Gilchrist County, Florida Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in Florida
The population of Gilchrist County, Florida is 18,494 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in Florida. The median household income is $61,070, the median home value is $191,000, and the median age is 42.7.
The population of Gilchrist County has grown 19.0% since 2010 (17,006 → 20,233), a +1.25% annualized rate.
18,494
Population
+1.25%
Annual growth
53
People / sq mi
$61,070
Median Income
$191,000
Median Home Value
Gilchrist County covers 350 sq mi of land at 52.9 people per square mile.
About Gilchrist County, FL
Homeownership is the standout figure in Gilchrist County: 83.7% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Gilchrist County is a county in Florida with a population of 18,494.
The typical household here earns about $61,070, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $191,000, with typical rent around $855.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.5%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 3.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Gilchrist County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Gilchrist County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Gilchrist County had a population of 17,006 in 2010 and 20,233 in 2024, a 19.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,233 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.27%.
20,233
Population (2024)
17,006
Population (2010)
20,233
Peak (2024)
1.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,006 |
| 2011 | 17,002 |
| 2012 | 16,908 |
| 2013 | 16,972 |
| 2014 | 17,007 |
| 2015 | 17,394 |
| 2016 | 17,607 |
| 2017 | 17,899 |
| 2018 | 18,263 |
| 2019 | 18,572 |
| 2020 | 17,885 |
| 2021 | 18,319 |
| 2022 | 19,027 |
| 2023 | 19,735 |
| 2024 | 20,233 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 89.1% |
| Black or African American | 3.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.7
Median Age
48.1%
Female
51.9%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.0% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,070$-10,641 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,992 |
| Per-capita income | $33,507 |
| Poverty rate | 8.3%-0.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Gilchrist County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
82.8%
Public transit
3.9%
Work from home
30.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$191,000$-134,000 vs state
Median home value
$855
Median rent
83.7%
Homeownership rate
7,697
Total housing units
89.8%
Occupied
10.2%
Vacant
16.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.9%
With health insurance
92.5%
With broadband internet
33.1%
Foreign-born
9.9%
Veterans (18+)
20.3%
With a disability
94.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.5%
High School+
14.5%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Gilchrist County, Florida has a population of 18,494 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in Florida. Population density is 53 people per square mile.
The population of Gilchrist County has grown 19.0% since 2010 (17,006 → 20,233), a +1.25% annualized rate.
The median household income in Gilchrist County, Florida is $61,070, with mean (average) household income of $86,992 and per-capita income of $33,507. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Gilchrist County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (89.1%), Black or African American (3.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Gilchrist County, Florida is 42.7 years. Residents are 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
The median home value in Gilchrist County is $191,000 and median monthly rent is $855. 83.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,697 total housing units, 10.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Gilchrist County, Florida is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Jacksonville is among the largest cities associated with Gilchrist County, Florida, with a population of 961,739.
Gilchrist County, FL Climate
Gilchrist County, FL has an average annual temperature of 20.4°C (69°F) and receives about 1425 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
20.4°C
Avg Temp
1425
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12° / 54° | 99 mm |
| February | 14° / 56° | 105 mm |
| March | 17° / 63° | 104 mm |
| April | 20° / 67° | 76 mm |
| May | 23° / 74° | 94 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 166 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 213 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 226 mm |
| September | 26° / 79° | 140 mm |
| October | 22° / 71° | 52 mm |
| November | 17° / 63° | 64 mm |
| December | 14° / 56° | 86 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 Gilchrist County, FL
The most comfortable months to visit Gilchrist County, FL are typically October, April and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 5°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Gilchrist County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.