Move over, big cities. The national spotlight is shining directly on Lake and Sumter counties.
According to a new MoneyLion analysis of U.S. Census data, central and north-central Florida are dominating rankings of the nation’s fastest-growing suburbs.
The study tracked communities that surged by 20% or more between 2019 and 2024, and our local neighborhoods are leading the pack.
Wildwood: The bronze medalist
According to MoneyLion’s data, Wildwood is the third-fastest-growing suburb in the United States.
The numbers are staggering: the population exploded by 157.5% in just five years, jumping from roughly 6,800 residents to over 17,600. Most likely, in large part, due to the influx of The Villages development.
Despite the rush, the “attainability” factor remains a draw. With an average home value of $296,553 and an estimated annual cost of living of $43,515, it remains a primary destination for those looking to balance growth with a manageable budget.
High growth, lower costs in Leesburg
For those keeping an eye on the bottom line, Leesburg and Haines City made headlines for a different reason.
They are among only four suburbs in the nation where residents can still live comfortably on a salary of less than $75,000 a year.
Haines City (No. 25 overall) requires approximately $45,124 for a comfortable lifestyle.
Leesburg (No. 36 overall) boasts an estimated annual living cost of just $42,731.
The Lake County Surge: Clermont and Groveland
The South Lake area continues its relentless upward trajectory.
Groveland cracked the top 20 at No. 14, while Clermont followed at No. 42.
These rankings speak to what locals see every day: a steady transformation from quiet citrus towns to bustling residential hubs.
By the numbers: Florida cities in the Top 50
Florida tied with Utah for the second-most entries on the national list. Here is how the Sunshine State’s “Boomtowns” stacked up:
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Lake and Sumter suburbs surge onto America’s fastest-growth list
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
