HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - Huntsville continues to be the fastest growing of the four large metro areas of Alabama, according to Census figures released today.

Huntsville, already the second largest metro area in the state, grew by 1.8 percent from 2011 to 2012, making it the 74th fastest growing out 381 metropolitan areas across the nation.

In Alabama, only the Auburn-Opelika area grew more rapidly, climbing by a whopping 2.6 percent, or the 11th fastest rate in the nation over a one year period. Auburn-Opelika recorded 147,257 residents last year.

Huntsville metro area, which includes Madison and Limestone counties, went from 425,212 people in July of 2011 to 430,734 in July of 2012. That's up from 417,593 in the 2010 Census.

Madison County alone added more than 3,000 people to reach 343,080 residents in 2012.

More than a third of the metro area's growth could be found further west. Limestone grew by about 2.5 percent, or the third highest percentage increase among Alabama counties. Limestone added more than 2,000 people to reach 87,654 residents halfway through 2012.

The seven counties of Birmingham-Hoover continue to form the state's most populous metro area, accounting for 1,136,520 people in July of 2012. That's was up .4 percent since 2011.

Mobile, the state's third largest metro area, grew slightly by .2 percent to almost 414,000 residents. The Montgomery metro area shrank by .4 percent, falling to just over 377,000 people.

The U.S. Census identifies metropolitan statistical areas by combining cities with adjacent counties with close economic and commuter ties. Mobile metro area is just Mobile County. The Montgomery metro area includes four counties.

The state's fifth largest metro area includes three counties around Tuscaloosa. That area grew by .8 percent to over 233,000 people.

Meanwhile, among smaller metro areas in North Alabama, Decatur grew slightly, adding 118 people to reach 154,233 residents. Florence-Muscle Shoals fell slightly to 146,988. Gadsden didn't change much and Anniston shrank.

Less than half of Alabama counties added population between 2011 and 2012. For a full list, click here.

For a look at growth rates among Alabama's metro areas, click here.