According to U.S. Census data, Fort Myers, Florida, has experienced the largest population increase due to net migration.
If you’ve ever witnessed a sunset along the pristine coastline of Fort Myers, you understand the allure of this stunning Gulf Coast city. Many have chosen to make Fort Myers their permanent home.
Fort Myers Takes the Lead
Every year, U.S. News releases its prestigious ranking of the best places to live in America, based on various categories including population growth, which contributes to each community’s desirability score. While this year’s overall winner is Naples, Fort Myers has earned the title of the fastest-growing place in the nation.
“Fort Myers is the fastest-growing of the 150 major cities in this year’s analysis, seeing a population increase of 6.73 percent between 2021 and 2022 due to net migration,” states U.S. News, citing the most recent data set from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The city now boasts a population of 109,595 residents with a median age of 45. U.S. News also highlights Fort Myers’ affordable real estate market, where the median home price is $273,214, though current Zillow estimates place it at $361,966. The median household income stands at $71,154, surpassing the state average for Florida.
What Makes Fort Myers So Attractive?
Fort Myers offers several appealing features:
- Vibrant Downtown: A lively city center with a mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Outdoor Activities: Abundant recreational opportunities thanks to its warm weather and natural beauty.
- Economic Prospects: The Cape Coral-Fort Myers area had an unemployment rate of just three percent in May, a full percentage point lower than the national average. WalletHub also recognized Fort Myers as the third-best small city to start a business, citing its high number of investors per capita.
While large metropolitan areas face record-high office vacancy rates, with a national average of 18 percent, the Fort Myers/Naples area maintains a much lower rate, just below five percent.
Other Fast-Growing Cities
Following Fort Myers, Killeen, Texas, ranks second on U.S. News’s list, with a population growth of 6.57 percent. The median home value in Killeen was $161,449, with current values at $229,154.
Port St. Lucie, another coastal Florida community, comes in third, experiencing a 4.93 percent increase in full-time residents between 2021 and 2022.
Florida cities dominate U.S. News’s ranking, with seven communities making it into the top 10. For the full report, visit usnews.com.
Fort Myers, with its combination of natural beauty, economic opportunities, and vibrant lifestyle, continues to attract new residents, solidifying its status as the fastest-growing city in the U.S.
