Foreclosures in Florida increased in 2009 over the prior year. There was a total of 516,711 properties with foreclosure filings. That works out to a rate of one filing for every 17 households, which is more than the United States average of 45, and a little less than six percent of the state's housing units.
Florida is the 4th largest U.S. state by population, with 18,537,969 people (in 2009). Its 65,758 square miles make it the 22nd largest state by area. Median household income in 2008 was $47,778.
Florida has one of the most diverse economies in the United States. Tourism ranks high, with Disney World, the Everglades, South Beach, the Florida Keys and numerous other attractions pulling in millions of visitors every year. Florida's agricultural output is also among the nation's highest, led by citrus and livestock production. The state is one of the few places where some of the more delicate fruits and vegetables like tomatoes are grown all year. The military and government are major employers in Florida.