Despite sinkholes, hurricanes, high unemployment, and massive housing foreclosures, Florida still ranks among the country's three top growth states, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. The Sunshine State gained almost 3 million people in the past decade  and today boasts a population of 19 million, a 17 percent hike since the previous nationwide tally in 2000.

Miami-Dade, with a population of 2,496,435, ranks as Florida's largest county. The other counties in the state's top five are Broward, with a population of 1,748,066 (increase of 7.7 percent since 2000); Palm Beach, 1,320,134 (increase of 16.7 percent); Hillsborough, 1,229,226 (increase of 23.1 percent); and Orange, 1,145,956 (increase of 27.8 percent). Miami-Dade posted a 10.8 percent growth rate. While Pinellas is the most densely populated county in the state, it showed a dip in population, going from Florida's fifth most-populous county in 2000 to sixth in 2010.

Jacksonville is by far the most populous incorporated area with 821,784 residents. Miami ranks a distant second with 399,457, followed closely by Tampa at 335,709. Dipping down to under 300,000 are St. Petersburg, 244,769, and Orlando, 238,300. Jacksonville grew by 11.7 percent since the 2000 census; Miami grew by 10.2 percent; Tampa grew by 10.6 percent; and Orlando grew by 28.2 percent. St. Petersburg, however, decreased by 1.4 percent.