Census Data Confirms Fort Myers as the Leader in U.S. Population Growth

Saturday, August 3, 2024

The U.S. Census data reveals that Fort Myers, Florida, has experienced the highest population growth from net migration.

If you’ve ever witnessed a sunset along the pristine Fort Myers coastline, it’s easy to understand why so many choose to call this stunning Gulf Coast city home. And indeed, many have made that decision.

Each year, U.S. News releases a prestigious ranking of the best places to live in America, considering multiple factors, including population growth as part of a community’s desirability score. While Naples took the overall top spot this year, Fort Myers was recognized as the fastest-growing city in the nation.

The city now boasts a population of 109,595, with a median age of 45. U.S. News also highlights Fort Myers’ affordable real estate, with a median home price of $273,214, although current Zillow estimates suggest a value of $361,966. During that time, the median household income was $71,154, surpassing Florida’s state average.

So, what else draws people to Fort Myers? According to U.S. News, the city’s “vibrant downtown,” abundant outdoor recreational activities, warm weather, and natural beauty are all major attractions.

Economic prospects also play a significant role. In May, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area had an unemployment rate of just three percent, a full percentage point below the national average. Earlier this year, WalletHub ranked Fort Myers as the third-best small city to start a business, noting its high number of investors per capita, making it a hub for startups. While office vacancy rates in large metropolitan areas are at record highs, with the national average at 18 percent, the Fort Myers/Naples area remains below five percent.

Killeen, Texas, ranks second on U.S. News’s list of the fastest-growing places in America, with a population growth of 6.57 percent and a median home value of $161,449, now estimated at $229,154.

Port St. Lucie, another coastal Florida community, ranks third, experiencing a 4.93 percent increase in full-time residents between 2021-2022.

U.S. News’s ranking is heavily influenced by the Sunshine State, with seven Florida communities making it into the top 10.