Deerfield Beach, FL Demographics 2024

As of 2024, Deerfield Beach, Florida, has a diverse demographic profile. The city has a population of approximately 85,218, which has slightly decreased since the 2020 census​​. The population density is significantly higher than the Florida average, with 5,408 people per square mile​​.

In terms of ethnic composition, Deerfield Beach is quite varied:

• Approximately 60.06% of the population is White.
• About 27.51% are Black or African American.
• Around 1.78% are Asian.
• The Hispanic or Latino population constitutes about 21.5% of the total.
• Other races and mixed races make up the remaining percentage​​​​.

The median age in Deerfield Beach is slightly higher than the Florida average, at 43.2 years. The male-to-female ratio is about 0.8 to 1, indicating more females than males​​.

Regarding education, the highest rate of high school graduation is among islanders, while the highest rate of bachelor’s degrees is among white people​​. The employment rate is 58.00%, varying across different age groups and ethnicities. For instance, the employment rate for those aged 25 to 29 is 81.70%, while it is 30.90% for those aged 65 to 74​​.

The average household income in Deerfield Beach is around $66,056, with a poverty rate of 15.62%. The poverty rate is notably higher among the Asian population at 49.49% and the lowest among those identifying with multiple races at 12.01%

Deerfield Beach, FL Neighborhoods

Deerfield Beach, Florida, boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with its distinct characteristics. Some of the most notable neighborhoods include:

1. The Cove
2. Deer Creek
3. Little Harbor
4. Waterford Homes
5. Independence Bay
6. Riverglen
7. Ocean Plaza
8. Villa D’Este
9. Century Village
10. Shorewood

Deerfield Beach History

Deerfield Beach, Florida’s history is rich and fascinating, dating back to the late 19th century. Initially, the area was known as Hillsborough, and the first non-native settlers arrived around 1877. A landscape of swamps greeted these early settlers, dense vines, saw palmetto, wild fig trees, cabbage palms, and pine groves along the Hillsboro River. By 1890, a few houses had appeared along this river.

The town was named “Deerfield” in 1898 for the deer that grazed along the Hillsboro River, and a post office was established to serve the then-small population of 20 settlers. The arrival of the Florida East Coast Railroad in the early 1900s was a significant milestone, facilitating the area’s growth and development. Deerfield’s early economy was primarily agricultural, with farmers growing pineapples, tomatoes, green beans, squash, and fishing along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Significant developments occurred in the early 20th century. The Hillsboro Canal was dredged in 1911, connecting Deerfield to Lake Okeechobee and marking a pivotal change in the region’s agricultural economy. The town was officially incorporated as Deerfield in 1925 and had grown to about 1,300 residents by then. In 1939, the town’s name was changed to Deerfield Beach to highlight its scenic oceanfront, attracting more tourists. The tourism industry began to take off after World War II, transforming the area into a residential resort. The city achieved its status in 1951.

Throughout the 20th century, Deerfield Beach evolved from an agricultural community to a bustling city with a diverse economy that includes tourism, distribution, manufacturing, and office industries. Today, Deerfield Beach is known for its beautiful beachfront, recreational programs, and green spaces, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike​.