A detailed study just released from the Brookings Institute in Washington names Charlotte as one of the country’s “New Heartland” cities - large metropolitan areas that offer the workforce a good quality of life and the kinds of jobs economists predict will move the U.S. forward in the years to come. The report, entitled “The State of Metropolitan America,” offers a glimpse of what’s expected to be the results of the 2010 Census. Here are some other quick statistics of interest on the Queen City:

• Total Population (MSA 2009):   1,701,799
• Growth:   + 27 %
• Change in foreign-born population (2000 - 2008):   + 77.8 %
• Median household income:   $55,394
• Percent of population 25+ with bachelor's degree:   32%

To read the complete report, click here.