Pompano Beach

by The Linguist

Pompano Beach is a city located in Broward County, Florida along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean just to the north of Fort Lauderdale. According to the Wikipedia page, Pompano Beach had an estimated population of 114,394 as of 2021, making it one of the larger cities in Broward County.

Population and Demographics

As mentioned above, Pompano Beach has an estimated population of over 110,000 residents, making it the seventh largest city in Broward County. The population density is approximately 4,800 people per square mile. Pompano Beach has grown rapidly in recent decades, more than doubling in population since 1980 when there were just over 45,000 residents.

The racial makeup of Pompano Beach is predominantly white, with approximately 75% of residents identifying as white alone. Roughly 20% of residents identify as black or African American alone. There is also a notable Hispanic or Latino population, comprising approximately 25% of residents. Other races such as Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and those identifying as two or more races make up the remainder of the population.

The median age in Pompano Beach is 42.5 years old. Over 18% of residents are aged 65 and above. Nearly 23% of the population is under age 18. Pompano Beach has slightly more female residents at 52.5% of the population compared to 47.5% male.

Over 35% of households in Pompano Beach are home to children under age 18. Approximately 30% of households have someone aged 65 or older. The average household size is 2.31 and the average family size is 3.01.

Economy and Major Employers

Pompano Beach has a robust local economy with several major industries and employers. According to the City of Pompano Beach Economic Development Office, some of the top employment sectors are:

  • Healthcare
  • Retail
  • Accommodation and food services
  • Construction
  • Professional and technical services

Some of the major companies headquartered or with significant operations in Pompano Beach include:

Major companies help provide employment opportunities for Pompano Beach residents. The unemployment rate as of June 2022 was just 2.8% indicating a strong job market.

In addition to large employers, Pompano Beach has a vibrant small business community across sectors like healthcare, real estate, construction, retail, accommodation and food services, and professional services.

Parks and Landmarks

Pompano Beach is home to many parks and landmarks for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The Hillsboro Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in Pompano Beach. The lighthouse was built in 1907 on the north side of the Hillsboro Inlet. It remains an active lighthouse helping guide boaters along the Florida coastline.

Pompano Beach Municipal Park located along the beach is a prime destination with amenities like playgrounds, volleyball courts, and walking paths. The area is popular for swimming, surfing, fishing, and simply enjoying the ocean views.

The Pompano Beach Community Park is one of the largest parks in the city at over 60 acres. It includes sports fields, tennis courts, a recreation center, aquatic center, amphitheater for concerts and events, and more.

On the outskirts of the city, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers over 3 miles of undeveloped beach, inland lagoons, mangrove areas, and shady hammocks for nature lovers to explore.

Sports and Recreation

Sports are a big part of the culture and community in Pompano Beach. The city is home to several professional, college, and recreational sports teams.

The Florida Atlantic University Owls NCAA Division I athletics program is based in Boca Raton just to the north of Pompano Beach. FAU football games, basketball games, and other sporting events attract fans from across the region including Pompano Beach.

The Florida Panthers NHL hockey team plays nearby at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Many hockey fans from Pompano Beach support the Panthers and attend games and events.

For golf, the Pompano Beach Municipal Golf Course designed by Greg Norman offers an 18-hole course right in the heart of the city.

With the beach and ocean access, water sports like boating, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing are popular activities for locals and visitors. Pompano Beach has been nicknamed the “Heart of the Gold Coast” for its prime beach location.

Education

Pompano Beach is served by Broward County Public Schools. Within the county district, there are 8 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools located within Pompano Beach.

Some of the larger and most highly-rated public schools in the city include:

There are also several notable private schools in the area that serve Pompano Beach students such as:

At the higher education level, Broward College, Florida Atlantic University, Keiser University, and Nova Southeastern University all have campuses located near Pompano Beach.

Transportation

Pompano Beach is conveniently located near several major highways and transportation links.

Interstate 95 runs north-south just west of the city, providing direct access to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Florida’s Turnpike also passes through Pompano Beach and connects to Orlando and south Florida.

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is located just 25 minutes south, providing domestic and international flights. Many residents of Pompano Beach use the airport for business and leisure travel.

Pompano Beach is also served by several rail and bus systems:

These transit options allow residents to conveniently get around Pompano Beach and connect to neighboring cities and regions.

Things to Do

Some of the top attractions and activities in Pompano Beach include:

  • Beach-going at Pompano Beach Sea Pavilion, Pompano Municipal Beach, and more
  • Fishing trips
  • Boating and water sports
  • Golfing at the Municipal Golf Course or Palm-Aire Country Club
  • Hiking and nature walks through parks like Fern Forest Nature Center
  • Sporting events – Florida Panthers NHL games, Florida Atlantic University sports
  • The Pompano Beach Fishing Pier
  • Downtown Pompano Beach shopping and dining
  • Musical performances and shows at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater
  • Diving the Pompano Drop-Off and other scuba spots
  • Everglades airboat tours
  • Butterfly World botanical garden

With ample beaches, recreational activities, nature, and lively downtown areas, Pompano Beach offers excellent quality of life and plenty of things to do.

Facebook

To keep up with community news and events, check out the City of Pompano Beach Facebook page. The city government’s page shares information on upcoming activities, public meetings, community programs, local business spotlights, emergency announcements, and more.