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Demographic Analysis of Rock Island: A Predominantly Black Neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Rock Island, a neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a predominantly Black community with low diversity. As of 2022, the neighborhood has a Black racial majority of 93%, with a median income of $40,267. This area is notable for its strong African American cultural presence and historical significance within Fort Lauderdale.
Over the past decade, Rock Island has consistently maintained its status as a Black Majority community. From 2013 to 2022, the Black population has remained above 90%, showing minimal fluctuation. The Hispanic population has grown from 1% in 2013 to 3% in 2022. Similarly, the White population has increased from 1% to 3% in the same period. These small changes suggest the beginning of a gradual diversification process.
The median income in Rock Island has shown an overall upward trend, with some fluctuations. From $30,443 in 2013, it rose to $42,046 in 2020, before slightly decreasing to $40,267 in 2022. This general increase in median income correlates with the subtle demographic shifts. The population has grown from 7,993 in 2013 to 8,667 in 2022, suggesting the area is becoming increasingly desirable.
The demographic makeup of Rock Island contrasts with the broader trends in Fort Lauderdale and Florida. While Fort Lauderdale as a whole is known for its diverse population with significant White, Black, and Hispanic communities, Rock Island remains a predominantly Black enclave. This persistence of a strong Black majority in Rock Island may indicate the neighborhood's role as a cultural anchor for the African American community in the wider Fort Lauderdale area.
The economic growth in Rock Island, while positive, still lags behind the median household income for Fort Lauderdale as a whole, which was approximately $64,000 in 2020. This disparity highlights ongoing economic challenges within the neighborhood, despite its improvements.
The gradual increase in diversity in Rock Island aligns with national trends of increasing racial and ethnic diversity in urban areas. However, the pace of change in Rock Island is slower compared to many other urban neighborhoods across the United States, reflecting the strong cultural identity and community cohesion within this predominantly Black neighborhood.
While Rock Island remains a Black Majority community with relatively Low Diversity, subtle shifts in demographics and steady economic improvements suggest the early stages of a Transitional Community. These changes, though gradual, may signal the beginning of a long-term trend towards increased diversity and economic development in this historically significant African American neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale.
