Fort Lauderdale, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
185,604
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,130/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
101,691
0.5% year-over-year change

Fort Lauderdale population

How many people live in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is home to 185,604 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.5% of Fort Lauderdale locals are male, and 47.5% are female.

Total population
185,604
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.5%
97,363
Female
47.5%
88,241
Value Percent YoY change
Male 97,363 52.5% 1.5%
Female 88,241 47.5% 1.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Fort Lauderdale is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 14% are children under 15, then 10.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.3% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14%
15 to 24
10.4%
25 to 44
28.3%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 26,037 14% 0.0%
15 to 24 19,360 10.4% 4.2%
25 to 44 52,484 28.3% 1.9%
45 to 64 51,279 27.6% 0.5%
Over 65 36,444 19.6% 1.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Fort Lauderdale, 70.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 48.4% of locals are Caucasian, 28.9% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 17.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
70.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.2%
Non-citizens
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 130,037 70.1% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 31,883 17.2% 2.4%
Non-citizens 23,684 12.8% 3.5%
Racial breakdown
White
48.4%
Black or African American
28.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
17.3%
Other
3.6%
Value Percent
White 89,899 48.4%
Black or African American 53,676 28.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 354 0.2%
Asian 2,797 1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 48 0%
Two or more races 32,055 17.3%
Other 6,775 3.6%

Households in Fort Lauderdale

A peek inside Fort Lauderdale households

Fort Lauderdale has 80,999 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.2% are families, while the remaining 49.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
80,999
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
40,380
Family households
40,619
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 40,380 49.8% -0.8%
Family households 40,619 50.2% 1.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Fort Lauderdale

The housing landscape of Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale's housing consists of 101,691 units, with 34% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
101,691
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 34,533 34%
1 unit, attached 5,303 5.2%
2 units 4,346 4.3%
3 or 4 units 6,544 6.4%
5 to 9 units 5,551 5.5%
10 to 19 units 6,066 6%
20 to 49 units 9,450 9.3%
50 or more units 28,823 28.3%
Mobile home 1,056 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 19 0%
Homes built since 2020
2,620
29.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fort Lauderdale

In Fort Lauderdale, the median construction year is 1973. About 1.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,481 1.5% -8.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,651 2.6% -3.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 19,959 19.6% -2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 20,268 19.9% -0.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 21,791 21.4% -0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 7,546 7.4% 0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,514 3.5% -3.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11,220 11% 2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 10,641 10.5% 6.6%
Built in 2020 or later 2,620 2.6% 29.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Fort Lauderdale occupancy rates

Out of the 80,999 occupied housing units in Fort Lauderdale, 54.1% are owner-occupied, while 45.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
80,999
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
37,158
Owner occupied
43,841
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 37,158 45.9% -0.1%
Owner occupied 43,841 54.1% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
20.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Fort Lauderdale housing costs

Housing costs in Fort Lauderdale come to a median of $1,875 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,854.

Median housing costs per month
$1,875/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Fort Lauderdale
$1,854/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale education at a glance

About 32.4% of the population in Fort Lauderdale went to high school, while 17% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 23.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5,834 3.8% -3.7%
High school diploma 49,626 32.4% 0.9%
College diploma 26,096 17% -2.4%
Associate degree 12,771 8.3% 5.2%
Bachelor's degree 36,114 23.5% 4.9%
Graduate degree 22,982 15% 3.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Fort Lauderdale

How much people earn in Fort Lauderdale

The average annual household income in Fort Lauderdale was $133,067 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,130, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fort Lauderdale
$133,067/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale
$83,130/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Fort Lauderdale income by age

In Fort Lauderdale, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,657. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,350 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $67,130, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $67,902 in earnings. Overall, 85.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $67,130 11.1%
25 - 44 $88,657 3.8%
45 - 64 $94,350 6.6%
Over 65 $67,902 4.4%
Above poverty level
154,591
Below poverty level
27,090
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 154,591 85.1% 1.8%
Below poverty level 27,090 14.9% -0.0%

Average renter income in Fort Lauderdale

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fort Lauderdale, their median household income was $57,693 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$57,693
Rent-to-income ratio
38.6%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Fort Lauderdale

Workforce and job types in Fort Lauderdale

The job market in Fort Lauderdale is powered by 95,614 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.7% run their own businesses, 71.2% are employed by private companies, and 8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
95,614
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
78,047
Blue collar
17,567
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 78,047 81.6% 0.3%
Blue collar 17,567 18.4% -0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
15.7%
Private companies
71.2%
Governmental workers
8%
Not for profit companies
5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 15,021 15.7% 1.6%
Private companies 68,128 71.2% 0.8%
Governmental workers 7,674 8% -10.3%
Not for profit companies 4,791 5% 4.3%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
-1.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fort Lauderdale stands at 5.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Fort Lauderdale

How people get around in Fort Lauderdale

In Fort Lauderdale, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 71.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-1.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 67,367 71.9% -2.2%
Taxicab 808 0.9% 41.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1,902 2% -5.8%
Subway or elevated 77 0.1% N/A
Railroad 286 0.3% -2.4%
Motorcycle 250 0.3% 38.1%
Bicycle 507 0.5% 4.8%
Walk 2,258 2.4% 0.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Fort Lauderdale by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
33004 17,094 7,671 $52,574 $76,948
33301 19,503 11,403 $124,812 $178,257
33304 18,332 9,753 $84,920 $149,167
33305 13,243 7,115 $92,485 $162,468
33306 2,978 1,705 $95,542 $186,428
33308 27,935 15,212 $93,879 $147,798
33309 37,475 13,306 $77,321 $95,094
33311 74,898 24,641 $53,973 $71,067
33312 52,798 18,307 $75,952 $102,548
33315 13,645 5,805 $88,309 $122,004

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FAQs about Fort Lauderdale demographics 

What is the total population of Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale has a total population of 185,604 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fort Lauderdale?

The gender ratio in Fort Lauderdale is as follows:
  • 52.5% males (97,363 residents)
  • 47.5% females (88,241 residents)

What is the median age in Fort Lauderdale?

The median age in Fort Lauderdale is 42.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fort Lauderdale?

The age distribution in Fort Lauderdale is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14% (26,037 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.4% (19,360 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.3% (52,484 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (51,279 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (36,444 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Lauderdale?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Lauderdale is as follows:
  • White: 48.4% (89,899 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.9% (53,676 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (354 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (2,797 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (48 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.3% (32,055 residents)
  • Other: 3.6% (6,775 residents)

What percentage of the population in Fort Lauderdale are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 70.1% of the population in Fort Lauderdale.

How many housing units are there in Fort Lauderdale?

There are 101,691 housing units in Fort Lauderdale, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Fort Lauderdale and what is the average household size?

Fort Lauderdale has a total of 80,999 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale has a median household income of $83,130, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fort Lauderdale?

The employment rate is 94.7% in Fort Lauderdale, with a workforce of 95,614 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.6% (78,047 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.4% (17,567 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.7% (15,021 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.2% (68,128 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8% (7,674 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5% (4,791 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025