Geography
Wilton Manors is located at 26°9'31" North, 80°8'22" West (26.158712, -80.139516)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.0 km² (1.9 mi²). 5.0 km² (1.9 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 12,697 people, 5,876 households, and 2,467 families residing in the city. The population density is 2,527.0/km² (6,535.3/mi²). There are 6,321 housing units at an average density of 1,258.0/km² (3,253.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 79.22% White, 13.18% African American, 0.24% Native American, 1.61% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.76% from other races, and 3.93% from two or more races. 9.67% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 5,876 households out of which 18.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.4% are married couples living together, 9.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 58.0% are non-families. 40.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.06 and the average family size is 2.91.
In the city the population is spread out with 16.6% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 36.4% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 123.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 128.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $38,366, and the median income for a family is $43,346. Males have a median income of $31,857 versus $26,522 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,770. 15.4% of the population and 10.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 25.3% are under the age of 18 and 13.4% are 65 or older.
Wilton Manors, the "Island City", was incorporated in 1947. It is bordered on the north by the North Fork of the Middle River and the City of Oakland Park; to the south, the boundaries include the South Fork of the Middle River and the City of Fort Lauderdale; the eastern terminus of the city limits extend to near Federal Highway (US 1); and the western most boundary reaches Interstate 95.
Over recent years, Wilton Manors has experienced tremendous economic revitalization. Both commercial and residential property values continue to increase giving proof to the Island City's economic rejuvenation.
Along Wilton Drive, the City's "Arts and Entertainment" District features an array of shops, restaurants and other entertainment venues situated along a pedestrian friendly corridor.
Construction has commenced on a new 4,000 square foot library expansion, the new facility will house an array of publications for all ages and will serve as a welcome improvement to library services offered by the City.
Wilton Manors is home to several recreational facilities, including Colohatchee Nature Park, 9.3-acre recreational facility complete with a boardwalk for nature observation, and a boat ramp for watercraft entry.
Areas throughout the City continue to gentrify and revitalize, making Wilton Manors one of South Florida's most attractive communities in which to live and work.
Wilton Manors is known as a gay village, although its population is extremely diverse. The mayor of Wilton Manors, Jim Stork, is openly gay.History and Culture