Gilchrist County

As of the latest U.S. Census estimates, Gilchrist County, FL, has a population of approximately 18,000 residents. The racial makeup is about 89% White, 7% Black or African American, and 4% Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is approximately $41,000, with a poverty rate of around 16%. The median age is 43 years. The county has roughly 6,500 households, with an average household size of 2.7 persons.

As of the latest data, the median home value in Gilchrist County, FL is approximately $150,000. The median rent is around $850 per month. About 75% of the housing units are owner-occupied. The housing market has seen a yearly appreciation rate of around 6%. There are approximately 7,000 housing units in the county, with a vacancy rate of 12%. Overall, Gilchrist County offers relatively affordable housing options compared to state and national averages.

Sources: Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau (data as of 2023)

As of the most recent election cycle, Gilchrist County, FL participates in various local, state, and federal elections. Key positions often include County Commissioners, School Board members, and Constitutional Officers such as Sheriff and Clerk of Court.

For example, in the 2022 General Election, Gilchrist County voters were engaged in elections for:

• County Commission Districts 2 & 4, with candidates including Republicans James A. Shepherd and Marion C. Poitevint.
• School Board Districts 1, 3, & 5, non-partisan races having candidates like Michelle Carter (District 1) and Nell Thomas (District 5).

Voter turnout is typically robust, with records showing approximately 67% in the 2020 Presidential Election. To participate, voters must be registered by the state's deadline and are encouraged to check the Gilchrist County Supervisor of Elections website for specific dates, polling locations, and candidate updates.

As of the most recent data, Gilchrist County, FL's educational attainment reveals certain disparities compared to state and national averages. Approximately 84.4% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is lower than the national average of about 88%. Furthermore, around 13% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the national average of approximately 33% and Florida's state average of about 30%. These statistics indicate that Gilchrist County, FL trails behind both state and national benchmarks in educational achievement, highlighting potential areas for improvement in educational services and access.

As of the latest data, Gilchrist County, FL, has a labor force of approximately 7,000 people. The unemployment rate generally ranges around 3-5%, comparable to the national average.

Top industries include:

1. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting (higher than national and state averages)
2. Health Care and Social Assistance
3. Retail Trade
4. Education Services

Agriculture employs around 15% of the workforce, significantly higher than Florida's 1.7% and the national 1.3%. Health Care and Social Assistance employ about 14%, relatively lower than the state average of 16%. Retail Trade also forms a substantial part of local employment at around 12%.

Comparing averages, Gilchrist County has a much higher employment rate in agriculture and relatively lower in sectors like professional, scientific, and technical services than state (10%) and national averages (11%).

As of the latest available data, the average household income in Gilchrist County, FL, is approximately $47,500 annually. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Florida is around $59,227, and the national average is about $68,703. Gilchrist County trails behind both the state and national averages, indicating a lower economic standing relative to broader benchmarks.

This disparity highlights the economic challenges faced by residents of Gilchrist County compared to the wider state and national contexts.

As of the most recent data, Gilchrist County, FL, has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 1,200 incidents per 100,000 people annually. Below is a table summarizing the types of crimes and their occurrences per 100,000 residents:

These statistics provide a snapshot of the crime landscape in Gilchrist County, helping residents and law enforcement focus on areas that need attention.