Alachua County, Florida Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in Florida
The population of Alachua County, Florida is 281,751 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in Florida. The median household income is $59,659, the median home value is $266,800, and the median age is 32.2.
The population of Alachua County has grown 17.8% since 2010 (247,624 → 291,782), a +1.18% annualized rate.
281,751
Population
+1.18%
Annual growth
322
People / sq mi
$59,659
Median Income
$266,800
Median Home Value
Alachua County covers 876 sq mi of land at 321.8 people per square mile.
About Alachua County, FL
Alachua County skews on age — the median resident is 32.2, younger than the national median. With 281,751 residents, Alachua County is a county in Florida. It ranks #24 among counties in Florida by population.
Median household income is $59,659, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $266,800, with typical rent around $1,255.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 47.7% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 12.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Alachua County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Alachua County had a population of 247,624 in 2010 and 291,782 in 2024, a 17.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 291,782 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.18%.
291,782
Population (2024)
247,624
Population (2010)
291,782
Peak (2024)
1.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 247,624 |
| 2011 | 249,879 |
| 2012 | 251,596 |
| 2013 | 252,585 |
| 2014 | 255,606 |
| 2015 | 259,215 |
| 2016 | 264,127 |
| 2017 | 266,501 |
| 2018 | 269,190 |
| 2019 | 269,489 |
| 2020 | 279,765 |
| 2021 | 281,710 |
| 2022 | 285,241 |
| 2023 | 288,962 |
| 2024 | 291,782 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 62.7% |
| Black or African American | 19.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.2
Median Age
51.8%
Female
48.2%
Male
14.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.9% · Seniors (65+): 14.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,659$-12,052 vs state |
| Mean household income | $92,218 |
| Per-capita income | $37,981 |
| Poverty rate | 8.8%-0.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Alachua County is professional & business services, accounting for 38.6% of workers.
How residents commute
2.9%
Drive alone
3.2%
Carpool
69.9%
Public transit
12.1%
Work from home
21.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$266,800$-58,200 vs state
Median home value
$1,255
Median rent
54.1%
Homeownership rate
125,702
Total housing units
89.7%
Occupied
10.3%
Vacant
45.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.2%
With health insurance
96.8%
With broadband internet
34.3%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
11.6%
With a disability
83.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.2%
High School+
47.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Florida
Other counties in Florida
Part of Florida
Metro areas in Florida
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Alachua County, Florida has a population of 281,751 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in Florida. Population density is 322 people per square mile.
The population of Alachua County has grown 17.8% since 2010 (247,624 → 291,782), a +1.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Alachua County, Florida is $59,659, with mean (average) household income of $92,218 and per-capita income of $37,981. 8.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Alachua County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (62.7%), Black or African American (19.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Alachua County, Florida is 32.2 years. Residents are 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
The median home value in Alachua County is $266,800 and median monthly rent is $1,255. 54.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 125,702 total housing units, 10.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Alachua County, Florida is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 38.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Jacksonville is among the largest cities associated with Alachua County, Florida, with a population of 961,739.
Alachua County, FL Climate
Alachua County, FL has an average annual temperature of 20.3°C (69°F) and receives about 1332 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
20.3°C
Avg Temp
1332
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12° / 54° | 91 mm |
| February | 14° / 57° | 106 mm |
| March | 17° / 63° | 101 mm |
| April | 20° / 68° | 65 mm |
| May | 23° / 74° | 91 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 174 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 176 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 205 mm |
| September | 26° / 78° | 133 mm |
| October | 21° / 70° | 59 mm |
| November | 17° / 63° | 59 mm |
| December | 14° / 56° | 72 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Alachua County, FL
The most comfortable months to visit Alachua County, FL are typically October, April and November, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 6°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Alachua County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.