Florida City Populations Surge Along with the Rest of the South, Census Bureau Reports

Despite rising living costs, many major cities in South Florida saw population growth between July 2022 and July 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Regional Population Trends

The U.S. Census Bureau found that while cities in the Northeast and Midwest experienced slight growth, those in the South saw the most significant increase, with an average growth rate of 1.0%. Crystal Delbé, a Census Bureau statistician, noted that 13 of the 15 fastest-growing cities were in the South, with eight located in Texas.

South Florida’s Growing Cities

Several Florida cities experienced notable population gains:

• Port St. Lucie: Grew by 5.7% to 245,021 people.
• Palm Bay: Increased by 4.9% to 135,599.
• Cape Coral: Rose by 3.5% to 224,455.

In the Miami metropolitan area, there was also population growth:

• Miami: Increased by 1.3% to 455,824.
• Fort Lauderdale: Grew to 184,255.
• Pembroke Pines: Reached 171,119.
• Hollywood: Increased to 153,859.
• Miramar: Rose to 138,319.

Jacksonville, with a 1.4% rise to 986,000 residents, made it into the nation’s top 15 most populous cities, ranking 10th and surpassing Austin, Texas.

National Population Highlights

Nationally, New York City remained the most populous with 8.3 million residents, followed by Los Angeles at nearly 4 million, and Chicago at 2.7 million.

Economic Impact and Business Sentiment

Business leaders in Broward and Palm Beach counties are optimistic about population growth driving economic activity, though rising costs remain a concern.

Ron Drew, executive vice president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, noted the region’s appeal due to its quality of life, business-friendly environment, and career opportunities, despite the increased cost of living.

Future Outlook and Investment

Surveys by Kaufman Rossin CPA and business advisory firm reveal that many business operators expect better economic conditions in 2025. Key issues include the cost and availability of employee housing, inflation, and employee retention.

Investment priorities for businesses in both counties include salaries, technology, and marketing, with a significant portion of the workforce expected to work on-site.

In summary, South Florida’s cities are growing rapidly, reflecting a broader trend across the southern United States. While this growth brings economic optimism, challenges such as rising living costs and housing availability continue to require attention.