Population trends are pretty fun to look at, and Florida is an interesting one. Known for its consistently warm climate and its abundance of beaches, Disney World, and the Kennedy Space Center, Florida is an attractive state to many.

With a population of over 21 million, Florida is the third most populous state in the US. Florida has also been one of the fastest-growing states, which makes it an attractive option for those looking to relocate

Here are some recent population trends in Florida

Birth rates in Florida

It’s no secret that birth rates have been declining, and Florida is no exception. Florida’s birth rate is below the national average, as there were 9.7 births for every 1000 people between July 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021, compared to the national average of 10.8 per 1,000 nationwide.

Declining birth rates can be attributed to people waiting later in life to get married and have children. It’s also been suggested the overall cost of raising children has caused many would-be parents to abandon any plans they had to have children.

Florida’s population is growing

Despite declining birth rates, Florida’s population is still growing. From 2011 to 2021, Florida’s population has constantly grown. The overall population has grown by around 14 percent, and over the course of this period, the population has grown each year.

While the population has continually grown, there is the possibility it may have peaked. New migration to the state is expected to slow down, and the number of deaths is expected to outpace the number of births.

The population is aging

As everyone gets older, the population of seniors continues to grow. That is certainly true in Florida, where 21% of the state’s population is 65 years or older. From 2011 to 2021, the share of the percentage of people 65 or older grew from around 18 percent in 2011 to 21 percent in 2021. Additionally, 41% of the population in Florida is over the age of 50.

The larger portion of Florida residents over 50 has some major implications for policymakers, healthcare providers, and businesses catering to seniors. One is they will have to certain many of their development plans and tools to accommodate the growing senior population. Another is many elections will work to favor the interests of this population. Finally, greater competition will likely be between healthcare businesses, retirement facilities, and other amenities geared toward seniors.

Florida has a high median age

As one would expect, the median age in Florida is high. In 2021, the median age in Florida was around 43, which is higher than the national average of about 39.

This higher-than-average median age leads to many potential benefits and drawbacks that Floridians experience. On the one hand, older populations typically have more disposable income and can boost local economies with purchases of goods and services. At the same time, aging residents may have more medical needs than younger ones, leading to an increased demand for medical treatments and facilities.

Florida has become somewhat more diverse

From 2011 to 2021, Florida has seen a somewhat increase in its diversity. While most of the population is still white (around 53%), the percentage has decreased from about 57% in 2011.

The share of the population that has grown the most in this timeframe is Hispanic, which grew from 23% in 2011 to 27% in 2021. Other racial groups saw some growth, but the majority were under 1 percent.

Additional things to keep in mind

There are some things to keep in mind that play an influence on Florida’s population growth.

One of the main drawbacks to Florida is the cost of living. For example, the cost of living in Miami-Dade County is significantly higher than the national average. It can be difficult for many people to find an affordable place to live in Florida.

The state’s economy has experienced some ups and downs over the years due to what may be considered an overreliance on tourism.

Finally, hurricanes are a very real threat in Florida and can cause significant damage to property, infrastructure, and lives if they reach land. This can scare away some would-be migrants.

Despite its drawbacks, Florida still seems poised to be a highly populated state in the future. It offers a unique combination of entertainment, culture, good weather, and activities that draw people worldwide.