Polk County population could soon surpass 1 million, study shows
LAKELAND, Fla. — Polk County could hit a major milestone sooner than expected.
A recent study from the University of Florida shows the population could reach a million by 2030 — years ahead of schedule.
As a realtor, Thomas Pais gets a glimpse of Polk County’s growth every day.
“I’ve kind of been up close and personal with the entire area, and I’ve seen the growth from a bird’s-eye view. A front-seat view, so to speak,” he said.
From his experience, Pais says several factors are driving the county’s population growth, but he says it mostly comes down to affordability and location.
“Because we’re so connected to everything else. Tampa is an hour away, Orlando is an hour away, so you’re really tied in,” he said.
Pais said this is attracting people of all ages and demographics. Currently, Polk County’s population is nearly 850,000, and res…