Alachua County, Florida
Alachua County sits in north-central Florida, roughly halfway between Jacksonville and Tampa. It is home to Gainesville, a vibrant college town and the location of the University of Florida. Gators football is a major part of the local culture and community spirit.
The county offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, along with plenty of natural beauty to explore. Springs and sinkholes are scattered throughout the area, providing popular spots for swimming and diving. Gainesville also has a lively arts scene, especially downtown, while local farmers' markets offer fresh produce and community gatherings.
The weather stays warm for most of the year, although winter temperatures can occasionally require a jacket. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Despite continued growth and development, Alachua County maintains a strong sense of community and small-town character.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Alachua County |
| County Seat | Gainesville |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Gainesville, Alachua, High Springs, Newberry, Archer, Hawthorne, Micanopy, Waldo, La Crosse |
| Interstates and Highways | I-75, U.S. 441, U.S. 301, SR 24, SR 26, SR 121 |
| Etymology | Named after a Spanish word meaning “jug” or “bowl,” reflecting the shape of the sinkholes and ponds in the area |
| FIPS Code | 12-001 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 969 square miles (Land: 875 sq mi, Water: 94 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Florida |
| Coordinates | 29.7220° N, 82.3642° W |
| Major Landmarks | University of Florida, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park, Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Bradford County (North), Union County (North), Clay County (Northeast), Putnam County (East), Marion County (Southeast), Levy County (Southwest), Gilchrist County (West), Columbia County (Northwest) |
| Population | Approximately 283,000 |
PHYSICAL MAP
Alachua County Topographic Map
Our topographic map of Alachua County shows Gainesville’s urban center surrounded by rolling hills and the vast Paynes Prairie Preserve. Zoom in with our interactive tool to explore the numerous sinkholes and wetlands across this diverse landscape.
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Alachua County Satellite Map
Our satellite map of Alachua County shows how Gainesville sits between several large lakes. Paynes Prairie forms a vast green basin south of the city, while Newnans Lake creates a distinctive oval shape along the eastern edge.
OUTLINE MAP
Alachua County Blank Map
Our outline map of Alachua County highlights its almost rectangular shape, with a notch in the northeastern corner. The county borders eight other Florida counties.
Florida County Maps
Florida County Map
Looking for a county map of Florida? Our Florida County Map breaks down all 67 counties across the Sunshine State. Explore Florida through detailed topographic, satellite, and outline maps to better understand its geography, landscapes, and county boundaries.