Florida cities rank among top in the nation for highest and fastest growth

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida is a place people continue to migrate to after the state placed five cities in the top 15 in America for fastest numeric and percentage population growth over 20,000 people between July 1, 2022 and July 1, 2023.

“The population growth across the South in 2023 was driven by significant numeric and percentage gains among its cities,” Census Bureau Population Division Statistician Crystal Delbe said. “Thirteen of the 15 fastest-growing cities were in the South, with eight in Texas alone.”

According to the United States Census Bureau, the report indicated Jacksonville, Port St. Lucie, and Cape Coral in the top 15 for cities with the largest numeric increase of more than 20,000 people in the United States. Specifically, Jacksonville placed fourth with a 14,000 increase from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023 for a total of 986,000 people.

The city was followed by Port St. Lucie in fifth place with a 13,000 individual spike for a total population of 245,000. Cape Coral also placed 15th with a 7,500 increase for a total population of 224,500.

Jacksonville also was listed as the 10th largest city in America, making it the only Florida city inside the top 15. New York City continues to have the largest population in the country with nearly 8.3 million people.

In terms of places with the largest percentage growth over 20,000 people, Haines City, Florida ranked in seventh place with a 10.8% increase. The city also had an overall population of 37,272 as of July 1, 2023.

In addition, Leesburg, Florida, placed 14th with an 8.7% increase. The city also had an overall population of 31,721 as of July 1, 2023.

For numeric increase, San Antonio, Texas was named as the fastest growing city in America with a 22,000 individual increase from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2023. The city also holds an overall population of 1.5 million.

The city was followed by Fort Worth, Texas in second place with a 21,000 individual increase for a total population of 978,000. Charlotte, North Carolina also ranked third with a 16,000 person spike for a total population of 911,000.

Texas also dominated the list for cities in percentage increase with Celina leading the way at 26.6%. The city also holds an overall population of 43,300. It was followed by Fulshear with a 25.6% increase, Princeton with a 22.3% increase, and Anna with a 16.9% increase. Lathrop, California rounded out the top 5 with a 13.6% spike.