HOW DOES AMERICA SIZE UP?

Washington, D.C. has the smallest pay gap between men and women. That was the finding of a 2012 analysis by the National Women’s Law Center. Women in the capital earned 91 cents for every dollar men earned. Of course, there’s less gap in government jobs than in private industry. Vermont and California also had small wage gaps. Louisiana and Utah were among the states with the largest gaps, but Wyoming had the largest – 64 cents for every dollar. Of course, Wyoming has more traditionally male-dominated industries, is largely rural and sparsely populated. Nevertheless, it’s no surprise a gap can become a “gap-e”.

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, California is the city with the most eco-friendly car shoppers. That’s according to 2012 research by the website Cars. The definition used for eco-friendly car was any new car – hybrid or gas engine – getting more than 40 miles per gallon of gasoline. Madison, Wisconsin was second followed by Monterey-Salinas, California; Portland, Oregon; San Diego, California; and Green Bay-Appleton, Wisconsin. The city with the fewest eco-friendly car shoppers is Odessa-Midland, Texas followed by Laredo, Texas; Fairbanks, Alaska; Albany, Georgia; Bluefield-Beckley-Oakhill, Virginia/West Virginia; and Glendive, Montana. Of course, this could be just “shop talk”.

Charlotte, NC is the fastest growing city. According to the Census Bureau, its 2000-2010 population growth was 64.6%. This was attributed to it being the nation’s second largest financial center. Raleigh, NC was second. Its 63.4% growth was attributed to it being part of the “Research Triangle” and having several prestigious universities in the area. Cape Coral, FL was third at 60.8%. With 400 miles of canals, retirees buying affordable, waterfront homes was responsible. Provo, UT (59%) and Austin, TX (51.1%) were fourth and fifth. Considering the national average was less than 10%, these 5 cities didn’t just grow – they bloomed!

Williston, ND – with an 8.8% population increase – was the fastest growing micro area (10,000-50,000 people) between April 1, 2010 and July 1, 2011. Because of the state’s oil-drilling boom, Dickinson (4%) was ranked fourth by the Census Bureau and Minot (3.6%) was eighth. New Mexico had 6 of the fastest growing micro areas: Gallup (11^th), Portales (12^th), Alamogordo (13^th), Clovis (15^th), Grants (34^th) and Los Alamos (42^nd). None of the above was among the fastest growing micro areas between 2000 and 2010. The Villages, FL (4.6%) was ranked second. Instead of an oil boom, the retirement community had a baby boomers boom.