Median Income
$78,526
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$285,700
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.4%
29% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,132
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.9%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Alachua Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,638
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density294/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$78,526
Per Capita$40,753
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$20,939M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$285,700
Rent$1,132
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$327,303
Housing Units4,747
Rent Burden28.6%
Health
Obesity31.9%
Uninsured4.4%
Smoking11.7%
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
Rain48.3 in/yr
Elevation159 ft (48 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+43.4%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+14.4%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute26 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries14
Is Alachua a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alachua receives an overall livability score of 4.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Alachua stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alachua is $78,526, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alachua is $285,700, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,132 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Alachua enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.3 inches.
Alachua has a population of 10,638 with a density of 294 people per square mile, spread across 35.1 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.6% female and 42.4% male. The city is predominantly White (63.7%), with 9.5% Hispanic, 24.7% Black, 1.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.4% of residents, while 8% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
10,638
Total Population
2023 Census
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.4%
18% above US avg
Spanish
8.0%
40% below US avg
The median household income in Alachua is $78,526, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,753. The average weekly wage is $1,227, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,212 business establishments, including 669 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 16.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,526 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,753 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,227 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,663 |
| Gini Index | 0.520 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,212 |
| County GDP | $20,939M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 669 |
| Healthcare | 921 |
| Retail | 918 |
| Manufacturing | 163 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,950 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.8% |
The median home value in Alachua is $285,700, 1% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $327,303, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $328,995 with homes selling in an average of 95 days. Homes sell for 97.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,132 (3% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,246 for a one-bedroom to $1,493 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,747 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. The average annual property tax is $6,950 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $285,700 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $327,303 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $328,995 |
| Median List Price | $347,317 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $328,995 |
| Median List Price | $347,317 |
| $/Sq Ft | $175 |
| Homes Sold | 22 |
| Days on Market | 95 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.2% |
| Price Drops | 36.7% |
| Inventory | 98 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,132 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,350 |
| Rent Burden | 28.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,154 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,246 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,493 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,868 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,977 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 4,747 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,950 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.43% |
In Alachua, 31.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 17.9% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.6% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 4.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:643. The dentist ratio is 1:523. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
7.5
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
9.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
6.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
168.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Alachua vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 4.4% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:643 |
| Dentists | 1:523 |
| Mental Health | 1:144 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,032/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 921 |
Alachua enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 48.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 159 feet.
Temperature
55°F Jan (13°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 69.5°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 159 ft (48 m) |
| Area | 35.1 sq mi (91.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 294/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.7652°N, 82.4751°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Alachua County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gainesville Regional (GNV) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.3"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
7.56"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0382 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
119 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 3 |
218 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
91 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
102 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 3 |
250 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
268 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
270 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
176 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
172 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
158 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
202 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
271 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
144 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
235 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
167 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
216 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
207 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 1 |
252 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
416 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 179 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1975 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1998 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1996 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1995 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
92 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
49 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1986 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
100 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
87 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
59 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
74 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
62 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
64 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
16,594 |
84 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
81 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,543 |
63 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,873 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
13,806 |
35 km |
| 2006 |
JUNIPER |
11,998 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
IMPASSABLE BAY |
11,889 |
72 km |
| 2020 |
CPT 3 ALBERT/CPT 119 HANCOCK |
10,724 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
JUNIPER SPRINGS |
8,363 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,334 |
59 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
7,078 |
24 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,941 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
58°F (14°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
69°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
7.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| October |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
64°F (18°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| December |
58°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Alachua has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 55°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (7.6") and November the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Alachua. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155-$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207-$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103-$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827-$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78-$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155-$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26-$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52-$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414-$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103-$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62-$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52-$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155-$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136-$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414-$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687-$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517-$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170-$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068-$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827-$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207-$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034-$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31-$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78-$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52-$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10-$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59-$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59-$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10-$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14-$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62-$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83-$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52-$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78-$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241-$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31-$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16-$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620-$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517-$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207-$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26-$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414-$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170-$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52-$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103-$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,082 |
| Toddler | $790 |
| Preschool | $693 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,018 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alachua
What is the population of Alachua?
Alachua has a population of 10,638 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 294 people per square mile, spread across 35.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 57.6% female and 42.4% male.
Is Alachua expensive to live in?
Alachua has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $78,526, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $285,700 (1% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,132 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Alachua?
Alachua enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 55°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 48.3 inches.
How is the job market in Alachua?
The job market in Alachua is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,227. There are 8,212 business establishments in the area, including 669 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 16.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alachua?
The median home value in Alachua is $285,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $327,303. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $328,995, with homes typically selling within 95 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,132. Fair market rent is $1,246 for a 1-bedroom and $1,493 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,950.
How are the schools in Alachua?
Schools in Alachua score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 43.4% of adults in Alachua hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 14.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alachua?
The obesity rate in Alachua is 31.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 19.6% of residents report depression. 4.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:643.
What is transportation like in Alachua?
The average commute in Alachua is 26 minutes. 71.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alachua?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alachua is 63.7% White, 24.7% Black or African American, 9.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Asian. 92.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 8% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.