Lee population grows slowly

FORT MYERS — Lee County's population grew 0.84% for the year ending in April compared with the same period last year, according to estimates by University of Florida researchers.

The Lee County Department of Community Development says researchers at the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research estimate that Lee County's population grew by 5,338 residents to 643,367 people in April 2013. The survey is conducted in April and the results published in August.

The majority of new residents moved to unincorporated Lee County, which saw a 1.14% increase in population to 357,168. Cape Coral is the largest city in the county with 161,069 residents, up 0.55%.

On an annual percentage-change basis, Fort Myers Beach showed the biggest increase in population of any municipality in the county this year with a 1.12% increase. Sanibel's population increased by eight people, the smallest increase at 0.12%.