A study prepared for the city by planning consultant NUE Urban Concepts found that Port St. Lucie population growth has accelerated so rapidly that the city added more residents in the last five years than it used to add in fifteen. The city grew from 204,851 residents in 2020 to 260,194 in 2025 — an increase of 55,343 people, or more than 25%, in five years.
From its founding in 1961 to 2020, Port St. Lucie added roughly 50,000 residents about every 15 years. In the past five years alone, it added more than 50,000. The study describes the rate of growth as having accelerated by roughly 200%.
The population figures are drawn from the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), which the study identifies as the state’s resource for population data, and from the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Model used for the area’s travel demand projections.
City Growth Outpacing St. Lucie County and Florida
Between 2000 and 2024, Port St. Lucie’s population grew 184.85%. Over the same period, St. Lucie County grew 100.18% and the State of Florida grew 44.00%.
Between 2025 and 2050, the study projects the Port St. Lucie mobility study area could grow 91.37%, reaching as high as 506,027 residents. The mobility study area includes nearby enclaves and areas west of current city limits that could be annexed. Over the same period, St. Lucie County is projected to grow 73.98% and the State of Florida 20.62%.
Development Expanding West of Interstate 95
Much of the projected growth is expected west of Interstate 95, an area that saw little development during the city’s earlier planning rounds. The Wylder community and the county’s approval of Oak Ridge Ranches, west of Range Line Road, are identified as catalysts that have revived long-dormant projects.
These developments have sparked new development interest in the city’s northwest and west areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Population Growth
How much did Port St. Lucie grow between 2020 and 2025?
The city grew from 204,851 residents in 2020 to 260,194 in 2025, an increase of 55,343 people, or more than 25%, in five years.
What is the projected population by 2050?
The mobility study area, which includes nearby enclaves and areas that could be annexed, could reach as high as 506,027 residents by 2050.
How does PSL’s growth compare to St. Lucie County?
Between 2000 and 2024, Port St. Lucie’s population grew 184.85%, compared with 100.18% for St. Lucie County over the same period.
Where is new development expected?
Much of the projected growth is expected west of Interstate 95, an area that saw little development during the city’s earlier planning rounds.
What communities are driving western expansion?
The Wylder community and the county’s approval of Oak Ridge Ranches, west of Range Line Road, are identified as catalysts that have revived long-dormant projects and sparked new development interest.
Port St Lucie Talks
