Port St. Lucie is officially the top destination for residents fleeing South Florida’s affordability crisis, according to new migration data — and the numbers tell a striking story about where the Treasure Coast is headed.
Port St. Lucie Zip Codes Dominate Migration Rankings
A 2024 Q4 report from Miami Realtors, using CENSAI migration data tracking 270 million adult consumers, ranked Port St. Lucie’s zip code 34987 as the single most popular destination among all Southeast Florida zip codes for domestic movers.
Two additional PSL zip codes — 34953 and 34952 — also made the top 10, giving St. Lucie County three of the region’s hottest migration destinations.
Miami-Dade’s Affordability Crisis Fuels the Exodus
The timing is no coincidence. Miami-Dade County lost a net 10,115 residents between 2024 and 2025 — the third-largest population decline of any county in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The primary drivers:
- An average home price of $711,025
- Studio apartments consuming over 53% of a median earner’s income
- Homeowner insurance premiums averaging $15,460 per year
For many of those leaving, Port St. Lucie has become the answer.
Port St. Lucie’s Rapid Population Growth
Most new residents are relocating from other parts of Florida and from states with higher living costs, seeking better affordability and lifestyle, according to city data cited in local planning reports.
The numbers back it up. Port St. Lucie’s population has surpassed 270,000 residents in 2025 — a 31% increase since 2020 — making it the sixth largest city in Florida. The city has added approximately 50,000 new residents in just five years, with some zip codes projected to grow more than 25% between 2020 and 2030.
Who Is Moving to Port St. Lucie?
The profile of those arriving is notable. In zip code 34987, 44% of movers reported incomes of at least $100,000, and 43% were age 55 or older — suggesting a wave of experienced, financially stable residents choosing Port St. Lucie over the chaos of South Florida’s overheated market.
As billionaires quietly snap up Miami’s luxury inventory — with over 361 home sales above $10 million recorded in 2025 alone — working and middle-class families are voting with their feet, and they’re heading north up the Treasure Coast.
Port St. Lucie, it seems, is ready for them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Migration
Why is Port St. Lucie the top destination for South Florida movers?
According to a 2024 Q4 report from Miami Realtors using CENSAI migration data, Port St. Lucie’s zip code 34987 ranked as the single most popular destination among all Southeast Florida zip codes for domestic movers, with two additional PSL zip codes also making the top 10.
How fast is Port St. Lucie growing?
Port St. Lucie’s population has surpassed 270,000 residents in 2025, representing a 31% increase since 2020. The city has added approximately 50,000 new residents in just five years, making it the sixth largest city in Florida.
What is driving residents out of Miami-Dade County?
Miami-Dade County lost a net 10,115 residents between 2024 and 2025, driven by an average home price of $711,025, studio apartments consuming over 53% of a median earner’s income, and homeowner insurance premiums averaging $15,460 per year.
What is the demographic profile of new Port St. Lucie residents?
In zip code 34987, 44% of movers reported incomes of at least $100,000, and 43% were age 55 or older, suggesting a wave of experienced, financially stable residents choosing Port St. Lucie over South Florida’s overheated market.
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