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FLORIDA - Jacksonville has officially surpassed Miami as Florida’s most populous city, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 population estimates.
According to the latest population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2024, Jacksonville now ranks as Florida’s most populated city, boasting 1,009,833 residents.
Miami, often assumed to be the state's largest due to its international reputation, trails significantly behind with a population of 487,014.
Tampa comes in third with 414,547 residents, followed by Orlando at 334,854.
The remaining top cities in the state include St. Petersburg, Port St. Lucie, Hialeah, Cape Coral, and Fort Lauderdale, all of which contribute to Florida’s explosive urban growth.
These estimates reflect trends seen across the nation, where Sun Belt cities continue to outpace traditional metropolitan hubs in both size and economic momentum.
Jacksonville, with its expansive land area and lower cost of living, has quietly climbed the ranks over the past decade.
Its population has grown steadily, bolstered by migration from other states and an expanding job market.
Meanwhile, Miami remains a powerful cultural and financial capital but is confined by geography and higher housing costs.
While it still draws millions of tourists each year and serves as a global business gateway, its permanent resident base is less than half the size of Jacksonville’s.
This updated snapshot of Florida’s demographics challenges long-held assumptions and highlights how internal migration, affordability, and development continue to reshape the state’s urban identity.