded from its post-Hurricane Katrina population with an influx of close to 50,000 people following a loss of 250,000 the previous survey-year.

Texas had the highest population increase with nearly 500,000 people, slightly ahead of California, which saw a near 300,000 population increase, the survey said.