Alachua
Florida

What stands out

Against every county in America, Alachua County is unusual in three ways: the average temperature is in the top 3% of American counties (71°F), homeownership is in the bottom 3% of American counties (55%), and natural-hazard risk is in the top 6% of American counties (94 of 100). Within Florida it ranks 36th of 67 counties for the average temperature.

Where you are

You live in Alachua County, Florida. 279,729 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -95).

Florida has no income tax and no estate tax, and its Save Our Homes cap limits assessed-value growth to 3% a year for homesteaded owners. The trade-off is insurance: home, wind and flood premiums are the highest in the country and several national carriers have left the market. The state has added more residents than any other since 2020.

Money

The typical household here brings in $57,566 a year, lower than 59% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $63,829. 11% of workers work from home.

Florida has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $308K, pricier than 71% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,240 a month. Property tax is 1.03% of home value, roughly $2,541 a year on that median home, higher than 63% of American counties. 55% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.6 per 1,000 residents, lower than 65% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 77.9 years, longer than 74% of American counties. There are 3,342 active physicians in the county, about 119.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 10.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.25 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 81% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 18 points. 69% of eligible voters turned out. Under Florida law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 71°F, highs near 83 and lows near 58, warmer than 97% of American counties. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 94 out of 100, riskier than 94% of American counties; the county has had 35 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 247 Mbps down, faster than 73% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 breweries, 3 museums.