Statistics from the University of Florida show that the state's population has increased over the past year after experiencing its first decline since World War II. Florida added more than 21,000 residents between 2009 and 2010, after dropping by 56,000 over the previous year.
But analysts cautioned that the increase is still well below normal. From 1950 to 2008, the state added at least 125,000 residents every year.
"Even though the state turned it around, it still represents the smallest population increase since the 1940s," said Stan Smith, director of the school's Bureau of Economic and Business Research. "Florida's population growth continues to be very, very slow by historical standards."
Researchers added that the continued economic struggles, combined with high unemployment, would continue to force slower rates of people moving into the state.
The increase in population may bring needed help to the state's troubled housing market. Last week, the New York Times cited a study by the International Monetary Fund, which found that housing prices rose 1 percent for every 0.25 percent population growth increase.
More News