Median Income
$56,341
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,900
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
486/100K
28% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,080
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.1%
38% higher than US avg
How Gainesville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population17,688
Median Age35.4 yrs
Density916/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Economy
B
Median Income$56,341
Per Capita$28,213
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty17.1%
County GDP$3,433M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,900
Rent$1,080
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$243,977
Crime
F
Violent486/100K
Property4,708/100K
Murder6.2/100K
Assault281/100K
Burglary1,029/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain42.8 in/yr
Elevation760 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+83.2%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute23 min
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Gainesville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gainesville receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Gainesville has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gainesville is $56,341, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gainesville is $162,900, 42% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,080 per month. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 486 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,708 per 100,000, 140% above the national average.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Gainesville enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Gainesville has a population of 17,688 with a density of 916 people per square mile. The median age is 35.4 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (67.7%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 7.2% Black.
Population
35.4yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Gainesville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 76.7% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Spanish | 23.3% |
| 74% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Gainesville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Gainesville is $56,341, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income: Gainesville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,341 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,213 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,209 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,511 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.1% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,110 |
| County GDP | $3,433M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 103 |
| Healthcare | 81 |
| Retail | 147 |
| Manufacturing | 73 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,807 |
| 123% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Gainesville is $162,900, 42% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,080 (7% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,977.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,900 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,977 |
| Median List Price | $255,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $255,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $135 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.8% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 108 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,080 |
| 7% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,807 |
| 123% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.79% |
In Gainesville, 39.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.6% report depression. 31.9% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Gainesville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.9% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.2% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,596/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 81 |
Gainesville has a violent crime rate of 486 per 100,000 residents, 28% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,708 per 100,000 (140% above US avg). The murder rate is 6.2 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Gainesville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 486.4/100K |
| 28% above US avg |
| Murder | 6.2/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
| Rape | 62.4/100K |
| Robbery | 137.2/100K |
| Assault | 280.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,708.2/100K |
| 140% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,028.9/100K |
| Theft | 3,323.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 355.5/100K |
| Arson | 56.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gainesville has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation is 42.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 42.8 inches |
| 13% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 2.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 760 ft (232 m) |
| Area | 19.3 sq mi (50.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 916/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.6386°N, 97.1484°W |
| County FIPS | 48097 |