Florida’s population surpasses 23.3 million for the first time ever. Only Texas has higher numeric population increase.
Florida – Recent U.S. Census Bureau data shows Florida’s population has climbed above 23.3 million, ranking it among the fastest-growing states in the country. As of July 1, the estimated 23,372,215 state population reflects a notable rise of 467,347 over the year before. This growth rate of 2 percent positions Florida just behind Texas in terms of numeric population increase, and only trailing the District of Columbia, which recorded a growth rate of 2.2 percent.
The national population also increased, by around 1 percent to reach 340.11 million. But Florida’s expansion is especially noteworthy for its scope, mostly resulting from a general population movement toward the South and international migration. With net foreign migration highlighted as the main driver in national demographic changes this year, the Census Bureau notes that 84% of the total U.S. population gain came from this source—3.3 million.
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Especially Florida profited significantly from foreign migration; alone, this accounted for an increase of 411,322 individuals. Along with California and Texas, the state leads the US in benefits from foreign migration, thus highlighting its attraction as a place for individuals from all over the world.
Significant shifts in demographics also occurred in the greater South, adding more people from July 2023 to July 2024 than in every other U.S. region taken together. The population of this area increased by around 1.8 million, and foreign migration once again plays a vital role adding about 1.1 million individuals. The South was unique in experiencing positive net domestic migration, indicating that more people moved into the region than left it. Natural increases—computed as the number of births less the number of deaths—also added another 218,567 people to the region’s growth.
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Florida was one of 17 states where the mortality rate outpaced the birth rate, therefore producing a natural decline of 7,321 despite these amazing figures. State economists have also seen this demographic trend; they predict that the more deaths than births will persist over the decade, therefore influencing future population projections.
Looking ahead, state projections show Florida’s population will rise to 25.7 million by 2034 with an additional 319,109 people predicted from April 2024 through April 2028. Comparatively to adding a city the size of Orlando annually, this rate of increase highlights the continuous appeal and growth potential of the state.
Florida leads ahead of New York, Pennsylvania, and other populous states, ranking securely third in terms of overall population among other states after California and Texas. The Census Bureau also observed that throughout the same period three states—Vermont, Mississippi, and West Virginia—saw modest population declines.
Driven by a strong draw for international migrants and an enticing environment for domestic movers, Florida’s steady increase emphasizes its major influence in forming regional and national demographic trends. These demographic patterns will probably be very important for the state’s political environment, economic development, and social fabric as it keeps growing.
