News Summary
In a remarkable demographic shift, Jacksonville has overtaken Miami as Florida’s most populated city, with a population of 1,009,833. This change underscores the growing trend of population movement toward Southern cities. Jacksonville experienced an increase of approximately 22,000 residents since 2020 while Miami’s population now stands at 487,014. A report highlights the household income necessary for comfortable living in both cities, with Jacksonville ranked 32nd in the U.S. for required income, further illustrating the economic landscape of Florida’s urban environments.
Florida has officially reached a significant demographic milestone, with Jacksonville surpassing Miami as the state’s most populated city. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 population estimates, Jacksonville boasts a population of 1,009,833 residents, which exceeds Miami’s population of 487,014 by more than 500,000 individuals. This change marks a noteworthy shift in population dynamics within Florida, with Miami now holding the title of the second-most populated city in the state.
This demographic update highlights the rapid growth of Southern cities, including Jacksonville, which saw an increase of approximately 22,000 residents since the last census in 2020 when it had a population of 949,611. Jacksonville’s robust growth contributes to a broader trend of population movement toward the South, as other regions, such as parts of the Northeast and Midwest, experience stagnant or even declining populations.
In addition to these changes, a recent report by GoBankingRates.com analyzes the household income needed for residents to thrive in various U.S. cities, including Jacksonville and Miami, based on the cost of living. In order to live comfortably in Jacksonville by the year 2025, it is projected that residents will need a household income of $118,446. This places Jacksonville 32nd highest among the 50 cities analyzed in the report concerning comfortable living income.
For homeowners in Jacksonville, the annual mortgage cost is estimated to be around $21,037. Comparatively, residents of Miami will need to secure a household income of $129,822 to maintain a comfortable living standard in 2025, ranking them 26th among the studied cities. The annual mortgage cost in Miami is significantly higher, at approximately $46,072.
The median household income in Florida is approximately $10,000 lower than the national average, which is reported to be around $69,303. A study by SmartAsset indicates that Florida’s middle-income bracket ranges from $46,917 to $138,600, providing context to the economic landscape that potential residents face.
Further emphasizing the significance of Jacksonville’s new population status, it is now recognized as the 10th most populated city in the United States. Nationally, New York City remains the largest city, with a population nearing 8.3 million residents, followed by Los Angeles and Chicago, which occupy the second and third positions, respectively.
As Florida continues to attract new residents, its cities are adapting to these demographic changes. Apart from Jacksonville and Miami, other notable cities in the state include Tampa, which, despite its smaller population of approximately 403,364 in 2023, was ranked as the most relaxing city in the U.S. Additionally, South Florida cities such as Hialeah and Fort Lauderdale also fall within the top 10 most populated cities in Florida, indicating a diverse and vibrant regional populace.
In summary, Jacksonville’s rise to the forefront as Florida’s most populated city serves as a significant marker in the state’s ongoing growth narrative. It highlights both the challenges and opportunities that come with increasing urban populations, particularly concerning housing affordability and adequate income levels needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. As cities across the South flourish, Jacksonville’s transformation not only reflects these larger trends but also sets a new benchmark for urban development within the state of Florida.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NBC Miami
- Jacksonville.com
- Miami Herald
- Gulf Live
- Travel Off Path
- Wikipedia: Demographics of Florida
- Google Search: Florida population growth
- Google Scholar: Florida urban development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Google News: Jacksonville Florida population
