By 1920 the population of Kissimmee increased to more than 2,700 people as a result of the Florida land boom. In the 1930's the cattle industry began to flourish in the area. However, citrus and other crops remained as the predominant industry. The construction of the Kissimmee Airport in the 1940's by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in preparation for the U.S. involvement in World War II led to Kissimmee's population increased by another 38% to 3,700 citizens.

City leaders, wanting to continue Kissimmee's prosperous history, encouraged growth through the attraction of retirees into the area during the 1950's. This effort stimulated growth of the almost 60%. The next period of growth came in the 1970's with the opening of the Walt Disney World resort area and other tourist attractions. From Walt Disney World's debut in 1971, the population doubled from 7,500 to 15,000 in 1980. The population doubled again during the 80's to 30,000.