Minneapolis took the top spot in a recent survey of America’s Most Affordable Places For a Good Life. Citizens of Minnesota’s largest city enjoy a high quality of life with access to a wide choice of arts, leisure and entertainment offerings and property in Minneapolis is relatively affordable.

St. Bernard — America’s fastest-losing county from 2005 to 2006 — experienced a 42.9 percent population increase between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, increasing its population by almost 6,000. Orleans’ population rose by 13.8 percent, or nearly 29,000.

Nevada is once again America’s fastest-growing state, with the population rising 2.9 percent in the year ending July 1, 2007. The Silver State took back first place from Arizona, which dropped back to second place.

Phoenix has become America’s fifth most populous city. As of July 1, 2006, the population of Arizona’s state capital stands at 1.5 million. Phoenix is also America’s most populous state capital.