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
Gilchrist County is a county in Florida with a population of 18,494. It ranks #56 among counties in Florida by population. The median age is 42.7, older than the national median. The population is 51.9% male and 48.1% female.
The median household income in Gilchrist County is $61,070, below the US median of $74,580. 8.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $191,000, with monthly rent averaging $855. The homeownership rate of 83.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Gilchrist County reflects 14.5% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.6 minutes each way.
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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County rankings
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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.