An Early Look at North Carolina Redistricting (2008 Census Estimates)
This map provides a preliminary look, based on 2008 data, of how state legislative seats will be shifted due to the 2011 redistricting. The more red the county the greater (hotter) the percentage increase or the more blue the smaller (cooler) the percentage increase in estimated population between the 2000 Census and the July 1, 2008 population estimate. Please keep in mind, first, that the map presents are only relative changes and, second, that geographic size does not always correlate to population size.
The counties expected to gain the most representation in the state legislature are (in house seats):
Wake 191%
Mecklenburg 122%
Union 67%
Johnston 31%
Brunswick 25%
Cabarrus 24%
The counties expected to lose the most representation in the state legislature are (in house seats):
Cumberland -45%
Wayne -21%
The congressional district and senate district gains and losses would be proportionate, only smaller.
Please remember that redistricting can be a quirky process and that these estimates are population weights only, not measurements of actual political power after the redistricting process. Future posts are planned that will provide updated information and analysis as the 2011 reapportionment approaches.
Source of data: U. S. Census
Estimates of congressional seat gains and losses: Polidata, 12/23/09 press release.