City of Orlando, FL

Orlando isn’t just home to world-class theme parks—it’s a vibrant, fast-growing city that offers exceptional career opportunities, an affordable cost of living, and an unbeatable quality of life. For job seekers looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of a dynamic and diverse community, the City of Orlando is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places in the United States to live and work.

In 2024, Orlando led the nation among the 30 most populous metro areas in job growth, adding more than 37,000 new positions. This robust expansion continued in 2025, with over 31,600 jobs added in just the first half of the year. This impressive 2.1% year-over-year employment increase outpaced both the state of Florida and the national average, reinforcing Orlando’s position as an economic powerhouse. The city has also achieved what analysts call the “Triple Crown” of growth: leading the nation in job creation, population growth, and gross domestic product expansion.

Orlando’s population surged by 2.7% in 2024, adding approximately 76,000 new residents. Much of this growth was fueled by international migration, highlighting the city’s global appeal. Orlando’s total population now stands at just under three million residents, and with sustained economic development, this number is expected to grow. At the same time, Orlando’s job market remains strong and stable, with an unemployment rate of just 3.8% as of June 2025, below both the state and national averages. For job seekers, these figures translate into a wealth of opportunity across diverse sectors.

Orlando’s job market is not only growing; it is diversifying in smart and sustainable ways. Healthcare and education remain cornerstones of the local economy, anchored by major employers such as AdventHealth and Orlando Health. In addition to these established sectors, tourism and hospitality continue to thrive, driven in part by the highly anticipated opening of Universal’s Epic Universe theme park in 2025, which is projected to create over 17,000 new jobs and inject $2 billion into the regional economy. Meanwhile, financial services and technology are also on the rise, with companies like Charles Schwab, BNY Mellon, and Temenos expanding their presence and bringing in high-paying roles that contribute to Orlando’s growing reputation as a tech-friendly city.

As wages continue to grow, Orlando has maintained a relatively affordable cost of living. In 2024, the average annual wage rose by 4.6% to $64,940, outpacing the national growth rate. Notably, sectors such as leisure, hospitality, and business services saw even greater wage increases. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (with the U.S. average set at 100), Orlando remains one of the most livable cities in America. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all attractively priced, and while housing costs have experienced fluctuations, recent trends suggest a stabilizing market. As of mid-2025, the median home price in the area has settled around $390,000, allowing residents to enjoy homeownership without the financial strain seen in many other major metro areas.

Orlando is more than just a travel destination—it is a city on the rise, where career potential meets a high quality of life

Orlando’s demographic profile is as dynamic as its economy. The city itself has an estimated population of over 329,000, with a median age of 35, making it one of the youngest large cities in Florida. It also stands out for its rich cultural and ethnic diversity. As of the latest data, approximately 43% of residents identify as White, 23% as Black or African American, and nearly 33% as Hispanic or Latino. This multicultural vibrancy is reflected in the city’s neighborhoods, schools, cuisine, and community life, creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can thrive.

For families considering relocation, Orlando offers a unique blend of educational excellence, recreational opportunity, and family-friendly amenities. The city is home to a mix of strong public and private schools, as well as top-tier institutions of higher education such as the University of Central Florida and Valencia College. Children can benefit from a well-rounded educational experience, while adults have access to continuing education and professional development opportunities. Beyond academics, Orlando offers a robust calendar of cultural events, abundant green spaces, and some of the most exciting entertainment options in the world. Whether it’s a weekend at Lake Eola Park, a visit to the Orlando Science Center, or an afternoon spent exploring local galleries and theaters, families will never run out of things to do together.

Orlando’s infrastructure and connectivity also make it an ideal place to settle down. Orlando International Airport is the busiest in Florida, offering residents easy access to domestic and international travel. Local and regional transportation options are expanding, including increased SunRail ridership and continued investments in smart transit solutions. The city’s commitment to building resilient infrastructure ensures that residents can commute efficiently, access services conveniently, and benefit from a high standard of public safety and utility management.

Looking ahead, Orlando is not resting on its laurels. Through strategic planning initiatives like the Orlando 2045 plan, the city is working proactively to future-proof its economy by embracing innovation, clean technology, and sustainability. Economic development organizations are actively fostering partnerships across sectors to create high-wage jobs, support entrepreneurship, and invest in infrastructure that benefits both residents and businesses. These long-term strategies are designed to ensure that Orlando continues to be a place where both people and industries can flourish.

The city’s ability to attract business investment is equally impressive. Over the years, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission has helped create over 160,000 jobs and facilitated nearly $9 billion in capital investment. These efforts underscore a local commitment to building a resilient, diversified economy that can weather future challenges while offering ongoing opportunities for career advancement.

In summary, Orlando is more than just a travel destination—it is a city on the rise, where career potential meets a high quality of life. With sustained job growth, a cost of living that supports upward mobility, diverse and welcoming communities, and a forward-thinking civic vision, Orlando offers an ideal environment for professionals and families alike. Whether you are launching your career, growing your family, or seeking a new adventure in a dynamic, supportive city, Orlando welcomes you with open arms and countless opportunities.

Orlando isn’t just home to world-class theme parks—it’s a vibrant, fast-growing city that offers exceptional career opportunities, an affordable cost of living, and an unbeatable quality of life.

Orlando’s demographic profile is as dynamic as its economy. The city itself has an estimated population of over 329,000, with a median age of 35, making it one of the youngest large cities in Florida. It also stands out for its rich cultural and ethnic diversity. As of the latest data, approximately 43% of residents identify as White, 23% as Black or African American, and nearly 33% as Hispanic or Latino. This multicultural vibrancy is reflected in the city’s neighborhoods, schools, cuisine, and community life, creating an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds can thrive.

For families considering relocation, Orlando offers a unique blend of educational excellence, recreational opportunity, and family-friendly amenities. The city is home to a mix of strong public and private schools, as well as top-tier institutions of higher education such as the University of Central Florida and Valencia College. Children can benefit from a well-rounded educational experience, while adults have access to continuing education and professional development opportunities. Beyond academics, Orlando offers a robust calendar of cultural events, abundant green spaces, and some of the most exciting entertainment options in the world. Whether it’s a weekend at Lake Eola Park, a visit to the Orlando Science Center, or an afternoon spent exploring local galleries and theaters, families will never run out of things to do together.

Orlando’s infrastructure and connectivity also make it an ideal place to settle down. Orlando International Airport is the busiest in Florida, offering residents easy access to domestic and international travel. Local and regional transportation options are expanding, including increased SunRail ridership and continued investments in smart transit solutions. The city’s commitment to building resilient infrastructure ensures that residents can commute efficiently, access services conveniently, and benefit from a high standard of public safety and utility management.

Looking ahead, Orlando is not resting on its laurels. Through strategic planning initiatives like the Orlando 2045 plan, the city is working proactively to future-proof its economy by embracing innovation, clean technology, and sustainability. Economic development organizations are actively fostering partnerships across sectors to create high-wage jobs, support entrepreneurship, and invest in infrastructure that benefits both residents and businesses. These long-term strategies are designed to ensure that Orlando continues to be a place where both people and industries can flourish.

The city’s ability to attract business investment is equally impressive. Over the years, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission has helped create over 160,000 jobs and facilitated nearly $9 billion in capital investment. These efforts underscore a local commitment to building a resilient, diversified economy that can weather future challenges while offering ongoing opportunities for career advancement.

In summary, Orlando is more than just a travel destination—it is a city on the rise, where career potential meets a high quality of life. With sustained job growth, a cost of living that supports upward mobility, diverse and welcoming communities, and a forward-thinking civic vision, Orlando offers an ideal environment for professionals and families alike. Whether you are launching your career, growing your family, or seeking a new adventure in a dynamic, supportive city, Orlando welcomes you with open arms and countless opportunities.