Florida State: Population, Rankings, and Facts

#21 in Overall Ranking out of 50 in 2021

Florida is one of the states of the USA found in the southeast region of the country with a rich history. It is an area popular for various reasons, including its orange crops and winter vegetables. Moreover, it is the home of all the titans of family entertainment, including Busch Gardens, Legoland, Seaworld, Universal, Disney, and seven of the most visited theme parks in the United States.

Updated: April 20, 2021
  • Area
    65,757.70 SQ. MI.
  • Capital
    Tallahassee
  • Population
    21,477,737
  • Income
    $52,594
  • Home Value
    $270,560
  • Crime
    81,270
  • Unemployment
    5.1%
  • Education
    28.5%
  • Medicine
    27
  • Poverty
    13.1%
  • Environment
    106
  • Infrastructure
    1.3%

Florida had its statehood initiated on March 3, 1845. In the northwest, it is bordered by Alabama and with the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Jacksonville is its most populous municipality, with over six million population in the area. The demographics showcase its multidimensional nature as a typical Western community.

In its history, Spain and Great Britain have had control of it. Juan Ponce de León was the first European explorer of the place and named it “the land of flowers.” The capital of the state is Tallahassee and has the highest population according to the last census.
The climate of the northern parts is humid tropical, while it’s tropical in the south. The rainy season is usually between May and October. This period often features air mass thunderstorms, building in the heat of the day drop heavy but short summer rainfall. In general, Florida weather is welcoming, especially in the south.

The north has a higher chance of snow than the south. Also, the north, especially a county like Bradford, can experience freezing point temperatures. So it is crucial to get information about a county from the right bureau, especially for those traveling to the West for the first time.

Also, its number of violent crimes in its population is the 3rd highest in the country. This shows that security in the region is not as stable as in other parts of the U.S. It is less when compared with Texas and California areas that have 121,474 and 174,331 cases, respectively. In general, Florida state is a relatively safe place to live in the United States.

How We Figured Out Which Were the Best States to Live In

Recommendations of best states to live in the USA to people should be based on reliable facts such as using census bureaus. This post applies this meticulous and logical approach by drawing data and information regarding the last census from reputable sources. It used Bureaus such as the United Health Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Labor. So, the conclusions and other information are based on reasonable comparative analysis.

Florida Rankings

  • Population
    #3
    Population
    Data: 21,477,737

    Florida’s population density is one of the highest in the U.S. and ahead of New York, based on the last census. The state’s population is not expected to reduce anytime soon due to the number of people that relocate there every day.

  • Median Income
    #13
    Income in $
    Data: $52,594

    It has a low rating among the states in America. It is also well below the U.S. median of $63.688. A high number of households require help to buy food. Nonetheless, as of 2021, unlike California and Texas, it has 5.23 percent millionaires among its residents.

  • Home Value
    #24
    Home Value
    Data: $270,560

    It doesn’t rank very high in this category, as seen in its position. Moreover, more people living in their own homes as opposed to rentals. Hawaii ($683,470) has the highest prices in this category. Maine ($276,023) is close to FL in this regard.

  • Unemployment Rate
    #19
    Unemployment
    Data: 5.1%

    Florida's unemployment rate is worse than the one of Utah and Nebraska that have 3.3% and 3.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, it is favorably comparable to Hawaii (10.3%) that has the highest rating since the last census. Unlike in previous times, it is getting easier to find a job because of the increase in job growth since 2017.

  • Poverty
    #32
    Poverty
    Data: 13.1%

    The ranking shows that the region has an intermediate rate among other states in the country. People of the Black race (22.02%) have the highest poverty rate. When it comes to gender, both the female employed (7.45%) and unemployed (34.87%) outrank males in the same categories.

  • Education
    #30
    Education
    Data: 28.5%

    Massachusetts (42.1%) is the highest in this regard and is almost twice as high as FL. The fact that the economy of the state does not depend heavily on educationally-inclined activities might be responsible for this low rating.

  • Medicine
    #35
    Medicine
    Health Outcomes: 25

    It is highly rated among medically uninsured people in the U.S. A lot has to be in place before it can match a state like Massachusetts that has 3.0%. Nonetheless, its health outcome is still reasonably high. A new health insurance policy of international standards like California or Texas can help in this regard.

  • Crime Rate
    #25
    Crime
    Violent Crime: 81,270

    A neighboring Nebraska has 5,821 violent crimes. Therefore, the fact that Vermont (1,262) and Wyoming (1,258) have less doesn’t mean that FL is one of the most dangerous states in America. Besides, the new, favorable gun laws ensure there is no cause for alarm.

  • Natural Environment
    #40
    Environment
    Air: 106

    When compared to states such as Alabama and Hawaii that have 64 and 5 drinking water violations, respectively, it has a worse environment. A neighboring Idaho (1117), comes close to the Sunshine State in this regard. Generally, it has a safe environment for residency.

  • Infrastructure
    #2
    Infrastructure
    Poor Roads: 1.3%

    When it comes to infrastructure, only Nevada rates higher than it among the states in the U.S. Its 1.3% road in poor condition far surpasses states like Alaska and Rhode Island that have 18.7% and 24.6%, respectively. This has helped the growth of the economy and development of the region, including the northern and southern public sectors.

Florida Facts

  • The state abbreviation is FL or Fla.
  • The state motto is “In God We Trust.”
  • Its state flower is the Orange blossom.
  • Its zip codes range from 32003 to 34997.
  • Close to one thousand people migrate to the region every year. 
  • There are 67 counties altogether. 
  • Earthquakes are extremely rare here.
  • The state bird is the Northern mockingbird.
  • In 1998, it witnessed one of the worst fires in its history, which involved the burning of several thousand separate woodlands during the summer months. 
  • All cars have to be registered by the bureau of motor vehicles
  • The official flag consists of Saint Patrick’s Saltire on a white background with the seal of the state superimposed on the center. 
  • The new official state fair for 2021 will start on April 22 and end on May 2
  • Florida state parks include the picturesque Biscayne National Park and the pristine Everglades National Park.
  • The state census in 1945 was an every-name list of the residents. 
  • It is the largest producer of oranges in the United States and one of the biggest in the world. 
  • The driver’s license requires proof of residential address, proof of Social Security number, and identity proof. 
  • Its fishing license is of various types and has been renewed and improved at different times.
  • The northwestern part of the state is called “panhandle,” and contains eight cities such as Destin, Panama City, etc.

Florida in Photos

# code...
# code...
# code...
# code...
# code...
# code...
# code...
# code...
# code...
# code...
Florida Tampa

FAQ Section

  • When Is Hurricane Season in Florida?

    The Hurricane season begins on June 1 every year in the state. Usually, it lasts for five months. The storms in August and September are often devastating because that is when they are at their peak. It is essential to be prepared for this season regardless of a forecast to avoid unpleasant situations.

  • What Is Minimum Wage in Florida?

    As of 2021, its minimum wage is $10.00 per hour. Based on Florida Amendment 2, the $15 Minimum Wage Initiative, the minimum wage should be increased by $1.00 every September 30. So, by September 30, 2026, it would have reached $15.00.

  • What Time Zone Is Florida?

    The Time Zone in Tallahassee, the capital city, is the Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5). However, the majority of its panhandle is on Central time. The city of Pensacola is one of the locations in this zone.

  • What to Do in FL?

    The Sunshine State offers varieties of options for visitors, depending on their motives. The number one attraction here is the Walt Disney World. It is located in Lake Buena Vista near Orlando, and it is the most-visited and the largest theme park resort in the world. Other exciting places to visit include the Daytona Flea Market, Portofino Bay Hotel, and Artegon Marketplace. These locations and many more make visiting it an exhilarating experience for many.

  • What Is Sunshine State Known for?

    The six industries driving its economy are agriculture, tourism, international trade, aerospace & aviation, life, and financial sciences. In 2018, the tourism sector recorded a 6.2% due to the visitation by 126.1 million tourists. Its agriculture sector contributes over $131 billion to the economy every year. Florida’s favorable climate gives it over 100 days’ advantage during the growing season over other parts of the country. Greenhouse, oranges, sugar cane, and dairy products are some of its top agricultural commodities.

  • What Is Florida Sales Tax?

    As of 2021, the sales tax is 6%. However, it is different for electricity, license of commercial real property, and amusement machine receipts. This tax is added to the value of taxable goods or services. It is collected from the purchaser at the time of sale. The property tax is 0.94%.