Bradford, Leon, and Charlotte counties in the state of Florida with 28,303, 292,198, and 186,847 people respectively as per the 2020 Decennial Census (CRVRDO, 2021). Bradford has the least number of people, with most of them being 39.1+/-0.8 compared to the 42.8 median age of Florida state. On the other hand, Leon has the largest number of people compared to Bradford and Charlotte, with most people aged 32.0+/-0.4. Charlotte has the majority of the population between 60.4 +/-0.4 against the median age of the state, which means it has more older people compared to Leon and Bradford.
When comparing the population distribution with regard to sex, Bradford County has more males that females while Leon and Charlotte have more females than males. The above description leads to different pyramid shapes, where Charlotte’s pyramid takes after the shape T, to indicate more people are older adults, while Bradford shows more distribution of people on the lower side to indicate that there are more millennials. Despite the median age being 32, Leon County has a fair distribution with regard to young people, adults, and older adults. However, this distribution imitates an inverted bell with a stretch due to the higher number of people aged between 20 to 24.
Youth Dependency and Old-Age Dependency Ratio for Each County
a) Leon County
Youth dependency ratio=)
aged 0-14: 45,387
aged 15-64: 292,198 – 39,674 – 45,387 = 207,137
Youth dependency ratio = (aged 0-14 / aged 15-64) x 100% = (45,387 / 207,137) x 100%
= 21.9% or 219:10
The old-age dependency ratio=)
aged 65 and over 39,674
aged 15-64: 292,198 – 39,674 – 45,387 = 207,137
Old age dependency ratio = (aged 65 and over / aged 15-64) x 100% = (39,674 / 207,137) x 100%
= 19.2%
b) Charlotte County
The youth dependency ratio=)
aged 0-14: 17,895
aged 15-64: 186,847 – 40,697 – 17,895 = 128,255
Youth dependency ratio = (aged 0-14 / aged 15-64) x 100% = (17,895 / 128,255) x 100%
= 13.95%
The old-age dependency ratio=)
aged 65 and over: 40,697
aged 15-64: 186,847 – 40,697 – 17,895 = 128,255
Old age d. ratio = (aged 65 and over / aged 15-64) x 100% = (40,697 / 128,255) x 100%
= 31.72%
Top of Form
c) Bradford County
The youth dependency ratio=)
children aged 0-14: 4,610
aged 15-64: 28,303 – 4,904 – 4,610 = 18,789
Youth dependency ratio = (aged 0-14 / aged 15-64) x 100% = (4,610 / 18,789) x 100%
= 24.54%
The old-age dependency ratio=)
65 and over: 4,904
15-64: 28,303 – 4,904 – 4,610 = 18,789
Old age d. ratio = (65 and over / between 15-64) x 100% = (4,904 / 18,789) x 100%
= 26.06%
The Rationale for the Age and Sex Structure among the Counties
a) Charlotte County
This county is known to be a retirement destination in Florida, and as such, there is a high percentage of elderly residents which contributes to the T-shaped pyramid. According to Discovery Commons (2022), destinations like Port Charlotte are laid back to provide a chilled lifestyle and are recognized as a top place to retire in the US. Again, there are declining fertility rates, hence the low number of children aged 14 and below. While age is a significant contributor to the shape of the pyramid, the gender distribution is fair despite a slight difference in the numbers, i.e., the male and female distribution is fair, hence the balance of both sides. Notwithstanding, the youth dependency ratio and old age dependency ratios for Charlotte have a wide margin because of the difference in the numbers.
b) Leon County
The population pyramid for Leon County, according to the 2020 Decennial Census showed that there were more young people than older adults. The explanation for such is based on the large student population in Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College who work and study within. Besides, commercial and educational activities in an area are likely to attract more young people interested in working and studying. On the other hand, the low number of older adults is explained by the former trend that has shown Florida as a state with older adults. As birth rates increase in Leon, the number of older adults is decreasing.
c)Bradford
Bradford had the least number of people in 2020 because of its location. Bradford is a rural location, which means it may not attract many people who prefer urban and suburban settings. Again, there are limited job opportunities in Bradford. The unemployment rate in Bradford in 2020 was high, at 5.90% in January according to the US Federal Reserve (Trading Economics, 2023) while the employment rate in 2020 was 46% (American Community Survey). Housing options are also limited in Bradford because of its location and the low migration patterns that would welcome development. therefore, the location and migration patterns impacted by the lack of replacement reflect the old age and the working population, which translates to the dependency rate.
Business Consideration for Each County
Charlotte
Charlotte has more seniors and working ages, which means a thriving business would consider incorporating them. Such a business would include a senior care facility for older males with aspects of recreational activities that can be joined by other adults, and golf services. On the side, there should be a women’s only health club with aspects of cognitive therapy, exercises, and group activity for the longevity of retired seniors.
Leon
A business that would do well in Leon is housing and accommodation. Given the institutions in the county, considering both male and female hostels with affordable rates would do well, that way, you will attract the young people coming to Florida to study and work. The housing and accommodation services can be integrated with food establishments within to help students meet their needs all in one location. Therefore, you can invest in food canteens to serve breakfast and snacks.
Bradford
Bradford has a fair share of both genders and ages in its overall population. A bar and restaurant would be a way to bring vibrance to the rural area. This is where people can meet to chat and know each other.
Projection in 30 years
Population
In 30 years, Leon County’s population is likely to grow because of the large number of young people. Assuming there will be a steady birth rate, and no major changes in the migration patterns, the population of the county may reach 350,000- 450,000 in the future. On the other hand, Charlotte’s larger proportion of older adults, fewer younger individuals to replace the older ones as they age, and the Gen Z who are not marriage and family-oriented will influence a slow growth in population in the next 30 years. With a relatively small population, the pyramid for Bradford County has a fairly even distribution across age groups which can mean that it may experience slow and steady population growth.
Leon County with a relatively large proportion of younger individuals will continue to experience a demand for family-oriented services such as child care, schools, and recreational activities for children and young adults. On the other hand, Charlotte will experience an increased demand for healthcare, long-term care, and social services for seniors. Given the aging population in the county, there will be a need for affordable housing, transportation, and other services that cater to the needs of seniors. Lastly, Bradford will experience slow and steady growth. If the current trends continue in the next 30 years, the county’s economy will continue relying on agriculture, manufacturing, and retail jobs. Otherwise, Bradford will need to invest in initiatives to attract businesses, promote economic growth, and retain young people.
Figure 1 Bradford County
Figure 2: Leon County
Figure 3: Charlotte County
References
ACS. American Community Survey Data. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/data.html
CRVRDO. (2021). Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data. United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo/summary-files.html#P2
Discoverycommons. (2022). Eight Reasons You Should Retire In Port Charlotte, FL.https://www.discoverycommons.com/senior-living-blog/eight-reasons-you-should-retire-in-port-charlotte-fl/#:~:text
Trading Economics. (2023). Unemployment Rate in Bradford County, FL.https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate-in-bradford-county-fl-percent-fed-data.html
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