Pompano Beach is a city located in Broward County, Florida along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of over 110,000 residents, it is one of the larger cities in South Florida and a popular tourist destination. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Pompano Beach in terms of population, attractions, economy, and major employers.
Population
According to the Wikipedia page for Pompano Beach, the city had an estimated population of 112,595 as of 2021. Pompano Beach is part of the Miami metropolitan area, which has over 6 million residents. The racial makeup of the city is approximately 70% White, 25% African American, and 5% Asian and other races.
Pompano Beach has seen steady population growth since its incorporation in 1908. In the 1950s, the population exploded as the city became a vacation destination and retirement community. Many seasonal residents eventually became permanent residents. The population peaked in the 2000s and has remained relatively stable over the past couple decades.
Attractions and Landmarks
As a beachside community, Pompano Beach is best known for its beaches, waterways, and recreational activities. The city has nearly 4 miles of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular place for swimming, fishing, and boating. Some of the major beach parks include:
- Pompano Beach Municipal Park
- Atlantic Boulevard Beach Park
- Crystal Lake Beach Park
In addition to the beaches, top attractions in Pompano Beach include:
- Blanche Ely Park – Large regional park with athletic fields, a recreation center, and an amphitheater.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park – State park with nature trails through pine and oak forests.
- Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park – Casino and horsetrack offering live greyhound and harness racing.
- Pompano Beach Fishing Pier – Historic pier extending 1,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean.
- Pompano Beach Amphitheater – Outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and events.
Visitors also enjoy chartering boats and fishing excursions out of the Pompano Beach marinas as well as tee times at the many Pompano Beach golf courses.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically, the economy of Pompano Beach centered around fishing and agriculture. In the 20th century, tourism and services became strong industries. Today, major private employers in Pompano Beach include:
- Citrix Systems – Software company
- General Dynamics – Aerospace/defense company
- Lanxess Solutions – Chemical company
- Seaboard Marine – Shipping company
The city’s economy also relies heavily on the retail and restaurant activity from tourists. Major shopping areas include the Pompano Citi Centre and Pompano Square Mall.
With mile after mile of beachfront property, real estate and construction also play a major role in the area. The median home price in Pompano Beach exceeds $300,000 as of 2022.
Pompano Beach has maintained a reputation as a blue collar, working class city. Residents are drawn by the area’s natural amenities, recreational activities, and affordable cost of living compared to other South Florida cities.
Local Sports Teams
Although Pompano Beach does not have any professional sports teams, residents are passionate supporters of South Florida’s professional teams including the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Heat (NBA), Florida Panthers (NHL), and Miami Marlins (MLB).
On a local level, the Pompano Beach Little League represents the city in regional youth baseball tournaments. Pompano Beach High School fields varsity teams including football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, and volleyball.