Median Income
$46,009
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
630/100K
66% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$798
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.6%
26% higher than US avg
How Alford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population322
Median Age61.2 yrs
Density304/mi²
Male / Female35% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$46,009
Per Capita$28,184
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty15.6%
County GDP$1,986M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Rent$798
Ownership74.7%
Zillow$190,080
Housing Units317
Rent Burden33.8%
Crime
F
Violent630/100K
Property1,778/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking18.7%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain51.1 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation127 ft (39 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+75.7%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 27%
Commute30 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is Alford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alford receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Alford has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alford is $46,009, 39% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 15.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $798 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 630 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,778 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Alford enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Alford has a population of 322 with a density of 304 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 61.2 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.9% female and 35.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 33.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.2yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Alford is $46,009, which is 39% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,184 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $910, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,052 business establishments, including 79 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,009 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,184 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $910 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,667 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,052 |
| County GDP | $1,986M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 79 |
| Healthcare | 88 |
| Retail | 163 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,080. Monthly rent averages $798 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 317 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,391. 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $798 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.3% |
| Housing Units | 317 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,391 |
| 3% below US avg |
In Alford, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,180. The dentist ratio is 1:3,444. 25.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,180 |
| Dentists | 1:3,444 |
| Mental Health | 1:631 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 53.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,579/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 25.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 88 |
Alford has a violent crime rate of 630 per 100,000 residents, 66% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,778 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 630.0/100K |
| 66% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,778.1/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 107 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alford enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 52°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 306 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 51.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 127 feet.
Temperature
52°F Jan (11°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.3°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 127 ft (39 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 304/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.6966°N, 85.3957°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.1"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.01"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 78.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
14 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 |
180 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
194 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
192 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
55 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
141 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
167 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
230 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
73 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
242 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
138 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
153 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
152 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
62 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
600 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 35 fatalities, 647 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
82 km |
9 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF3 |
13 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 1968 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
91 km |
2 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
26 km |
1 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2023 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: EAST FORK (26,251 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
EAST FORK |
26,251 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
BU 360 361 362 363 |
24,747 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
HOLIDAY |
24,666 |
99 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
24,574 |
99 km |
| 2022 |
BERTHA SWAMP RD |
23,036 |
51 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
11,539 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
11,445 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
BU 83/84/85 |
10,582 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,132 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
GUM BAY |
9,965 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,352 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,688 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
8,424 |
68 km |
| 2014 |
BURN UNIT 057 |
8,381 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,237 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
ANF BU 89 RX 0423 |
8,133 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,120 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,108 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
8,012 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
7,968 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
52°F (11°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| April |
65°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Alford has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 52°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.0") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Alford. 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 | $866 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alford
What is the population of Alford?
Alford has a population of 322 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 304 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 64.9% female and 35.1% male.
Is Alford expensive to live in?
Alford 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 $46,009, 39% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $798 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Alford safe?
Public safety is a concern in Alford, with a violent crime rate of 630 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,778 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alford?
Alford enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 52°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Alford?
The job market in Alford is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $910. There are 1,052 business establishments in the area, including 79 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alford?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $798. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,391.
How are the schools in Alford?
Schools in Alford score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.0% of adults in Alford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.7% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alford?
The obesity rate in Alford is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 25.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,180.
What is transportation like in Alford?
The average commute in Alford is 30 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alford is 92.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 33.6% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.