Top 10 depends on who counts.

• Position: Eastern

Population rankings may not be so much about dollars as sense--a sense of pride. It's nice to be able to say yours is one of the 10 largest cities in North Carolina, but because more than one government agency estimates population, 11 cities legitimately can claim that distinction. The U.S. Census Bureau says Greenville is No. 10, with 79,629 people in 2008 to 11th-place Jacksonville's 76,233. But the N.C. Office of State Budget and Management puts Jacksonville 10th --with 81,873 residents versus Greenville's 81,092.

Greenville's growth of late has been fueled by East Carolina University and a major medical center, while Jacksonville, home of the Marine Corps' Camp Lejeune base and New River air station, has benefited from an increase in military personnel and their families. Eastern North Carolina will gain about 11,477 Marines and sailors by 2012. Including family and other newcomers drawn by the military, the increase will mean about 61,000 new residents in Onslow and six nearby counties.

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Of course, that growth is a two-edged sword. Businesses benefit, and the military economy is more recession-resistant, says Jim Reichardt, director of Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development. But the influx requires additional...