Panama City/PCB metro area ranks second nationally for percent growth

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The United States Census Bureau has released a report regarding growth in metro areas.

According to the bureau, the Panama City/Panama City Beach metro area ranks second in the nation for percentage growth from July 2023 to July 2024.

The population of the area was 217,967 in 2023, and rose to 226,221 in 2024, a growth of 3.8%.

Bay County officials said there are many factors to the recent migration to the area.

“Number one would have to be, if you go outside today you’ll see, it’s just beautiful weather here, beautiful beaches, and great outdoor activities,” said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. “We have a great airport; our schools are doing great. You have to have that quality of life. It attracts businesses but also attracts residents moving here.”

Four other cities in Florida rank among the top 7, including number one Ocala.

“The state of Florida overall has a great advantage because we don’t have an income tax. Here locally, ad valorem is low. Panama City Beach doesn’t even have ad valorem.,” Chapin said.

Residents say the effects of the growth are noticeable.

“They’re putting in more infrastructure in Lynn Haven and Panama City, I guess with the intention of the real estate market increasing,” said Mark K. “You can see it in the traffic. You almost kinda wonder where they’re going, but everybody seems to be going in the same place.”

The area is growing while keeping its roots.

“It’s really the small-town feel still. The sense of community we have here in Bay County is truly an asset. I know we will continue to draw people here from around the country,” said Chapin.

Other metro areas in the top ten for percentage growth are Myrtle Beach, Provo, and Spartanburg.

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