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Fort Lauderdale's Racial Demographic Shift: From White Majority to Moderate Diversity
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
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Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, exhibited a dynamic demographic landscape in 2022. The city's population was 183,156 with a median income of $81,544. Fort Lauderdale was categorized as exhibiting "Moderate Diversity" based on its racial composition, with no single group exceeding 50% of the population.
Fort Lauderdale underwent notable changes in its racial composition over the past decade. In 2013, the city was classified as having a "White Majority" with 51% of the population identifying as white. By 2022, this had shifted to a "Moderate Diversity" category, with white residents comprising 44% of the population. The Hispanic representation increased from 17% in 2013 to 21% in 2022. The Black population remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 24% and 33% over the years. The category of "Two or More Races" grew from 1% in 2013 to 5% in 2022.
Alongside these demographic shifts, Fort Lauderdale experienced substantial economic growth. The median income rose from $49,263 in 2013 to $81,544 in 2022, representing a 65% increase. The population grew modestly from 172,374 in 2013 to 183,156 in 2022, a 6.3% increase.
The trends observed in Fort Lauderdale align with broader patterns seen in many urban areas across the United States. The shift towards greater diversity, particularly the growth in Hispanic and multiracial populations, reflects national demographic trends. The substantial increase in median income also mirrors the economic recovery and growth experienced in many U.S. cities post-2008 recession.
Based on the observed trends, Fort Lauderdale appears to be on a trajectory towards becoming a "High Diversity" community in the near future. The consistent decrease in the white population percentage, coupled with increases in Hispanic and multiracial categories, suggests a continuing trend towards greater diversity. Economically, if the upward trend in median income continues, Fort Lauderdale may attract more high-skilled workers from diverse backgrounds.
Rapid economic growth could lead to affordability issues, potentially affecting the demographic makeup of the city. If lower-income residents are priced out, it could slow or reverse the diversification trend. Fort Lauderdale's demographic and economic evolution over the past decade reflects a city in transition, moving from a "White Majority" to a "Moderate Diversity" classification, with potential to become a "High Diversity" community in the coming years.
