RANK #780 / 996 · POP 279,729 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.4%
Alachua County, Florida, is distinguished by Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a vast 21,000-acre savanna where wild horses and bison roam, a unique sight in Florida. Located in North Central Florida, the county seat, Gainesville, is approximately 70 miles southwest of Jacksonville. The community offers a blend of college-town energy, particularly in Gainesville, and a quieter, small-town atmosphere in places like Alachua and Micanopy. Commutes within the county are generally manageable, with options for bus service connecting towns to Gainesville. The county boasts numerous natural springs, parks, and trails, including San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park and Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, providing extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities.
Life in Alachua County appeals to a mix of residents, including young professionals, families, and retirees, many of whom own their homes. The public school system is highly rated, with some schools offering specialized magnet programs. The economy is driven by its educational and healthcare institutions, notably the University of Florida, alongside growing sectors like life sciences and biotechnology. Recent economic developments include investments in infrastructure and workforce training, particularly in eastern Alachua County, with a focus on attracting new businesses and creating jobs in energy and manufacturing.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Ironwood Industrial Park
Undisclosed Developer
|
$140M | Proposed |
|
High Springs Renewable Energy Center
Duke Energy Florida
|
$75M | Completed |
|
Gilchrist County Solar
FRP Gilchrist County Solar, LLC
|
$74M | Operating |
|
G&C Foods Distribution Facility
G&C Foods
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Lane Enterprises Manufacturing Plant
Lane Enterprises
|
$35M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Alachua County has a Boom Town Index score of 22/100, ranking #780 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $57,566, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Alachua County is $245,600 with median rent at $1,191/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2344, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed -2.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 8.0% of Alachua County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.