Gainesville, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,883
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$58,809/yr
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,485
3.1% year-over-year change

Gainesville population

How many people live in Gainesville

Gainesville is home to 17,883 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Gainesville locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
17,883
1.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
8,654
Female
51.6%
9,229
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,654 48.4% 0.4%
Female 9,229 51.6% 1.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Gainesville is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 15.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.8% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
15.9%
25 to 44
24.8%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,530 19.7% -5.4%
15 to 24 2,844 15.9% 4.2%
25 to 44 4,444 24.8% -5.6%
45 to 64 4,102 22.9% 10.4%
Over 65 2,963 16.6% 5.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Gainesville, 87.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.1% of locals are Caucasian, 6.8% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 17.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.8%
Non-citizens
7.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 15,612 87.3% 2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 866 4.8% -4.2%
Non-citizens 1,405 7.9% -7.3%
Racial breakdown
White
66.1%
Black or African American
6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
17.7%
Other
8%
Value Percent
White 11,821 66.1%
Black or African American 1,218 6.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 100 0.6%
Asian 155 0.9%
Two or more races 3,165 17.7%
Other 1,424 8%

Households in Gainesville

A peek inside Gainesville households

Gainesville has 6,994 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62% are families, while the remaining 38% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,994
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,657
Family households
4,337
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,657 38% 12.0%
Family households 4,337 62% -2.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Gainesville

The housing landscape of Gainesville

Gainesville's housing consists of 7,485 units, with 71% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,485
3.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,311 71%
1 unit, attached 115 1.5%
2 units 374 5%
3 or 4 units 278 3.7%
5 to 9 units 447 6%
10 to 19 units 420 5.6%
20 to 49 units 284 3.8%
50 or more units 80 1.1%
Mobile home 163 2.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 13 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
23
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gainesville

In Gainesville, the median construction year is 1971. About 7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 528 7% 17.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 731 9.8% 7.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,085 14.5% 1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,256 16.8% 27.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,523 20.4% -6.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 537 7.2% -3.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 461 6.2% 32.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 674 9% 11.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 667 8.9% -28.0%
Built in 2020 or later 23 0.3% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Gainesville occupancy rates

Out of the 6,994 occupied housing units in Gainesville, 57.6% are owner-occupied, while 42.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,994
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,962
Owner occupied
4,032
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,962 42.4% 1.5%
Owner occupied 4,032 57.6% 3.4%
Unoccupied housing units
6.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Gainesville housing costs

Housing costs in Gainesville come to a median of $1,008 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,038.

Median housing costs per month
$1,008/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Gainesville
$1,038/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Gainesville

Gainesville education at a glance

About 44.6% of the population in Gainesville went to high school, while 26.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 11.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 779 5.8% -6.7%
High school diploma 6,033 44.6% 0.5%
College diploma 3,533 26.1% 15.4%
Associate degree 867 6.4% -16.6%
Bachelor's degree 1,608 11.9% 4.0%
Graduate degree 695 5.1% -0.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Gainesville

How much people earn in Gainesville

The average annual household income in Gainesville was $79,193 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $58,809, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gainesville
$79,193/year
8.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gainesville
$58,809/year
4.4% year-over-year change

Gainesville income by age

In Gainesville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,880. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,926 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,783, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $49,838 in earnings. Overall, 81.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,783 15.3%
25 - 44 $56,880 22.8%
45 - 64 $68,926 -10.9%
Over 65 $49,838 0.3%
Above poverty level
13,939
Below poverty level
3,225
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,939 81.2% 2.5%
Below poverty level 3,225 18.8% -3.8%

Average renter income in Gainesville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gainesville, their median household income was $37,975 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,975
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Gainesville

Workforce and job types in Gainesville

The job market in Gainesville is powered by 8,481 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.2% run their own businesses, 72% are employed by private companies, and 19% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,481
4.5% year-over-year change
White collar
5,869
Blue collar
2,612
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,869 69.2% 4.8%
Blue collar 2,612 30.8% 3.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5.2%
Private companies
72%
Governmental workers
19%
Not for profit companies
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 437 5.2% 8.4%
Private companies 6,106 72% 4.0%
Governmental workers 1,615 19% 5.6%
Not for profit companies 323 3.8% 2.5%
Unemployment rate
8.1%
2.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gainesville stands at 8.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Gainesville

How people get around in Gainesville

In Gainesville, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 89.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
-3.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,429 89.8% 4.2%
Walk 64 0.8% 4.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Gainesville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
76240 29,419 11,365 $71,502 $102,066

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FAQs about Gainesville demographics 

What is the total population of Gainesville?

Gainesville has a total population of 17,883 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gainesville?

The gender ratio in Gainesville is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (8,654 residents)
  • 51.6% females (9,229 residents)

What is the median age in Gainesville?

The median age in Gainesville is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gainesville?

The age distribution in Gainesville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (3,530 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.9% (2,844 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.8% (4,444 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (4,102 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.6% (2,963 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gainesville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gainesville is as follows:
  • White: 66.1% (11,821 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.8% (1,218 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (100 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (155 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.7% (3,165 residents)
  • Other: 8% (1,424 residents)

What percentage of the population in Gainesville are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.3% of the population in Gainesville.

How many housing units are there in Gainesville?

There are 7,485 housing units in Gainesville, reflecting a +3.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Gainesville and what is the average household size?

Gainesville has a total of 6,994 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gainesville?

Gainesville has a median household income of $58,809, representing a +4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Gainesville?

The employment rate is 91.9% in Gainesville, with a workforce of 8,481 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.2% (5,869 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.8% (2,612 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.2% (437 residents)
  • Private companies: 72% (6,106 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19% (1,615 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.8% (323 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025