In order to get a better understanding of the city's population, here's a look at its racial and ethnic makeup. While the city's historical center has been preserved, there's a large unincorporated area outside of Boca Raton's city limits. The old Boca Raton Mall, which opened in 1979, was plagued by high vacancy rates and marginal tenants. Development of the area was slow, in part, due to the availability of large tracts of land.
In terms of ethnicity, Boca Raton has a much lower representation of black and Hispanic residents than the rest of the country. The city's population is composed of eight major ethnic groups: White (74.9%), Hispanic Or Latino (12.9%), Black Or African American (5.2%), and Asian/Pacific Islander (0.1%). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's population is almost double its residential population, making it a major economic center.
The city also has a reputation as a geriatric and mafia-ridden town. But despite the reputation, Boca Raton is a cosmopolitan city that draws revenue from the aged American haute bourgeoisie. Residents of Boca Raton include members of the Gambino family. The city also has several colleges and universities. Recently, it has developed its downtown.
Boca Raton is the principal city of the Miami metropolitan area. The city has a population of 58,845, with a median income of $148,700. The city has a high education level: 56.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Additionally, there are significant populations of immigrants from Brazil and the Jews. A few notable private and religious institutions also exist within the city.