Explanation of Indicator
This indicator shows the population estimates for Florida's coastal counties
from 1920 to 1990. Population growth, particularly for Florida's coastal
areas, is an important indicator since it is directly linked with land use
and development, use of resources, demand for services, and pollution.
Also, in coastal regions land is at a premium, since the water limits
growth in one or more directions. Given these historic linkages,
examination of population projections is particularly useful in providing
a perspective on the directions in which Florida’s coastal areas are heading.
Population growth is also a good indicator of the stress placed on the
natural environment.
Data Characteristics
SOURCE
This information is from the Florida Statistical Abstract, produced
annually by the Bureau of Economic and Business Research, College of
Business Administration, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
32611-2017, or (904) 392-0171. The abstract is available at most major
libraries. It may also be purchased from University Press of Florida,
15 N.W. 15th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32611, or at (904) 392-1351.
ACQUISITION
There are no costs associated with obtaining the data from a public or
university library; however, the Abstract costs $29.95 to purchase.
COLLECTION
This information is estimated annually, statewide by county, based on
decennial U.S. Census figures.
Data Limitations
These data are the best available for this indicator. The limitations
associated with the data are the same limitations inherent in census data.
The collection methodologies and analysis of the population figures may
lead to some double counting, undercounting, or misrepresentation.
Data Analysis
The seventy-year period presents an upward trend in growth for both Florida
and the state’s coastal areas. Growth during this time period could be
explained by the growth of Florida’s coastal areas as tourist destinations;
tourism increases the demand for services, which creates jobs and entices
people to move to the state’s coastal areas.
The proportion of the population residing in coastal counties increased from the 1920s to the 1970s, growing from 59 percent of the total population to over 79 percent. Growth slowed during the period between 1970 and 1980, but increased between 1980 and 1990. There are many reasons people choose to live in the coastal areas of Florida, including proximity to recreational amenities (i.e., ocean and beach), aesthetic beauty, and the economic opportunities associated with port access and tourism.
Year Costal Florida Percent of Population Counties in Coastal Counties 1920 571,515 968,470 59.0 1930 947,533 1,468,211 64.5 1940 1,307,697 1,897,414 68.9 1950 2,016,926 2,771,305 72.8 1960 3,836,111 4,951,560 77.5 1970 5,388,295 6,791,418 79.3 1980 7,664,728 9,746,324 78.6 1990 10,066,203 12,937,930 77.8