Tallahassee Sees Population Surge in 2024
TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s population has reached a new milestone, now exceeding 23.3 million residents, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. This significant growth is marked by an estimated increase of 467,347 people from the previous year, highlighting Florida’s position as one of the fastest-growing states in the nation.
Key Growth Statistics
As of July 1, 2024, the Census Bureau reports an estimated total of 23,372,215 residents in Florida, up from 22,904,868 the previous year. Only Texas surpassed Florida’s growth, with a net increase of 562,941 people. Florida’s growth rate stands at 2 percent, trailing slightly behind the District of Columbia, which recorded a rate of 2.2 percent.
International Migration Driving Growth
The surge in Florida’s population can be attributed to key factors, particularly international migration. The Census Bureau identified that net international migration is a crucial driver of population increases across the United States. Over the past year, Florida experienced a net increase of 411,322 residents from international migration alone.
Overall, the South of the United States, including Florida, has seen the largest population gains, totaling 1.8 million new residents from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024. The Census Bureau highlighted that international migration accounted for 1.1 million of these additions, while domestic migration contributed another 411,004 residents.
Natural Increase Concerns
Despite the positive numbers, Florida also faces challenges highlighted by a natural decrease in population. The Census Bureau noted that Florida is one of 17 states that recorded more deaths than births, with a reported natural decrease of 7,321 people. This trend raises concerns among state officials, as projections show a continued negative natural increase in the coming years.
Future Projections
Looking forward, state economists estimate Florida’s population will reach 25.7 million by 2034, adding about 319,109 net new residents each year. This substantial growth forecast would be similar to adding a city slightly smaller than Orlando or larger than St. Petersburg annually over the next decade.
In the broader context, Florida remains firmly in third place among U.S. states in terms of total population, following California and Texas, and ahead of New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan. Conversely, states like Vermont, Mississippi, and West Virginia have reported slight population decreases during the same period.
Conclusion
As Florida continues to experience rapid population growth, officials and residents alike are closely monitoring the dynamics of both migration patterns and natural population changes. The state’s ability to maintain its growth trajectory while addressing the challenges of declining birth rates and increasing mortality will likely shape Florida’s future landscape.
