Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, often feels like a city in its own right. But just How Big Is Brooklyn Compared To Other Cities across the US and even North America? With a population exceeding 2.7 million residents spread across 70 diverse neighborhoods, Brooklyn boasts the title of New York City’s most populous borough. This impressive figure makes it the third largest “city” in America, surpassing the combined populations of Boston, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Minneapolis.
Brooklyn’s Population Compared to Major US Cities
To truly grasp Brooklyn’s size, let’s delve deeper into population comparisons:
- Larger than Boston, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Minneapolis Combined: Brooklyn’s 2.7 million residents dwarf the individual populations of these major cities, and even exceed their combined total. This underscores Brooklyn’s significant demographic weight.
- Second Largest Black Population in North America: Brooklyn is home to nearly 730,000 Black residents, second only to Chicago in North America. This number surpasses the combined Black populations of Atlanta and Detroit. However, it’s worth noting that Brooklyn’s Black population experienced a decrease between 2010 and 2020.
- A Global Hub: Over one-third of Brooklyn’s residents were born outside the United States, contributing to its incredibly diverse cultural landscape. With over 200 languages spoken and nearly half of all households speaking a language other than English at home, Brooklyn is a true melting pot.
More Than Just Population: Brooklyn’s Socioeconomic Landscape
While population figures provide a compelling snapshot of Brooklyn’s size, it’s important to understand the borough’s complex socioeconomic fabric.
- Poverty and Housing: Despite its vibrant cultural scene and economic activity, Brooklyn grapples with significant socioeconomic challenges. Nearly one in five residents lives in poverty, with the borough holding the highest number of children living in poverty in New York City. Brooklyn also has the most residents living in public housing within the city.
- Rent Burden: Over half of Brooklyn’s tenants are rent-burdened, dedicating over 30% of their income to rent. This financial strain contributes to the high rates of food insecurity prevalent in the borough.
- Education and Shelter System: While 43.5% of residents over 25 hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher, a concerning statistic reveals that one in seven residents over 25 lacks a high school diploma. Additionally, nearly 30% of individuals in the NYC shelter system originate from Brooklyn.
Brooklyn’s Historical Significance and Impact
Brooklyn’s size is not just measured in numbers but also in its historical significance and contributions:
- A Cradle of Firsts: Brooklyn boasts a rich history of innovation and social progress, claiming numerous “firsts,” including: the nation’s first Black Congresswoman (Shirley Chisholm), New York City’s first designated historic district (Brooklyn Heights), and the oldest performing arts center in the nation (Brooklyn Academy of Music – BAM).
- Global Impact: From credit cards to air conditioners, Brooklyn’s inventions have left an indelible mark on the world. This legacy of innovation continues to shape the borough’s identity and influence.
A black and white photo of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. She is a Black woman with curly hair and glasses.
Conclusion
Brooklyn’s size is remarkable, not solely due to its impressive population figures, but also because of its rich history, cultural diversity, and socioeconomic complexities. While standing as the third largest “city” in the US, Brooklyn faces significant challenges alongside its vibrant cultural contributions and global impact. Understanding Brooklyn’s size in its multifaceted dimensions provides a more complete picture of this dynamic borough.
