In this article, we list and discuss the 5 Fastest Growing Cities in Florida. If you would like to see our detailed discussion of the topic, you can go to the top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Florida instead.
5. Palm Coast
Percentage Change in Population (2020-2022): 8.81%
Palm Coast known globally for its picturesque coastal beauty green spaces, including parks, trails, and nature preserves, boasts a flourishing health sector, and an overall thriving economy. With a total revenue of over $473,000, the city’s health care and social assistance sector plays a significant role in its economic landscape. However, health access remains a concern, with 16.0% of individuals under 65 lacking health insurance. With 52.1% of the population in the civilian labor force, there’s potential for further economic growth and job creation in the city as well. Palm Coast’s population density is about 936 persons per square mile, reflecting a balanced mix of urban and suburban living amidst its coastal charm.
4. Fort Myers
Percentage Change in Population (2020-2022): 9.04%
Ranked 4th on the list, Fort Myers has a population of 95,949 as of July 2022, and a population growth rate of 9.04%. The city is full of people from various ethnic backgrounds, with about 55.9% of residents being White, 23.7% being Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% being Asian. If we look at the population age demographics, 6.3% of the city’s residents are under 5 years old, 20.4% are under 18, and adults 65 or older comprise 22.4% of the total population, excluding female residents. 31.3% of individuals aged 25 and above in Fort Myers hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
3. Cape Coral
Percentage Change in Population (2020-2022): 9.94%
Third on the list, Cape Coral is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, and in the state of Florida too, with a 9.94% growth in population from 2020 to 2022. Such an impressive growth rate naturally drives attention to the city’s health, economy, and housing sectors. Unfortunately, health-wise, 9.1% of individuals under 65 face disabilities, and 16.4% lack health insurance.
Still, according to the Census Bureau US, the city’s healthcare and social assistance revenue totaled $677,703 in 2017. Economically, even though about half of the population — 57.9% of individuals aged 16 and above — contribute to the labor force, per capita retail sales were over $9,000 only. If we look at the housing sectors, the city boasts a high owner-occupied housing rate of 77.4%, with a median value of $302,400. The median gross rent is more than $1,000, catering to the diverse housing needs of its over 76,800 households.
2. Port St. Lucie
Percentage Change in Population (2020-2022): 10.77%
Second on the list, Port St. Lucie is the 13th fastest-growing city in the US, and the second-fastest in Florida. It has a diverse and dynamic community, with 63.3% of the total residents being White, 18.3% being Black or African American, 2.2% being Asian, and 22.9% being Hispanic or Latino. Moreover, an impressive 90.7% of the city’s individuals aged 25 and above have completed high school, and 26.2% hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. Economy-wise, Port St. Lucie demonstrates a strong workforce participation rate, with 59.8% of the population aged 16 and above actively engaged in the civilian labor force. The city also enjoys a per capita retail sales figure of approximately $10,000, indicating a robust commercial landscape.
1. North Port
Percentage Change in Population (2020-2022): 12.49%
North Port is the fastest-growing city in Florida, with a staggering population of over 85,000 residents. With a median household income of more than $78,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.3%, North Port showcases economic prosperity and financial stability. The city’s strong workforce participation rate of 51.9% also contributes to its healthy economy. Plus, in terms of housing, North Port maintains a high owner-occupied housing unit rate of 79.5%, and the median gross rent stands at more than $1,500. The city’s demographic diversity in terms of age is also great, comprising 5.1% of residents under 5 years old, 17.7% under 18, and 28.4% aged 65 and over. North Port is also the 9th fastest-growing city in America.
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