Discover the 10 Fastest-Growing Counties in Florida

Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the United States, according to the U.S. Census data. In this past year alone, several counties have made it into the top 10 for net migration in the United States. With an affordable cost of living, many job opportunities, and warm weather year-round, it’s easy to understand why these are some of the fastest-growing counties in Florida.

Florida has 67 counties, and the state has increased in population by 706,597, according to the 2022 Census survey. Between 2020 and 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that Idaho, Montana, and Florida saw the highest population growth. As you can see, Florida is currently one of the fastest-growing states. 

1. Polk County (62,363+)

Polk County is located in the central region of Florida. The county is known for being a leading contributor to the state’s economy due to its agriculture, phosphate industry, and cattle. The county also is home to Ding, which is the Darling National Wildlife Refuge which has helped save more than 245 species of birds. Tourism has also increased, which has led to a higher yield of tourist revenue for the state. 

In 2020, there were an estimated 725,041 residents as of April 1. However, in 2021, the county saw a moderate increase in a total population of 755,179. The county saw a major leap of more than 30,000 new residents the following year. As of 2022, Polk County had a population of 787,404. From the year 2020, this was a 62,363 increase in the total population. 

2. Lee County (61,633+)

Lee County is located in the southwestern area of Florida and is located on the Gulf. The county serves as the home of minor league affiliations for both the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. Lee County is also the spring training home for those MLB teams. However, many people are drawn to the area due to its warmth and seaside views.

A closer look at the recent population growth shows that in 2020, the county sat at 760,820. The number of residents was much higher than Polk County, but the county still saw a massive influx of new residents. In 2021, there was a huge increase to 790,676; in 2022, the total population grew to a massive 822,453. Just in two years, Lee County saw a 61,633 increase in residents.

3. Hillsborough County (53,528+)

Hillsborough is located in central Florida, a little to the west, and is the third fastest-growing county in the state. The county is known for being home to multiple nature reserves, including the Alafia River State Park and Hillsborough River State Park. In addition, there is also the C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir and Lithia Springs, which is one of the biggest natural springs in the state.

Aside from that, the county is home to some of the biggest bridges in the United States. The county also boasts many deep natural lakes. With so much nature, it’s easy to see why this county can attract outdoor enthusiasts. 

In early 2020, Hillsborough County had a population of 1,459,773. In just a year, the county had grown to 1,484,455. After that, the population saw a massive increase to a total population of 1,513,301 in 2022. This increase is less than Polk and Lee Counties, but still was a moderate 53,528 within two years.

4. Pasco County (46,897+)

For those of you who don’t know, Pasco County is located on the central coast of Florida, a bit to the west. The county has already seen growth since 2010. It’s famous for its citrus industry and tropical topography. However, some notable celebrities, including John Cena, Debbie Deb, and Mudcat Grant, have come from this area.

In early 2020, the population of Pasco County was 561,897. In a short span of a year, the county’s population increased to 584,927. By the end of 2022, the county had around 608,794 residents. This was a moderate increase of 46,897 residents in under two years.

5. Osceola County (33,881+)

Osceola County is located in central Florida and is known for its large Hispanic population. It’s currently the 12th largest majority Hispanic county in the United States. The county is also part of the South Florida Water Management District. It is home to the Lake Okeechobee and Florida Everglades ecosystem, which includes a large population of alligators.

The small county of Osceola started at 388,664 in 2020. In a year’s time, the county had grown to 404,020. Then, in 2022, the county saw a moderate increase to 422,545. This resulted in a total of 33,881 residents over the two years.

6. St. Johns County (33,414+)

St. Johns County is located on the northeastern side of the state. The county is known for its amazing beachfront views and historical landmarks. Known for having high-end department stores and retails. It was voted one of the best places to live in the United States, making it ideal for many people.

The county of St. Johns had 273,427 residents in April 2020. Just a year later, the state had a moderate increase to 293,175. In 2022, the county grew to 306,841 residents. In a short period, the county saw a total increase of 33,414 people moving there.

7. St. Lucie County (29,477+)

St. Lucie County is located in southeastern Florida and is the seventh fastest-growing county in Florida. The county is well-known for its abundance of nature. You can find preserves, parks, rivers, and even beaches here. Anyone looking to be surrounded by the outdoors loves St. Lucie County.

At the start of 2020, St. Lucie has 329,227 residents. However, just a year later, the area had increased to 344,283. Just two years later, the county had seen a 29,477 total increase in residents, which brought the total to 358,704.

8. Manatee County (29,420+)

Manatee County is located in the southeastern part of Florida. The county is known for being the home of the IMG Academies, better known as the sports schools. Students worldwide come here to learn various sports, including basketball, baseball, and soccer. In addition, Manatee County has plenty of hiking trails, which attracts many outdoorsmen.

From previous census data, we can see that in early 2020 Manatee County had 399,705 residents. In 2021, that number had increased to 413,474. By the end of 2022, the county had 429,125, which is a total increase of 29,420 incoming residents over two years.

9. Sarasota County (28,281+)

Sarasota County is located in Southwest Florida and is known for its white-sand beaches and location. It’s next to the Gulf of Mexico, and the cityscape has amazing beaches. Aside from that, there are plenty of mangroves and parks to explore, making it a hit with nature lovers.

In April 2020, the county had around 434,005 residents. In a year, that number increased steadily to 448,550. By 2022, the county had seen a total increase of 28,281, leading to a population of 462,286.

10. Palm Beach County (26,279+)

Palm Beach is located in the state’s southeastern part and is the 10th fastest-growing county in Florida. Everyone knows and loves the city of Palm Beach, which was once one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

The county is known for being the “Captains of Industry” and is home to Worth Avenue. Worth Avenue is a high-end shopping district housing luxury brand shops such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Akris. Aside from that, Palm Beach County is also known as one of the largest counties in Florida by population.

The county had a massive number of residents in April 2020, a total of 1,492,198. While many didn’t think the county could grow more, it did! Palm Beach County had 1,503,223 residents by the end of 2021. Then, in 2022, the county ended up being 1,518,477. That was a total increase of 26,279. As you can see, Palm Beach still attracts new residents, even with so many people already living there.

Summary of 10 Fastest-Growing Counties in Florida

Here’s a recap of the top 10 counties in Florida that saw the biggest recent population increases.