Employment Growth Orlando Leads US Cities in Job Gains

Orlando led the nation in employment growth over the past five years, with a 24.8% increase in jobs, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The city’s job gains were driven by a 51.4% surge in Leisure and Hospitality Services employment, reflecting a strong post-pandemic recovery.
Other sectors contributing to Orlando’s growth included Professional and Business Services and Education and Health Services.
Austin (23.6%) and Las Vegas (23.1%) followed closely behind, while Miami and West Palm Beach also landed in the top 10 for job growth among major Florida markets.

Key Takeaways

Orlando’s Hot Streak

According to RealPage, Orlando outpaced all other major US apartment markets in job creation over the last five years, per August data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the federal government shutdown has delayed more recent numbers, the latest available data highlights a booming Central Florida economy.

From August 2020 to August 2025, Orlando’s employment base grew by 24.8%, the highest among the country’s 50 largest apartment markets. That impressive growth puts it ahead of Austin and Las Vegas, both of which also posted job gains above 23%.

Five-Year Job Growth Leaders, August 2025

Leisure Drives Recovery

Much of Orlando’s job growth came from the Leisure and Hospitality Services sector, which surged 51.4% during the period. The sector’s rebound comes after significant pandemic-era losses and underscores the city’s identity as a tourism and entertainment hub. Major employers like Disney, Universal, and a thriving convention industry played key roles in that recovery.

Beyond tourism, Orlando also saw substantial employment growth in Professional and Business Services, along with Education and Health Services—two sectors that signal broader economic diversification.

Florida Cities Dominate

Florida markets made a strong showing overall. Miami ranked in the top 10 with 18.2% growth, while West Palm Beach saw a 15.7% increase in its job base. The performance of these cities reflects broader trends of population and business migration to the Sun Belt over the past five years.

Why It Matters

Strong job growth is a leading indicator for demand in the multifamily market. As employment expands, so does the need for housing—particularly in markets like Orlando where in-migration is high. The city’s performance highlights its ongoing appeal to both renters and developers.

What’s Next

As the BLS resumes publishing employment data following the shutdown, updated figures will show whether Orlando can maintain its momentum. But even with current numbers, the city’s trajectory positions it as a continued hotspot for real estate investment and apartment development.