Florida’s “Ex-Burbs” Experience a Population Boom
One American county, known as “the heart of the citrus industry,” now has many people flocking to it in groves.
Haines City, Florida: A Hotspot for Migration
Haines City in Polk County, Florida — located between Tampa and Orlando — joins a list of several other southern communities experiencing a population boom. Haines City has seen an increase of 30,000 new residents last year, according to US Census Bureau data, snagging the title as one of the “hottest migration destination[s] in the entire country.”
What are “Ex-Burbs”?
Labeled as “ex-burbs,” these areas are usually 40-60 miles away from major metropolitan cities and can offer more peaceful ways of life and “affordable housing” options.
Other Hotspots in the South
Anna, Texas, Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Lebanon, Tennessee, are among the other hot spots that are being lauded for witnessing high population increases.
Anna, Texas: A Growing Community
Increasing its population by a third since 2020, and located 45 miles north of Dallas, the city dubbed as “your hometown,” Anna, Texas, shared in a press release earlier this year that its growth could be attributed to location, housing options, and development plans for both residential and commercial.
Fort Mill, South Carolina: A Pepper-Filled Community
The population in Fort Mill, South Carolina — home to PuckerButt Pepper Company, the original producer of the world’s hottest peppers — once sat at 24,514, but has seen an increase of 37.2% since 2020, according to a local paper.
Lebanon, Tennessee: A Growing Community
In the middle of Tennessee, Lebanon grew from 8.9% from July 2023 to July 2024, the population now sitting around 48,000 residents.
Why are “Ex-Burbs” Booming?
Katie Worthington Decker, senior vice president of the Lakeland Economic Development Council, offered her explanation as to why “ex-burbs” are booming, specifically in Polk County.
“The Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA which includes all of Polk County, Florida, has experienced significant growth for many years, but it accelerated over the last four years. We believe that the expedited growth is in part due to pandemic-era policies to expedite the reopening of Florida in comparison to other parts of the country. The diversity of the types of business in Polk County also contributed to our economy bouncing back quickly after 2020, as we aren’t reliant on tourism as many other areas of Florida are,” Decker shared.
Conclusion
The population boom in Florida’s “ex-burbs” is a trend that is expected to continue, driven by factors such as affordable housing, a diverse economy, and a desirable quality of life. While it remains to be seen how the return to office policies will impact this trend, it is clear that Polk County and Central Florida are well-positioned to offer employment to those who choose to stay.
FAQs
Q: What are “ex-burbs”?
A: “Ex-burbs” are areas that are usually 40-60 miles away from major metropolitan cities and offer more peaceful ways of life and “affordable housing” options.
Q: Why are “ex-burbs” booming?
A: According to Katie Worthington Decker, senior vice president of the Lakeland Economic Development Council, the growth is driven by factors such as affordable housing, a diverse economy, and a desirable quality of life.
Q: Will the return to office policies impact the trend of people moving to “ex-burbs”?
A: While it remains to be seen how the return to office policies will impact this trend, it is clear that Polk County and Central Florida are well-positioned to offer employment to those who choose to stay.
