Every year, millions of Americans pack their bags and move to a new state - whether for work, family reasons, a change in climate or any other reason. Migration and natural population changes resulting from births and deaths can cause significant demographic shifts, which have consequences for local economies and governments.
Negative or slow population growth can lead to weaker economic growth and fewer economic opportunities - which in turn can drive more people out of a given state. Population decline can also mean reduced revenue for state governments and limited funding for public works and services and reduced ability to meet budget obligations.
According to a study carried out by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, Florida's population is expected to grow by 32.0% between 2020 and 2040 - an increase of more than 7 million people. If the Cooper Center's projections are confirmed, Florida's ranking as the third most populous state will remain unchanged, taking into account population changes in other states as well.
The projected change is in line with the trend of the last decade. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of people living in Florida increased by 16.4%, or 3,075,947 people.
In 2019 Florida was the number one destination for people moving from other US states, according to a survey by moving company U-Haul. The state was also the number one destination for relocating Americans in 2020, according to move.org. According to the state's Office of Economic and Demographic Research, an estimated 329,717 new residents settled in Florida between April 2020 and April 2021.
According to the NAR (National Association of Realtors), a total of 8.9 million people have moved since the beginning of the pandemic. The Association reports that around 28% of the people who moved to Florida came from Texas and another 15% moved from New York, with just over 6% coming from California.
Check out the Ranking
Below is a ranking of the most populous states and the projected growth for each by the year 2040. Florida is expected to remain the 3rd most populous state in the country, considering the projected growth of the other states.