Broward County in Florida ranks as the second most populous county within the state and the 17th most populous in the nation. Situated in the Miami metropolitan area, it boasts a diverse and multicultural populace. Nonetheless, the county contends with a notable poverty-stricken population, particularly in select neighborhoods.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s records from 2021 indicate a poverty rate of 12.6% for Broward County, signifying that around 241,133 individuals out of a total of 1,912,890 were living below the poverty line. In Florida, the poverty line for a family of four stood at $26,246 during the same year.
The incidence of poverty fluctuates significantly across various neighborhoods within the county. This variation is attributed to factors including income, education, employment, housing, and access to essential services. Poverty rates range from as high as 40% in certain areas to as low as 5% in others.
Outlined below are five of Broward County’s most impoverished neighborhoods based on data extracted from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey spanning 2017 to 2021:
1. Washington Park
Positioned in central Broward County, Washington Park lies between Sunrise Boulevard and Broward Boulevard. With a population primarily comprising African Americans, this urban zone houses roughly 2,500 residents. Unfortunately, it also claims the title of one of the county’s poorest neighborhoods, sporting a poverty rate of 40.8%.
This figure, over three times the county’s average, is underscored by a median household income of $20,833, which is less than a fifth of the county median. Unemployment, too, is a pressing issue, with an 18.9% rate, more than four times the county’s average. Additionally, Washington Park grapples with challenges such as crime, violence, drug misuse, and inadequate infrastructure.
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2. Roosevelt Gardens
Also situated in central Broward County, Roosevelt Gardens falls between Northwest 27th Avenue and Northwest 31st Avenue. Home to approximately 2,000 residents, predominantly African Americans, it stands as one of the county’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods with a 38% poverty rate.
This rate, over three times higher than the county average, is mirrored by a median household income of $22,500, which is less than a quarter of the county median. Unemployment is marked at 16%, more than three times higher than the county’s average. The neighborhood further grapples with issues like limited educational attainment, poor health outcomes, and inadequate social services.
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3. Boulevard Gardens
Between Northwest Ninth Avenue and Northwest 15th Avenue lies Boulevard Gardens, another urban area in central Broward County. Home to about 3,000 residents, primarily African Americans, it carries a 36% poverty rate, nearly three times higher than the county’s average.
The median household income here is $24,375, which is less than a quarter of the county median. Unemployment, at 14%, is more than three times the county’s average. The neighborhood contends with challenges such as substandard housing, environmental hazards, and a lack of recreational facilities.
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4. Franklin Park
Franklin Park, positioned between Northwest Seventh Avenue and Northwest 12th Avenue, is another central urban area. Home to approximately 1,500 residents, mostly African Americans, it displays a 35% poverty rate, nearly three times the county’s average.
The median household income is $25,417, which is less than a quarter of the county median. Unemployment stands at 13%, almost three times higher than the county’s average. Franklin Park also struggles with a high crime rate, limited public transportation, and low civic engagement.
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5. Carver Ranches
Carver Ranches, located in the southern part of Broward County and bounded by Southwest 56th Avenue and Southwest 48th Avenue, is home to about 5,000 residents, predominantly African Americans. It reports a poverty rate of 33%, more than double the county’s average.
The median household income is $29,583, less than a third of the county median. Unemployment, at 11%, is more than double the county’s average. The neighborhood grapples with issues like low homeownership rates, inadequate healthcare access, and limited economic opportunities.
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In Conclusion
These neighborhoods within Broward County, Florida, grapple with significant economic and social challenges. However, they possess rich histories, cultures, and a strong sense of community.
By tackling the underlying causes of poverty and inequality, including low income, limited education, inadequate employment, and restricted access to services, these neighborhoods can surmount their obstacles and realize their potential.
