Fort Lauderdale, FL
Population 183,032 · Florida
About Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale is a major city located in Florida with a population of 183,032 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,935 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Lauderdale features a median home value of $455,600, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fort Lauderdale in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,776, 53% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 101,234 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (43,380 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (37,195 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Lauderdale shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Lauderdale have an average one-way commute time of 26.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
39.8% of Fort Lauderdale residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, and 11.6% Asian residents, with 26.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Lauderdale Ranks in Florida
Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Compared to national averages, Fort Lauderdale has a median household income of $79,935 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $455,600, which is 86% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,776 is 53% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Fort Lauderdale's income is 5% above the state average of $75,893, and home values are 29% above the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Fort Lauderdale offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,935, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 39.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $455,600. However, as a major city, Fort Lauderdale provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fort Lauderdale has a population of 183,032 with a median age of 42.9 years. Compare Fort Lauderdale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Fort Lauderdale
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pembroke Pines | 170,557 | $81,675 | $411,700 | Compare |
| Tallahassee | 199,696 | $55,931 | $276,000 | Compare |
| Cape Coral | 206,387 | $76,062 | $339,200 | Compare |
| Hollywood | 152,935 | $65,359 | $374,200 | Compare |
| Port St. Lucie | 220,453 | $78,137 | $327,700 | Compare |
| Hialeah | 221,901 | $53,079 | $359,200 | Compare |
| Gainesville | 143,611 | $45,611 | $235,000 | Compare |
| Miramar | 135,986 | $86,109 | $420,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fort Lauderdale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Lauderdale
What is the population of Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The population of Fort Lauderdale, FL is 183,032 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Fort Lauderdale?
The median household income in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $79,935 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Lauderdale?
The median home value in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $455,600, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Lauderdale?
The median monthly rent in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $1,776, which is 53% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Lauderdale?
The unemployment rate in Fort Lauderdale, FL is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Lauderdale, FL a good place to live?
Fort Lauderdale offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 183,032 and a median age of 42.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Lauderdale, FL?
39.8% of residents in Fort Lauderdale aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Lauderdale, FL: median home value is $455,600 (86% above national), median rent is $1,776/month, and median household income is $79,935. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Lauderdale?
The poverty rate in Fort Lauderdale, FL is 15.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Fort Lauderdale's population is 1.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, 11.6% Asian, and 28.5% two or more races. 26.7% of residents are foreign-born.