Fort Myers experienced a significant shock from Hurricane Ian in 2022, but the recovery speed shows the area's resilience.

Lee County, where Fort Myers is located, has seen its population return to an upward trend during the recovery process following Hurricane Ian in 2022. The city's population is around 90,000, but the county's total population has exceeded 800,000, with a continued influx of people moving from other states seeking a warm climate and relatively low cost of living.

The industrial base is centered around healthcare, tourism, and construction. There has been a steady expansion of medical facilities focused on rehabilitation, along with related hiring, and it appears that jobs in construction and related services have also increased during the hurricane recovery process. The tourism industry continues to play a significant role in the local economy.

The unemployment rate is reported to be in the high 3% range, similar to the Florida state average, while income growth remains moderate. However, the sharp increase in homeowners' insurance premiums following the hurricane is cited as a factor increasing the burden of living costs.

Infrastructure investments include road expansion projects and new residential developments within Lee County, along with infrastructure strengthening initiatives in response to hurricanes. However, the recurring risk of hurricanes remains a structural challenge for the area.

For Korean households, there is often interest in Fort Myers as a primary residence after retirement or as a second home during the winter. However, a cautious approach considering rising insurance costs and hurricane risks is necessary, and if the intent is investment, it is important to carefully select areas within the region that have a lower risk of flooding.

In summary, Fort Myers maintains growth potential based on population influx and the healthcare and tourism industries, but it is evaluated as a region that must also consider variables such as climate risks and insurance burdens.