Orlando Economy Grows 3.5%, Beats U.S. for Fourth Year

Orlando just proved that Mickey Mouse isn't the only thing bringing magic to Central Florida.

The Orlando metro area's economy reached $233 billion in 2024, growing 3.5% compared to the national rate of 2.8%. That marks the fourth consecutive year the region has outpaced the rest of America, making Orlando's economy larger than 18 U.S. states.

The numbers tell a story of momentum. Since 2019, Orlando's economy has grown 24%. Over the past decade, it's expanded by an impressive 55%.

A record 75 million tourists visited Orlando in 2024, keeping the region's famous theme parks and hospitality sector humming. But the real story lies beyond the attractions: major financial companies like JPMorgan Chase, Charles Schwab, and BNY expanded their Orlando operations, bringing high-paying jobs to the region.

Construction also boomed thanks to infrastructure investments. Nearly every local county saw growth above the national average, with Osceola and Lake counties leading the charge.

Among America's 30 largest metro areas, Orlando ranked eighth for economic growth. The city outperformed both Miami and Tampa, matching Jacksonville's 3.5% rate while maintaining an economy 40% larger.

The Ripple Effect

Orlando's growth isn't just about dollars and cents. It's creating real opportunity for families who call Central Florida home.

The Orlando Economic Partnership is working toward what they call "Broad-based Prosperity," ensuring that economic wins translate into better wages and quality of life for all residents. Their Orlando 2045 Regional Vision aims to transform the city into a top innovation hub, focusing on high-value industries like technology, aerospace, and life sciences.

These sectors pay higher wages than traditional service jobs, which means more families can afford homes, education, and the chance to build wealth. When major corporations choose Orlando for expansion, they're betting on the region's talent and potential.

The construction boom means new housing, better roads, and improved infrastructure that benefits everyone. And those 75 million visitors? They support nearly 500,000 jobs across hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment.

For a region once known primarily for tourism, Orlando is proving it can compete on multiple fronts. The city's four-year growth streak shows that Sun Belt migration isn't a temporary trend but a fundamental shift in where Americans want to live and work.

Florida's combination of no state income tax, year-round sunshine, and growing job opportunities continues attracting both families and Fortune 500 companies. Orlando sits at the heart of this transformation, building an economy that works for everyone.

The future looks bright for Central Florida.