Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hawthorne, FL
Thinking of moving to Hawthorne, FL? With a friendly small-town feel and a population of about 1,500, Hawthorne offers affordable living—median home prices are around $153,000 and average rents are just $960. Residents enjoy mild winters, 65% sunny days, and quick access to Gainesville’s healthcare and higher education. Commute times average 32 minutes, and while crime rates are slightly above national averages, the community is known for its Southern hospitality and relaxed lifestyle. Check out the local schools, housing, and amenities below to help plan your move.
Demographics - Hawthorne, FL
Demographics - Hawthorne, FL
Hawthorne, FL is a close-knit community of about 1,500 residents, with a median age of 43 and a population density that allows for a small-town atmosphere. The city is diverse, with 57.5% White and 36.2% Black residents, and nearly 8% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. The gender balance is fairly even and the community enjoys a peaceful, neighborly vibe.
Population:
1,478
Density:
320 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
57.5%
Black:
36.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
5.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hawthorne, FL?
Hawthorne offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $153,000 and average rent at $960. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, and residents benefit from no state income tax, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. Utilities and everyday expenses are generally manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$153,000
Gross Rent:
$960
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
86.9
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
73.5
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
94.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
98.1
Crime
Is Hawthorne, FL a safe place to live?
While crime rates in Hawthorne are slightly above the national average, most incidents involve property rather than violent crimes. Residents have about a 1 in 66 chance of experiencing property crime and a 1 in 420 chance of violent crime. The community remains generally safe, especially for those who take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
238
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,510
Crime Index:
1,748
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 420
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Hawthorne, FL year-round?
Hawthorne enjoys a mild climate year-round, with winter lows around 45°F and summer highs reaching 92°F. The area experiences about 65% sunny days and receives over 50 inches of rainfall annually, ideal for those who appreciate a warm, subtropical environment. Outdoor activities are popular thanks to the pleasant weather conditions.

Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F

Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Households in Hawthorne have a median income of $39,800, with around 22% of residents living below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and the community is characterized by a relaxed pace and strong local ties. Commute times average just over 32 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$30,900
Household Income:
$39,800
Family Income:
$44,900
Per Capita Income:
$19,200
Income Male:
$28,500
Income Female:
$24,300
Poverty Rate:
22.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$960
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
32.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
76.9%
Bachelors or More:
13.4%
Education
How are the schools in Hawthorne, FL?
Hawthorne offers public education through Shell Elementary and Hawthorne Middle/High School, both with manageable student-teacher ratios and supportive learning environments. While there are no private schools in town, residents are just a short drive from higher education opportunities at Santa Fe College and the University of Florida in Gainesville. The community values education and provides accessible options for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Shell Elementary School
Street:
21633 SE 65th Avenue
Phone:
352-481-2101
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.6
Name:
Hawthorne Middle/High School
Street:
21403 SE 69th Ave
Phone:
352-481-1900
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Colleges
Name:
Santa Fe College
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Distance:
19 miles
Students:
14,500
Name:
University of Florida
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
55,000
Healthcare
Residents of Hawthorne benefit from proximity to major hospitals in nearby Gainesville, including UF Health Shands Hospital and HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. The area has a moderate physician-to-resident ratio and over 83% of residents have health insurance coverage. Access to quality healthcare services is convenient for most families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UF Health Shands Hospital
Address:
1600 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32610
Phone:
(352) 265-0111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital
Address:
6500 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone:
(352) 333-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.4%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hawthorne, FL?
The local housing market in Hawthorne is affordable, with median home prices at $153,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of nearly 62%. Rents are moderate, averaging $960 for a two-bedroom, and the market has seen nearly 9% appreciation in the past year. Housing availability is steady, making it an appealing place for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$153,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$960
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Hawthorne residents can access DMV services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in nearby Gainesville. The office provides standard services including licensing and vehicle registration. For more information or to schedule a visit, residents can check the official website or call the local office.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
8300 NE Waldo Rd, Gainesville, FL 32609
Phone:
(352) 955-2111
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.