News Summary
Jacksonville has officially taken the title of Florida’s most populated city, surpassing Miami, according to the latest population estimates. With over 1 million residents, Jacksonville’s growth marks a significant demographic shift, while Miami continues to experience steady growth. The change reflects broader migration patterns in Florida and highlights the evolving urban landscape within the state.
Jacksonville has officially surpassed Miami to become the most populated city in Florida, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 population estimates. Jacksonville’s current population stands at 1,009,833, eclipsing Miami’s population of 487,014 by more than 500,000 residents. This demographic shift marks a significant milestone, as Miami had long held the title of the largest city in the state.
As of 2024, Tampa ranks third with 414,547 residents, followed by Orlando with 334,854, and St. Petersburg, which has 267,102 residents. Other notable cities include Port St. Lucie at sixth with 258,575 and Hialeah, recognized for its vibrant Cuban community, at seventh with 235,388 residents. Cape Coral and Fort Lauderdale complete the top ten with populations of 233,025 and 190,641, respectively.
Despite being overtaken by Jacksonville, Miami has experienced steady population growth, with an increase of 16,337 residents between 2023 and 2024. This continuing uptick illustrates Miami’s ongoing appeal, particularly as it sees a rise in affluent residents contributing to an economic boom. However, this economic growth has resulted in soaring housing prices, displacing many long-time residents, particularly those within the Cuban community.
Jacksonville’s growth can be attributed to a variety of factors, including its expanding job market, favorable living conditions, and an affordable cost of living compared to other large cities in Florida. Additionally, both Jacksonville and Fort Worth achieved significant milestones in 2024 by each surpassing the one million resident mark for the first time. Despite these changes, New York City remains the largest city in the United States, with an estimated population of 8.5 million, significantly larger than Jacksonville and Miami combined.
This demographic shift also reflects broader changes in migration patterns and shifts within Florida’s diverse communities. The increase of Hispanic neighborhoods throughout South Florida is notably reflected in the rankings, with Hialeah and Fort Lauderdale demonstrating a strong presence in the top ten most populous cities in the state.
While Miami retains its position as Florida’s second-largest city, Jacksonville’s ascension to first place showcases the dynamic nature of urban centers in the state. Tampa continues to be admired for its relaxing lifestyle, driven by good weather, low crime rates, and high residential appeal, making it a sought-after location for new residents.
In conclusion, the 2024 census data reveals not just population numbers, but also evolving residential patterns and economic conditions within Florida’s cities. These changes signal a shifting landscape in one of the most populous states in the country, showcasing the significance of demographic trends that may influence future growth and community development.
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Additional Resources
- Miami Herald: Florida Population News
- NBC Miami: Population Rankings
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Axios: Fastest Growing Cities
- Jacksonville.com: City Rankings
