Cape Coral, Fla.
2010 population: 618,754
2000 population: 440,888
Growth: 40.3%
This Gulf Coast city started as a planned community in the 1950s and is noted for its fine beaches. Retirees like to make their homes here, but that has declined as a percentage of the population.
The housing bust hit this city hard, and more than 30% of homes now sit vacant. Residents are also hurting, with 12.7% of workers now unemployed.
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Last updated March 28 2011: 4:19 PM ET
