About the City of Delray Beach, FL

Delray Beach is a small coastal city located on the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Beach County, Florida. It’s known for its picturesque beaches, lively downtown area, and diverse culture. Delray Beach itself is one of the most popular beaches in the area and features more than two miles of fine white sand and clear water. Delray Beach also has a nature preserve known as the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, where visitors can stroll along boardwalks and observe birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Delray Beach’s lively downtown Atlantic Avenue area is brimming with shops, restaurants, and art galleries, such as the Morikami Museum. It’s also a popular spot for nightlife and entertainment, with live music and outdoor festivals throughout the year. The city has a long and rich cultural history and has evolved to be an integral part of the Miami metro area.

The History of Delray Beach, FL

Delray Beach was once home to the Jaega tribe, who were part of the larger Tequesta tribe that inhabited much of the southern part of Florida. (1) An 1841 U.S. military map shows a Seminole camp in the area now known as Lake Ida. In 1876, the U.S. Life Saving Service built the Orange Grove House of Refuge to rescue and shelter ship-wrecked sailors. (2) The first non-native group to settle was a group of African Americans from the Panhandle, who purchased land near the refuge house and began farming around 1884.

In 1894 William S. Linton, a Republican U.S. Congressman bought a tract of land west of the refuge house. (3) He began selling plots with the intent to build a farming community, which was initially named after him but was changed to Delray a year later. In the early 1900s, Delray Beach grew rapidly. It became a popular location for tourists and retirees, who were attracted to the warm climate and beaches. In the 1920s, the city continued to experience rapid growth with large pineapple plantations located in the area.

Later, in the 1950s and 1960s, Delray Beach experienced a decline due to the construction of the interstate highway system and the expansion of other Florida cities. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, the city began to revive, focusing on historic preservation and tourism.

Geography & Weather

Delray Beach is located in the southeastern part of Florida, approximately 22 miles south of West Palm Beach, with a total area of 16.4 square miles. Its climate is tropical and warm, with humid summers and mild winters. From June to September, the average high temperature is in the mid to upper 80s°F, and from December to February, the average low is in the low 60s°F. Delray Beach receives ample sunshine with an average of 234 sunny days per year.

What Is Delray Beach, FL Known for?

In addition to beautiful beaches and a lively downtown area, the city of Delray Beach has a thriving arts and cultural scene with festivals, art shows, and concerts. The city has several historical sites, including the Colony Hotel and the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center. It’s also home to the Delray Beach Open, an ATP World Tour 250 event that draws some of the world’s top tennis professionals. (4) Delray Beach also has several golf courses, such as the Delray Beach Golf Club, which has been rated one of Florida’s best public courses.

Representation of the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

Popular Tourist and Visitor Attractions in Delray Beach Include:

Delray Beach Tennis Center—Home of the Delray Beach Open, this world-class tennis center offers public courts and lessons for all ages and skill levels.
Delray Marketplace—A shopping and entertainment complex that features a movie theater, restaurants, and shops.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens—This museum and garden complex features Japanese art, culture, and gardens that reflect different periods of Japanese history. (5)
Old School Square Cultural Arts Center—A cultural center that features art exhibitions, live performances, and educational programs.
Pineapple Grove Arts District—A neighborhood in downtown Delray Beach that is home to several art galleries, studios, and shops.
Seagate Beach Club—A private beach club that offers a luxurious beach experience, complete with a pool, cabanas, and dining options.
Spady Cultural Heritage Museum—A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the African American community in Delray Beach. (6)
Wakodahatchee Wetlands—A nature reserve located in Delray Beach, where visitors can walk along a boardwalk and see a variety of birds and other wildlife. (7)

Demographics of Residents in Delray Beach, FL

Delray Beach’s population is currently estimated at 66,600 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The current racial and ethnic makeup of Delray Beach is approximately: (8)

63% White alone.
55% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino.
29% Black/African American.
11% Hispanic or Latino.
3% Asian.
0.1% Native American.
0.1% Pacific Islander.
5% Two or more races.

Other Demographics Include:

The median age in Delray Beach is approximately 48 years old. (9)
Approximately 45% of Delray Beach residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The median household income in Delray Beach is approximately $69,800 per year.
The median home value in Delray Beach is approximately $320,000.

2018 Mental Health Statistics for Palm Beach County (Including Delray Beach) Include:

Approximately 13% of residents reported “mental health not good”. (10)
41,500 adults were considered “seriously mentally ill”. (11)
16 adult psychiatric beds were available per 100,000 population.
1043 hospitalizations per 100,000 were for mental disorders, 205 of which were for schizophrenia.
30.5 drug poisoning deaths occurred per 100,000, 27.5 of which were deemed “unintentional”.
15.4 suicides occurred per 100,000.
20 motor vehicle traffic fatalities were suspected of involving alcohol.

Mental & Behavioral Resources Available in Delray Beach and Palm Beach County, FL

There are several mental and behavioral health resources available in Delray Beach, FL for those in need of support. Here are some of the resources available:

Bishop Health—A full-service mental health treatment center in Delray Beach, Florida. Bishop Health uses a wide range of evidence-based treatment methods combined with traditional therapies. Various specialized treatment services are available, including psychiatry services, individual therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and ketamine therapy.
Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County—This organization offers resources, support, and education for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
NAMI Palm Beach County—This chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals with mental illness and their families.
Palm Beach County Crisis Line—A hotline at 561-432-6389 is available 24/7 for individuals in crisis and offers support, resources, and referrals to persons experiencing a mental health emergency.
211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast—A confidential hotline that provides information and referrals for a range of mental health and social service resources in the Delray Beach area.

Contact Bishop Health Today

At Bishop Health, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the skills, support, and resources they need to achieve abstinence and sustain long-term sobriety. Our streamlined admissions process includes a free assessment and no-obligation health insurance benefits. We offer a wide array of evidence-based therapies, services, and activities as part of our comprehensive, individualized approach to mental health issues and addiction recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, it’s critical to seek professional help and support. Contact us today to begin your personal journey to reclaiming the healthy, substance-free life you deserve.