Of Florida’s cities, Jacksonville had biggest gain

Jacksonville had the biggest population gain of any Florida city last year and now is the nation’s 12th most populous city.

New figures released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Jacksonville’s population grew to more than 853,000 residents last year, an increase of 9,300 residents.

By pure numbers, Jacksonville is Florida’s most populous city. But comparing entire metropolitan areas, South Florida is the state’s most populous metro with 5.5 million residents.

Jacksonville is Florida’s fourth-most populous metro area.

Of Florida’s 200 largest cities, Doral in South Florida had the largest percentage increase last year. It grew by 7 percent to more than 54,000 residents.

North Miami lost 110 residents, the biggest drop of any Florida city.

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.