Explanation of Indicator
This indicator describes the rate at which the population of Florida's
coastal areas has grown. The rate is calculated by computing the
difference between the population in a given year and from ten years
earlier, then dividing that difference by the population of the earlier
period. The result is the increase from one decade to another expressed
as a percentage. Examination of the direction of the rate (increasing,
decreasing, holding stable), and the level of the rate (high, medium or
low) provides a valuable perspective on understanding the dynamics of
population growth along Florida's coast. The population growth rate is
useful in understanding the dynamics of future demographic change.
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 time frame of analysis shows a peak growth rate occurring
in both Florida as a whole and the state's coastal areas around 1960.
The growth rate for both areas decreases during the 1970s and flattens
out in recent years. While growth is still occurring, the rate of growth
is decreasing.
Year Florida Coastal Counties 1920 (baseline) (baseline) 1930 52% 55% 1940 29% 36% 1950 46% 50% 1960 79% 86% 1970 37% 40% 1980 44% 41% 1990 33% 36%