Central Florida Population Growth Remains a Standout – April 2026

Population growth across the US is moderating, but Florida, especially Central Florida, continues to outperform national averages. The growth in Florida is increasingly influenced by affordability and lifestyle preferences and in turn, influencing how commercial real estate must evolve to meet those changes.

Florida added nearly 197,000 residents between July 2024 and July 2025, with about 90% of that increase driven by international migration. With natural population change remaining negative, the state continues to rely heavily on inbound migration.

Since 2020, the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro has grown by more than 280,000 residents, a 10.6% increase. Orlando’s population rose 1.3% between 2024 and 2025, ranking among the fastest-growing large metros in the country and emerging as the only Florida market to achieve top-tier gains in total population. Growth extends beyond Orlando. Daytona Beach has expanded by 11.7% since 2020, while Melbourne has grown by 9.5%, both maintaining steady annual increases.

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