Southwest Florida continues to project as a prime locale for newcomers over the next couple of decades—just perhaps not as fast-growing as it has been.
Population in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties grew around 20% from 2010 to 2020. The University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research projects population estimates based on low, medium and high projections. Using a medium projection, Lee, Collier and Charlotte are expected to grow by about 17% by 2030. This continues the current trend of transplants finding new homes in the Sunshine State, primarily along the coasts. Overall, the population in the state grew by about 15% from 2010 to 2020.