Lakeland metro area among fastest-growing cities in US, Census data shows

Lakeland-Winter Haven area sees population boom

A recent U.S. Census Bureau report shows the Lakeland metro area ranks in the top five U.S. cities for percentage population growth. FOX 13's Carla Bayron reports.

LAKELAND, Fla. - A recent U.S. Census Bureau report shows the Lakeland metro area ranks in the top five U.S. cities for percentage population growth.

During the pandemic five years ago, Marcus Holmes moved to Lakeland from Tennessee.

"I was born and raised in Memphis, so I just wanted something different for me and my family," Holmes said. "I have three boys and one girl. My boys do everything — they sing, play sports — so what better place than Florida?"

By the numbers:

The new report reveals migration data from July 2024 through July 2025.

While Pinellas County ranked number two in population decline nationwide, the Lakeland metro area came in at number four for population growth, experiencing a 2.7% increase.

Courtesy: University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research

Currently, Polk County's population sits just under 850,000, but by 2030, it is projected to surpass one million.

Why you should care:

An assistant professor of economics at Florida Southern College says this growth will have several impacts.

"You have retirees in the aging demographics, alongside younger families and single folks chasing more affordable housing without sacrificing access to things like Tampa or Orlando because of I-4," Dr. Vincent Miozzi said. "Whereas retirees will add to labor demand because they require services, young families will be wanting to work. Local services, shops and restaurants will be scrambling to hire workers to meet the increased demand from both populations."

What's next:

Miozzi says infrastructure will have to catch up, which will take time. In the long run, he is concerned that affordable housing and economic opportunities will be squeezed, which is part of the natural ebb and flow process.

Holmes says he encourages people to do their research before moving here so they know what to expect.

"Florida is a hotbed for people wanting better," Holmes said. "Weather is a key reason why people move here. They may come from a northern state, and they just want to be somewhere where it's a lot warmer. I think there's always going to be an influx of population for many years to come."

Dig deeper:

The U.S. city that ranked number one on the list for percentage growth was Ocala.