Lee County is the economic center of the five counties that make up Southwest Florida. The region includes Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties along the gulf coast, along with two rural inland counties, Glades and Hendry. From agriculture to manufacturing, information technology to life sciences, and tourism to sports, each county offers a unique combination of features that contribute to our vibrant and growing economy. The incorporated cities, towns, and villages in Lee County are Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, and Sanibel.
Regional Population & Job Growth
Southwest Florida
- 1.5 million (est.) population, which has increased 10.2% since 2020.
- 2025-2030 expected population growth increase: 7.8%
- 2020-2025 jobs increased by 17.9%, from 527,683 to 622,344, outpacing the national growth rate of 11.7%.
Lee County
- 2025 Population (est.): 859,348
- 2025-2030 Projected Annual Growth: 1.6%
- Median Household Income: $92,500
- Median Home Value: $435,630
U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, State of Florida (2025).