Florida is not as popular as it used to be among whites who are not Hispanic, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released today.

Analysts say the sluggish economy, rise in the cost of living and housing market slowdown are partly behind the falling numbers.

"It's certainly true that the non-Hispanic white population in Florida is declining and will continue to decline," said Stan Smith, director of the Bureau of Economic Business Research at the University of Florida.

But Smith said one has to be cautious about over-emphasizing year-to-year changes.

"There is often volatility from one year to the next. When you look at changes over a long period of time they tend not to be so dramatic," Smith said.

Census: Fewer non-Hispanic whites moving to Florida - South Florida Sun-Sentinel - May 1, 2008