Alachua, Florida Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

The current estimated population of Alachua, Florida is 10,826, with 47.7% male and 52.3% female. Alachua has experienced moderate growth over the past decade, partly due to its proximity to Gainesville and its appeal as a small-town community with access to larger city amenities.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1905
  • County: Alachua
  • Land area: 35.1 square miles
  • Population density: Approximately 308 people per square mile
  • Area code: 386
  • Zip code: 32615

Geography and Location

Alachua, Florida is located in northern Florida, in Alachua County, about 15 miles northwest of Gainesville. The city is part of the Gainesville metropolitan area and benefits from its proximity to the University of Florida and the surrounding research and tech industries. Alachua is situated near major highways, including Interstate 75, making it a convenient location for commuters. The town is known for its blend of rural charm, with rolling hills, open spaces, and a close-knit community atmosphere, along with suburban development. Alachua’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and education playing key roles in the local economy.

Demographics

Median resident age: 37.1 years
Median household income: $38,075
Median house value: $91,700

Population by Race

Races in Alachua:

  • White Non-Hispanic (65.3%)
  • Black (29.1%)
  • Hispanic (3.6%)
  • Other race (1.1%)
  • Two or more races (1.0%)
  • Asian Indian (0.6%)
  • American Indian (0.5%)

Ancestries: Irish (12.2%), German (9.3%), English (8.1%), United States (5.7%), Dutch (3.6%), French (3.2%).

Elevation: 85 feet

Land area: 28.9 square miles

Map of Alachua, FL

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Alachua

  • High school or higher: 83.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 26.9%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 10.7%
  • Unemployed: 4.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 24.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Alachua city

  • Never married: 25.8%
  • Now married: 51.3%
  • Separated: 2.1%
  • Widowed: 9.8%
  • Divorced: 11.1%

3.2% Foreign born (1.4% Europe, 1.1% Latin America, 0.5% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: +1,885 (+44.7%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Alachua:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Alachua:

  • GAINESVILLE RGNL (about 17 miles; GAINESVILLE, FL; Abbreviation: GNV)
  • OCALA INTL-JIM TAYLOR FIELD (about 46 miles; OCALA, FL; Abbreviation: OCF)
  • JACKSONVILLE INTL (about 74 miles; JACKSONVILLE, FL; Abbreviation: JAX)

Other public-use airports nearest to Alachua:

Amtrak station near Alachua:

  • 14 miles: GAINESVILLE (116 INDUSTRIAL BLVD.) – Bus Station. Services: ticket office, enclosed waiting area.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Alachua:

  • SANTA FE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 9 miles; GAINESVILLE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 7,942)
  • UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (about 12 miles; GAINESVILLE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 41,543)
  • CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 48 miles; OCALA, FL; Full-time enrollment: 3,101)
  • SAINT JOHNS RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 57 miles; PALATKA, FL; Full-time enrollment: 2,509)
  • FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT JACKSONVILLE (about 69 miles; JACKSONVILLE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 10,495)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA (about 78 miles; JACKSONVILLE, FL; Full-time enrollment: 9,256)
  • VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 93 miles; VALDOSTA, GA; Full-time enrollment: 7,157)

Schools

Public high school in Alachua:

  • SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,214; Location: 16331 NW US HIGHWAY 441; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high schools in Alachua:

  • N PLEASANT GROVE CHRISTIAN ACD (Students: 40; Location: 25330 NW CR 239; Grades: PK – 12)
  • VAISHNAVA ACADEMY (Students: 17; Location: 18925 NORTH WEST CO RD 239; Grades: 8 – 12; Girls only)

Public primary/middle schools in Alachua:

  • W. W. IRBY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 562; Location: 13505 NW 140TH STREET; Grades: PK – 02)
  • A. L. MEBANE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 517; Location: 16401 NW 140TH STREET; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • ALACHUA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 486; Location: 13800 NW 152ND PLACE; Grades: 03 – 05)
  • ALACHUA LEARNING CENTER (Students: 105; Location: 11100 WEST RD 235; Grades: KG – 08)