The Sunshine State’s population is swelling like an expanding ball of, well, sunshine.
According to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, Jacksonville is the fastest growing city in Florida, with the largest numeric increase in population statewide between July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2018. Miami is the next fastest growing city, and the city of Tampa is the third-fastest growing city in Florida, with a population increase of 6,313 from 2017 to 2018.
St. Petersburg is the 13th-fastest growing city in the state, while Clearwater experienced minimal growth. Tampa proper’s growth outpaces that of Orlando, which falls sixth on the list, having grown by 4,570 people.
Here are the 10 fastest growing cities in the Sunshine State:
- Jacksonville
- Miami
- Tampa
- Port St. Lucie
- Cape Coral
- Orlando
- Lakeland
- Fort Lauderdale
- St. Cloud
- Kissimmee
Florida is one of four states that grew by more than 50,000 housing units between 2017 and 2018. Florida's increase of 108,000 units in that time frame puts it second behind Texas (172,000 units), and ahead of California (104,000 units) and North Carolina (63,000 units).
For more information, and to see the 15 fastest growing cities statewide, view the photo gallery.