Broward County in South Florida is home to about 2 million people dispersed across 30 cities, each with its own distinct flavor. Some areas are safe, prosperous, and have a high standard of living, while others are plagued by crime, poverty, and social problems.
This article looks at the top five most distressed neighborhoods in Broward County, as defined by the Distressed Communities Index (DCI), a tool that assesses the economic health of communities across the country.
The DCI looks at seven key indicators: high school education levels, housing vacancies, unemployment, poverty rates, median income inequalities, job shifts, and company establishment patterns. A higher DCI score reflects greater community misery.
North Lauderdale
North Lauderdale is located in the center of Broward County and has a population of around 43,000 people. North Lauderdale was founded in 1963 as an ambitious urban development project by architect Morris Lapidus, who is well known for designing renowned Miami Beach hotels.
However, the city’s goal of becoming modern and attractive was not fully realized. It developed into a low-income, high-crime community with a DCI score of 70.9.
The city is facing issues due to a high poverty rate of 19.8%, an unemployment rate of 11.9%, and a 12.9% housing vacancy rate. The median income ratio is 0.64, indicating that residents make much less than the Florida average.
Lauderhill
Lauderhill, located in central Broward County, was founded in 1959 by developer Herbert Sadkin and presently has a population of over 71,000. The city was named after Herbert’s friend Lauralee, who was the wife of New York real estate billionaire William Zeckendorf.
Lauderhill has a substantial Caribbean community, with Jamaicans accounting for roughly 36% of the population. Lauderhill is in severe distress, with a DCI score of 71.4, indicating high poverty (21.9%), unemployment (12.7%), and housing vacancies (15.1%). The median income ratio is 0.62, showing that residents make much less than the state average.
Lauderdale Lakes
Lauderdale Lakes, a city with approximately 35,000 residents in central Broward County, was originally established in 1961 as a retirement home for seniors.
Over time, it evolved into a predominantly African American community, with around 77% of residents being Black. Lauderdale Lakes has a DCI score of 72.7, which indicates substantial discomfort. The city faces issues, including a 24.7% poverty rate, 13% unemployment, and 16% housing vacancies. The median income ratio is 0.59, indicating that residents earn much less than the Florida average.
West Park
West Park, a city with around 15,000 residents in southern Broward County, became the county’s newest city in 2005 when voters voted to combine their unorganized communities into a municipality.
West Park’s population is varied, with around 48% black, 37% Hispanic, and 12% white individuals. The city has a DCI score of 73, indicating substantial distress caused by high poverty (25%), unemployment (14%), and housing vacancies (17%). The median income ratio is 0.58, indicating that residents earn much less than the Florida average.
Hallandale Beach
Hallandale Beach, located in the southern portion of Broward County, was created in 1895 by Swedish immigrant Lars Anderson Halland, who named both the city and the county. The city has roughly 39,000 residents.
Hallandale Beach is well-known for its beaches, casinos, and racetracks, but the community also struggles with crime and poverty. The city is in serious distress, with a DCI score of 75.6.
Hallandale Beach faces issues such as significant poverty (27%), unemployment (15%), and housing vacancies (18%). The median income ratio of 0.56 indicates that residents earn much less than the Florida average.
Conclusion
Broward County offers diverse landscapes with varying levels of affluence and well-being in neighborhoods. While some regions thrive, others struggle with difficulties such as crime, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of housing.
Local and state governments, as well as the commercial and charity sectors, must direct their attention and resources toward these disadvantaged neighborhoods. By taking this step, Broward County may begin to move toward greater justice and diversity, ensuring a higher quality of life for all of its people.