County of miami-dade

florida

History & Founding

Located in southeastern Florida, this county boasts a vibrant and complex history deeply intertwined with the state's development. Established in 1836 from parts of Duval County, its name honors William Dade, a prominent judge who served as a justice of the Georgia Superior Court and played a key role in the early settlement of the region. Initially a sparsely populated wilderness, the county’s significance grew with the arrival of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway in the 1890s, which spurred significant population growth and development along the Atlantic coast. During the Seminole Wars, the area served as a strategic military outpost, and later, its strategic location facilitated trade and immigration. A fascinating anecdote from its early days involves the “Flagler Five,” a group of five escaped slaves who, in 1888, successfully navigated the Everglades to reach the county, demonstrating the resilience and resourcefulness of those seeking freedom.

Geography & Landscape

The county's geography is strikingly diverse. Situated on a long, narrow peninsula, it's bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Biscayne Bay to the east and southeast, and the Everglades to the west. The terrain is largely flat, with a few low-lying hills in the north. The Miami River, a vital waterway, flows through the heart of the county, connecting to Biscayne Bay. Numerous lakes, including Lake Okeechobee to the west, contribute to the region’s freshwater resources. The climate is subtropical, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The Everglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dominates the southwestern portion, showcasing a unique ecosystem of sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife. The county’s coastline is renowned for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

Economy & Communities

This county is a microcosm of Florida’s economic landscape. It’s comprised of 73 municipalities, ranging from bustling urban centers to smaller, more residential towns. Miami, the county seat, is the dominant economic hub, driving industries like tourism, international trade, finance, and healthcare. Agriculture, though diminished, still plays a role, with crops like citrus, vegetables, and tropical fruits grown in the northern and western areas. Major employers include Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and numerous hospitals and healthcare providers. The area is intensely urbanized, with a significant suburban sprawl extending outwards from Miami. The county’s economy is heavily reliant on international commerce, serving as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Points of Interest

The county offers a wealth of attractions. Everglades National Park provides unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa, is a popular cultural destination. South Beach, with its Art Deco architecture, is a world-renowned tourist spot. The county hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including Art Basel Miami Beach and Ultra Music Festival. Notable residents have included Gloria Estefan, Pitbull, and numerous athletes. Interestingly, the county holds the record for the highest number of Cuban-American residents in the United States, contributing significantly to the region's rich cultural tapestry. Its diverse population and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly unique place within the state of Florida.

Information

State
florida
Type
County
Population
2,253,362
Land area
1,945 sq mi
Capital
Miami
Time zone
UTC-5
FIPS
12086

73 Cities

CityPopulationElevation
Miami362,47011 ft (3 m)
Hialeah226,4197 ft (2 m)
Miami Beach87,9334 ft (1 m)
Kendall75,22610 ft (3 m)
North Miami59,88013 ft (4 m)
Fountainbleau59,5495 ft (2 m)
Carol City59,4438 ft (2 m)
Kendale Lakes56,901-
Tamiami54,7885 ft (2 m)
The Hammocks47,3795 ft (2 m)
Coral Gables42,24910 ft (3 m)
North Miami Beach40,78610 ft (3 m)
Country Club36,3105 ft (2 m)
South Miami Heights33,52211 ft (3 m)
Golden Glades32,6235 ft (2 m)
West Little River32,4985 ft (2 m)
Homestead31,9097 ft (2 m)
Westchester30,2715 ft (2 m)
Richmond West28,08210 ft (3 m)
University Park26,538-
Aventura25,2675 ft (2 m)
Cutler Ridge24,78111 ft (3 m)
Coral Terrace24,38010 ft (3 m)
The Crossings23,55710 ft (3 m)
Norland22,99510 ft (3 m)
Miami Lakes22,6766 ft (2 m)
Leisure City22,15211 ft (3 m)
Doral20,4385 ft (2 m)
Hialeah Gardens19,29710 ft (3 m)
Pinecrest19,055-
Ives Estates17,5869 ft (3 m)
Cutler17,39012 ft (4 m)
Sunset17,150-
Ojus16,6425 ft (2 m)
Pinewood16,5235 ft (2 m)
Glenvar Heights16,24312 ft (4 m)
Opa-locka14,9517 ft (2 m)
Gladeview14,468-
Scott Lake14,40110 ft (3 m)
Brownsville14,393-
Sweetwater14,226-
Miami Springs13,7124 ft (1 m)
Palmetto Estates13,67510 ft (3 m)
Olympia Heights13,4526 ft (2 m)
South Miami10,74110 ft (3 m)
Country Walk10,6535 ft (2 m)
Key Biscayne10,5074 ft (1 m)
Miami Shores10,38010 ft (3 m)
Princeton10,0908 ft (2 m)
Westview9,6925 ft (2 m)
Lake Lucerne9,1327 ft (2 m)
Lakes by the Bay9,0555 ft (2 m)
West Perrine8,60010 ft (3 m)
Andover8,4895 ft (2 m)
Richmond Heights8,47910 ft (3 m)
Florida City7,8436 ft (2 m)
Goulds7,45311 ft (3 m)
East Perrine7,07915 ft (5 m)
Three Lakes6,9555 ft (2 m)
North Bay Village6,7336 ft (2 m)
West Miami5,8639 ft (3 m)
Palm Springs North5,4608 ft (2 m)
Bay Harbor Islands5,1467 ft (2 m)
Surfside4,90913 ft (4 m)
Naranja4,03410 ft (3 m)
Bunche Park3,9728 ft (2 m)
Bal Harbour3,3056 ft (2 m)
Biscayne Park3,2696 ft (2 m)
El Portal2,50510 ft (3 m)
Virginia Gardens2,3487 ft (2 m)
Medley1,0985 ft (2 m)
Golden Beach9198 ft (2 m)
Fisher Island46710 ft (3 m)

Other counties in florida

alachua baker bay bradford brevard broward calhoun charlotte citrus clay collier columbia de soto dixie duval escambia flagler franklin gadsden gilchrist