Broward County, located in South Florida and home to nearly 2 million residents across 30 cities, exhibits a stark contrast in its neighborhoods. While some areas boast safety, affluence, and an excellent quality of life, others grapple with issues like crime, poverty, and social challenges.
This article delves into the five most distressed neighborhoods in Broward County, as determined by the Distressed Communities Index (DCI), which assesses the economic well-being of communities nationwide.
The DCI considers seven key factors: high school education levels, housing vacancies, unemployment, poverty rates, median income disparities, employment changes, and business establishment trends. A higher DCI score signifies greater community distress.
5. North Lauderdale
North Lauderdale, with a population of around 43,000, is situated centrally in Broward County. Conceived in 1963 as an ambitious urban development project by architect Morris Lapidus, known for designing iconic Miami Beach hotels, North Lauderdale fell short of its vision as a modern and glamorous city. Instead, it became a low-income, high-crime area, earning a DCI score of 70.9. The city grapples with high poverty (19.8%), unemployment (11.9%), and housing vacancies (12.9%). Its median income ratio stands at a mere 0.64, indicating residents earn significantly less than the Florida average.
4. Lauderhill
Lauderhill, home to approximately 71,000 residents in central Broward County, was founded in 1959 by developer Herbert Sadkin. The city got its name from Herbert’s friend, Lauralee, wife of New York real estate magnate William Zeckendorf. Lauderhill boasts a substantial Caribbean population, particularly Jamaicans, constituting around 36% of its inhabitants. With a DCI score of 71.4, Lauderhill faces considerable distress, marked by high poverty (21.9%), unemployment (12.7%), and housing vacancies (15.1%). Its median income ratio is just 0.62, signifying residents earn well below the state average.
3. Lauderdale Lakes
Lauderdale Lakes, a city of approximately 35,000 residents in central Broward County, was initially envisioned in 1961 as a retirement haven for senior citizens. However, over time, it evolved into a predominantly African American community, with approximately 77% of its population identifying as Black. Lauderdale Lakes possesses a DCI score of 72.7, signifying substantial distress. The city contends with high poverty (24.7%), unemployment (13%), and housing vacancies (16%). Its median income ratio stands at 0.59, indicating residents’ earnings significantly lag behind the Florida average.
2. West Park
West Park, a city housing roughly 15,000 residents in the southern part of Broward County, emerged as the county’s newest city in 2005, following residents’ decision to incorporate their unincorporated neighborhoods into a municipality. West Park boasts a diverse population, with approximately 48% Black, 37% Hispanic, and 12% White residents. The city exhibits a DCI score of 73, signifying substantial distress characterized by high poverty (25%), unemployment (14%), and housing vacancies (17%). Its median income ratio is 0.58, indicating residents earn significantly less than the Florida average.
1. Hallandale Beach
Hallandale Beach, housing around 39,000 residents in the southern part of Broward County, was established in 1895 by Swedish immigrant Lars Anderson Halland, after whom the city and county were named. Hallandale Beach is renowned for its beaches, casinos, and racetracks but also grapples with crime and poverty. With a DCI score of 75.6, the city experiences severe distress. Hallandale Beach contends with high poverty (27%), unemployment (15%), and housing vacancies (18%). Its median income ratio stands at 0.56, indicating residents’ earnings fall significantly below the Florida average.
Conclusion
Broward County presents a diverse landscape with varying degrees of prosperity and well-being among its neighborhoods. While some areas thrive, others face daunting challenges such as crime, poverty, unemployment, and housing shortages. It is imperative for local and state governments, as well as private and nonprofit sectors, to channel their attention and resources toward these distressed neighborhoods. By doing so, Broward County can embark on a journey toward greater equity and inclusivity, ensuring a better quality of life for all its residents.