Miami Info
Joined: 05 Jan 2007
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 Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:31 am Post subject: MIAMI CITY PROFILE / MIAMI CITY GUIDE |
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MIAMI CITY PROFILE
Introduction
Described as the "only great city of the world that started as a fantasy," Miami, with its subtropical climate, naturally protected harbour, and spectacular beaches, has traditionally been a haven for tourists and retirees. Since the late 1980s, however, the city has sustained unprecedented growth and, while transforming its image, has emerged as a centre of international finance and commerce and as a regional centre for Latin American and Haitian art.
An unincorporated village shortly before the turn of the twentieth century, Miami boasts a metropolitan area that includes a large unincorporated area and 30 incorporated areas or municipalities, all of which make up Miami-Dade County. Greater Miami offers a diversity of lifestyles and attractions to both residents and visitors in a variety of small towns and cities such as Coconut Grove, Miami Beach, South Beach, Coral Gables, Bal Harbor, and Hialeah. With easy access to other parts of the country, Miami has developed into one of America's major transportation hubs, and thriving job and housing markets have made it an ideal location for business expansion and new construction. At one time, Miami came to life only in the winter with the influx of tourists from the north. Today it is a year-round city that offers something for everyone.
The City in Brief
Founded: 1836 (incorporated 1896)
Head Official: Mayor Manuel A. Diaz (I) (since 2001)
City Population
1980: 346,681
1990: 358,648
2000: 362,470
2003 estimate: 376,815
Percent change, 1990–2000: 1.0%
U.S. rank in 1980: 41st
U.S. rank in 1990: 46th (State rank: 2nd)
U.S. rank in 2000: 56th (State rank: 2nd)
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 1,626,000
1990: 1,937,194
2000: 2,253,362
Percent change, 1990–2000: 16.3%
U.S. rank in 1980: 12th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 1990: 11th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 12th (PMSA)
Geography and Climate
Area: 36 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 12 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 76.7° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 58.53 inches
Economy
Major Economic Sectors: tourism, trade, banking, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 5.4% (December 2004)
Per Capita Income: $15,128 (1999)
Cost of Living
The Beacon Council reports that Miami's 2003 cost of living, while above the national average, was lower than other major urban areas like New York, Boston, Los Angeles and Washington DC.
The following is a summary of data regarding several key cost of living factors for the Miami area.
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Average House Price: $323,449
2004 (3rd Quarter) ACCRA Cost of Living Index: 111.5 (U.S. average = 100.0)
State income tax rate: None for personal income; 5.5 percent of net income for corporations
State sales tax rate: 6.0%
Local income tax rate: None
Local sales tax rate: 1.0%
Property tax rate: $26.23895 per $1,000 of assessed property value (2004)
Other Information
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 33,952
Major Colleges and Universities: University of Miami, Miami-Dade Community College, Florida International University, Barry University, St. Thomas University
Daily Newspapers: The Miami Herald; Diario Las Americas |
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