N.C. Income Growth Slower Than National Rate For Third Straight Year

(Raleigh-AP) -- Figures released by the federal government show
personal income growth in North Carolina continues to lag behind
the pace of nearly every other state.

The U-S Bureau of Economic Analysis says North Carolina's
per-person income rose one-point-six percent in 2003 to
28-thousand-235 dollars. Only Texas and Utah saw slower growth.

It's the third straight year that North Carolina's growth rate
was below two percent. The state now ranks 37th in per-person
income.

Personal income includes wages, dividends, interest payments,
and Social Security and unemployment benefits.

Economists downplayed the significance of the report, saying
it's based on data at least five months old.

The report also said personal earnings in North Carolina's
durable- and nondurable-goods manufacturing sectors fell
two-point-one percent and two percent respectively.