GeorgiaPop. 45,032Small cities
Is Gainesville a Good Place to Live? Gainesville, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gainesville ranks #688 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 208 small cities and #10 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #17 of 182) and low unemployment (3.1%, #46 of 184), and trails on high poverty (20.1%, #165 of 208).
Gainesville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gainesville's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Gainesville?
Gainesville's cost of living index is 96.8, 3% below the US level of 100 and #535 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,299/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $371,176, 12% above the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
| Measure | Gainesville | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 96.8#535 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $371,176#564 of 1,187 | $330,817 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,652/mo#461 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $382,200#743 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,299/mo#526 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 23.3%#810 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Gainesville housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Gainesville is in the Gainesville, GA metro.
Georgia housing market →Is Gainesville safe?
Gainesville recorded 404 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 36% above Georgia's 297. That ranks #724 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #122 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gainesville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,677 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gainesville | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 404#724 of 1,085 | 297 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,677#566 of 1,085 | 1,409 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Gainesville?
The median household in Gainesville earns $66,974, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gainesville | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $66,974#880 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 20.1%#1112 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +2.4%#71 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Gainesville?
The median resident of Gainesville is 33.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 27.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #904 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gainesville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 33.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 27.1%#904 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 39.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Gainesville's schools and health?
Gainesville's 17 public schools graduate 88.4% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $13,763 spent per pupil. 33.6% of adults are obese and 13.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Gainesville | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88.4%#505 of 1,063 | 84.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,763#733 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 33.6%#665 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.8%#1056 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 24%#1256 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,444 students are enrolled in Gainesville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gainesville?
The average commute in Gainesville is 24 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 3.3% of workers take transit and 8.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gainesville scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.5°F and winters 44.3°F, with 52.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gainesville | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24 min#682 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 9.8%#1048 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 68.4% | 71.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 3.3% | 1.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.9% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 8.8% | 14.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.5#1166 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51.2 | 33.7 | 5 |
| Feb | 55 | 36.3 | 4.7 |
| Mar | 63.2 | 42.5 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 71.8 | 50 | 4 |
| May | 78.9 | 58.4 | 4 |
| Jun | 85.1 | 66.3 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 88.1 | 69.5 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 86.8 | 69 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 81.4 | 63.4 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 71.9 | 51.9 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 61.5 | 42.2 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 53.4 | 36.4 | 4.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gainesville Lee Gilmer Mem Airport.
| Measure | Gainesville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 61.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 77.5°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 44.3°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 52.4 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Gainesville Lee Gilmer Mem Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gainesville?
Hall County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hall County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
| Measure | Gainesville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#320 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hall County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hall County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0055% | 68% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 64% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 63% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0032% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.075% | 43% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 32% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Gainesville compare with similar-size cities?
Gainesville is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #124 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 45,032.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #688 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 | 24 min |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #247 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 | 17 min |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #230 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data | 23 min |
| Bountiful, UTPop. 45,023 | #281 | 62.5 | $104,785 | $1,565/mo | 167 | 22.8 min |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #981 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 | 23.1 min |
| Lebanon, TNPop. 44,788 | #386 | 60.3 | $72,848 | $1,306/mo | 266 | 27 min |
| Burlington, VTPop. 44,675 | #202 | 64.4 | $71,109 | $1,649/mo | 483 | 18.7 min |
| Pearl City, HIPop. 44,547 | #331 | 61.3 | $118,112 | $2,316/mo | no data | 26.6 min |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #612 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 | 19.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Gainesville compare with the rest of Georgia?
Gainesville ranks #10 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 55.2 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 16% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Georgia home.
| City | Rank in GA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #1 | 73.4 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | 40 |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #2 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #3 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #4 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #5 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #6 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #7 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #8 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #9 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #10 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #11 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #12 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #13 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #14 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #15 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #16 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #17 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #18 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #19 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 |
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #20 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 |
All 20 Georgia cities we track, by overall score. Georgia statewide: median income $79,991, violent crime 296.9 per 100,000.
How is Gainesville's score calculated?
Gainesville scores 55.2 out of 100, #688 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Georgia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Gainesville. Similar-size median 52.9.
54.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gainesville's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
69.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gainesville. Similar-size median 52.2.
47.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gainesville's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
60.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gainesville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
67.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gainesville. Similar-size median 46.7.
32.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gainesville. Similar-size median 44.2.
68.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gainesville. Similar-size median 47.3.
47.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gainesville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
34.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
63.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gainesville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Gainesville has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Gainesville
Is Gainesville, GA a good place to live?
Gainesville ranks #688 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #124 of 208 small cities and #10 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #17 of 182) and low unemployment (3.1%, #46 of 184), and trails on high poverty (20.1%, #165 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Gainesville?
Gainesville's cost of living index is 96.8, 3% below the US level of 100 and #535 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,299/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $371,176, 12% above the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
What is the crime rate in Gainesville?
Gainesville recorded 404 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% above the US rate of 328 and 36% above Georgia's 297. That ranks #724 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #122 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gainesville Police Department. Property crime runs 1,677 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gainesville?
The median household in Gainesville earns $66,974, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 16% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gainesville?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,299/mo (Census), #526 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,652/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gainesville?
The typical home value in Gainesville is $371,176, down 1% in a year, against $330,817 for Georgia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $382,200.
How are the public schools in Gainesville?
Gainesville's 17 public schools graduate 88.4% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 14.3 students per teacher and $13,763 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gainesville?
The average commute is 24 minutes, #682 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 9.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gainesville?
Gainesville averages 61.2°F over the year, 77.5°F in summer and 44.3°F in winter, with 52.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gainesville walkable?
Gainesville scores 7.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Gainesville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hall County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 79% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Gainesville?
Hall County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Gainesville?
Gainesville has 45,032 residents. The median resident of Gainesville is 33.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 27.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #904 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gainesville compare with the rest of Georgia?
Gainesville ranks #10 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 55.2 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 16% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 36% above the statewide rate. Homes are 12% above the typical Georgia home.
What cities are similar in size to Gainesville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gainesville's population of 45,032 are Charlottesville, VA (#247 overall), West Seneca, NY (#230 overall), Bountiful, UT (#281 overall), York, PA (#981 overall), and Lebanon, TN (#386 overall). Gainesville is #688.