Gainesville, FL
Population 143,611 · Florida
About Gainesville, FL
Gainesville is a major city located in Florida with a population of 143,611 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,611 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gainesville features a median home value of $235,000, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Gainesville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,214, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 65,747 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (22,388 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (35,788 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gainesville shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 28.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gainesville have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
51.7% of Gainesville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 6.3% Asian residents, with 12.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gainesville Ranks in Florida
Cost of Living in Gainesville, FL
Compared to national averages, Gainesville has a median household income of $45,611 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $235,000, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,214 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Gainesville's income is 40% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 34% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Gainesville, FL?
Gainesville offers affordable housing with a median home value of $235,000, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 51.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,611) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Gainesville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Gainesville has a population of 143,611 with a median age of 26.5 years. Compare Gainesville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Gainesville
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miramar | 135,986 | $86,109 | $420,300 | Compare |
| Hollywood | 152,935 | $65,359 | $374,200 | Compare |
| Coral Springs | 133,962 | $90,643 | $502,700 | Compare |
| Lehigh Acres | 127,391 | $62,330 | $263,200 | Compare |
| Palm Bay | 125,273 | $67,521 | $248,000 | Compare |
| West Palm Beach | 119,508 | $69,261 | $369,800 | Compare |
| Spring Hill | 118,814 | $66,557 | $248,400 | Compare |
| Clearwater | 117,075 | $64,440 | $326,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Gainesville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gainesville
What is the population of Gainesville, FL?
The population of Gainesville, FL is 143,611 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Gainesville?
The median household income in Gainesville, FL is $45,611 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gainesville?
The median home value in Gainesville, FL is $235,000, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Gainesville?
The median monthly rent in Gainesville, FL is $1,214, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gainesville?
The unemployment rate in Gainesville, FL is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gainesville, FL a good place to live?
Gainesville offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 143,611 and a median age of 26.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Gainesville, FL?
51.7% of residents in Gainesville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Gainesville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gainesville, FL: median home value is $235,000 (4% below national), median rent is $1,214/month, and median household income is $45,611. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gainesville?
The poverty rate in Gainesville, FL is 28.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Gainesville, FL?
Gainesville's population is 1.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 6.3% Asian, and 21.1% two or more races. 12.1% of residents are foreign-born.