Florida's Fastest-growing City Isn't on the Beach-It's Lakefront With Affordable Housing

"The city of St. Cloud was rated the "biggest boomtown" in the Sunshine State thanks to the thousands of people who have been drawn to the growing lakeside community over the past decade, according to new data from personal finance resource GOBankingRates. In fact, the company noted the city has seen a 49.3 percent increase in population from 2015 to 2023. That's coupled with a 33.9 percent increase in per capita income, which was $28,985 in 2023."

"Located about 30 minutes from downtown Orlando and sitting on the shores of East Lake Tohopekaliga, St. Cloud boasts freshwater fishing, airboat tours, nearby hiking trails, and a historic downtown, according to Visit Florida. The average home value in St. Cloud is currently $395,340, according to Zillow, making it notably cheaper compared to other Orlando-area cities like Winter Park where the average home value hovers above $450,000."

"To come up with its list, GOBankingRates analyzed U.S. Census Bureau data from 2015 and 2023, identifying cities with populations between 25,000 and 500,000. For each, the company calculated population and per capita income over eight years. In addition to the state of Florida, the city of Fulshear in Texas was deemed the "biggest boomtown" in the United States. Located west of Houston, the city saw a whopping 736 percent population growth over eight years, bringing the total population to 26,986 in 2023."

Florida's warm weather and tax benefits continue to attract movers. St. Cloud, a lakeside city south of Orlando, saw a 49.3 percent population increase from 2015 to 2023 and a 33.9 percent rise in per-capita income to $28,985 in 2023. The city had 61,963 residents in 2023 and is projected to reach 108,000 by 2050. St. Cloud sits about 30 minutes from downtown Orlando on East Lake Tohopekaliga and offers freshwater fishing, airboat tours, hiking trails, and a historic downtown. The average home value is $395,340, cheaper than nearby Winter Park. GOBankingRates analyzed U.S. Census data for cities with 25,000–500,000 residents.

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