One state reaches historic milestone – it’s now the fastest growing

Florida now is the nation’s fastest-growing state for the first time since 1957, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Vintage 2022 population estimates released today.

Florida’s population increased by 1.9% to 22,244,823 between 2021 and 2022, surpassing Idaho, the previous year’s fastest-growing state.

Florida’s percentage gains since 1946 have been impressive: its 2022 population is just over 9 times its 1946 population of 2,440,000.

For the third most-populous state to also be the fastest growing is notable because it requires significant population gains.

Florida a Consistent Top Gainer

In the post-World War II era after 1946, Florida’s percentage increase in population each year has fluctuated but has always been positive (Figure 1).

In the 1950s, as air conditioning became more prevalent in warmer parts of the United States, Florida’s annual population growth averaged 6.1% (Table 1). It hit 8% in both 1956 and 1957, near the peak of the baby boom, marking the last time Florida was the fastest-growing state — until now.

During that decade, Florida’s growth far outpaced the national rate, which was between 1.5% and 2% each year that decade. An annual population growth of 8% is exceptionally rapid and translates to a population doubling roughly every nine years. 

The baby boom (1946-64) came to an end in the 1960s and Florida’s extraordinary growth during the 1950s slowed. However, “slowed” is a bit of a misnomer since, between 1960 and 1989, Florida’s average annual growth remained over 3.0%. Generally, The Sunshine State’s population grew at a rate about double the national average. 

In the 2000s, the slowing trend continued with Florida averaging an annual growth of 1.7%. While this might seem slow compared to Florida’s growth in prior years, it is still a brisk pace. During the same period, the national growth hovered around 1.0% a year.

That trend has continued since 2010. Between 2010 and 2020, national growth dipped from 0.9% to 0.5% each year while Florida’s increases ranged from 1.0% to 2.0%. In 2022, Florida’s growth was nearing that previous decade high at 1.9%, not high compared to past gains but still the fastest among the states. Interestingly, Florida had the second-largest numeric gains behind Texas.

Vintage 2022 population estimates scheduled for release over the next few months will shed light on which areas and demographic groups contributed to the state’s growth.

Snowbirding in your future?

Rhode Island is a popular contributor to Florida’s growth. While some residents used to leave after the end of year holidays and return in early spring, it’s common now to stay until May – or even June. That one day over 6 months tax rule can impact how long you stay. So can missing family events such as grandchildren’s birthdays, weddings, etc. Some lower income people who bought a trailer or double-wide are also being impacted by Florida’s new weather issues, causing many of them – as well as many others – to rethink their decision. Picking the right place to live in Florida is key to a successful snowbird or relocation plan.

Prices are also keeping pace with the growth and getting “a little place in Florida” will mean major investment, so renting has become more popular. Waiting for prices to come down is a strategy – so is looking at other nearby locations offering similar weather and ease of transport back to New England for family – and tax – purposes.

Some of Rhode Island’s wealthiest are increasingly giving up residency in the state entirely and moving to Florida – why? – to avoid the inheritance tax. Who wants to leave your money to the government rather than your own children. Legacy is all important.

Politics – “Where woke comes to die”

For those with a more conservative bent, Governor Ron DeSantis may have come up with a new tourism slogan all on his own to lure people from areas impacted by liberal politics, particularly New York. “Where woke comes to die” is resonating with more. Actions to come such as targeting Disney with tax issues because of their “wokeness” policies and other legislative issues can go too far for some. Recently, immigration has impacted “the keys” and other communities and this week DeSantis called out the National Guard to manage and direct this problem.

Rhode Islanders may also look at North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and other areas on the way to Florida with similar climate, less cost, and ease of transportation back to New England.

What Are the Fastest-Growing States?

Why hasn’t Florida been the country’s fastest-growing state in any other year since 1957? 

In a word — Nevada.

Florida’s percentage gains since 1946 have been impressive: its 2022 population is just over 9 times its 1946 population of 2,440,000.

But Nevada’s increases are even higher. Its 2022 population of 3,177,772 is a stunning 22 times its 1946 population of 143,000. For 36 of the 76 years since 1946, Nevada has held the top spot.

Arizona, Idaho, Utah, North Dakota, and Alaska are among the other fastest-growing in the postwar era.

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