Alachua County, Florida

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS

-9% vs. Florida average

$59,659

Median Household Income

$37,981

Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income

$59,659

-9% vs. state avg

Per Capita Income

$37,981

-4% vs. national

Income-to-Housing Ratio

22.4%

income as % of home value

Rank in Florida

#44 / 67

by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate

N/A

Labor Force Participation

N/A

How Alachua County Compares

Alachua County$59,659

Florida Average$65,468

National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$59,659

Median Household Income

$37,981

Per Capita Income

$266,800

Median Home Value

22.4%

Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Alachua County

Income Verdict

Alachua County has a median household income of $59,659 and per capita income of $37,981 — a gap of $21,678, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

Median gross rent of $1,255/month represents about 25.2% of monthly household income in Alachua County, approaching the 30% cost-burden threshold.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $59,659, residents of Alachua County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $37,981 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Alachua County earns approximately 8.9% below the Florida state median household income of $65,468.

Data Story

About Household Income in Alachua County, Florida

Alachua lags behind national earnings

Alachua County's median household income of $59,659 falls $15,096 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom third nationally. The gap reflects a county economy that hasn't kept pace with national wage growth, though the presence of the University of Florida adds high-earning potential in education and research sectors.

Below average among Florida counties

At $59,659, Alachua's median household income trails Florida's state average of $65,468 by nearly $6,000. This positions the county in the lower-middle tier of Florida's 67 counties, indicating income challenges despite the presence of a major research university.

Stronger earnings in surrounding areas

Neighboring Baker County ($70,833) and Bradford County ($59,740) show mixed results—Baker significantly outearns Alachua, while Bradford performs nearly identically. Alachua's university economy creates pockets of wealth but hasn't lifted median household earnings to match nearby counties with diverse industrial bases.

Rent consumes a quarter of income

With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.2%, Alachua households spend roughly one-quarter of earnings on housing—above the sustainable 20-25% threshold. Though median home values ($266,800) remain moderate compared to state benchmarks, the mismatch between local wages and housing costs pressures household budgets.

Build wealth through education earnings

Alachua's university presence creates pathways to higher-earning careers in STEM, healthcare, and research—fields that can double or triple median household income. Starting early with retirement accounts and employer 401(k) matching can help households overcome the current income gap and build long-term financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Alachua County, Florida?

The median household income in Alachua County, Florida is $59,659, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.

How much do people earn in Alachua County?

The per capita income in Alachua County is $37,981, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $59,659.

How does Alachua County compare to the Florida average?

Alachua County's median household income of $59,659 is lower than the Florida state average of $65,468. The per capita income is $37,981, compared to the state average of $35,698.

What is the per capita income in Alachua County, Florida?

The per capita income in Alachua County, Florida is $37,981, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.

Is Alachua County a low-income area in Florida?

Alachua County's median household income of $59,659 is below the Florida average of $65,468. The per capita income of $37,981 is also comparable to the state average of $35,698. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.

How does Alachua County rank for income in Florida?

Alachua County ranks #44 out of 67 counties in Florida by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $59,659 and per capita income of $37,981, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.