Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Williston, FL
Considering a move to Williston, FL? This close-knit city of about 3,000 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $170,500 and rents averaging $970. Enjoy a mild climate with 69% sunny days, a manageable average commute of 26 minutes, and easy access to reputable schools and nearby healthcare in Gainesville. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Williston boasts a welcoming, diverse community and small-town charm—perfect for those seeking value and Florida sunshine.
Demographics - Williston, FL
Demographics - Williston, FL
Williston is a small, close-knit city with a population of just under 3,000, a median age of 38, and a balanced gender ratio. The community is diverse, with nearly 28% identifying as Black and about 9.6% speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting a welcoming and multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
2,976
Density:
1,035 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
65.9%
Black:
27.7%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Williston, FL?
Williston offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $170,500 and gross rents averaging $970 per month. Residents benefit from low utility and transportation costs, plus Florida’s 0% state income tax, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$170,500
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.9
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
61.2
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
95.4
Health Care:
97.7
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Williston, FL a safe place to live?
While Williston’s property and violent crime rates are above the national average, with property crime occurring at a rate of 1 in 60, the community remains vigilant and supportive. Prospective residents should consider local safety measures and neighborhood dynamics when relocating.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
295
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,670
Crime Index:
1,965
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 339
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Williston, FL year-round?
Williston enjoys a mild, subtropical climate with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and comfortable winters averaging lows of 42°F. The city experiences about 69% sunny days each year, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, and receives around 51.5 inches of annual rainfall.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F

Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
81°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Households in Williston typically earn a median income of $44,200, with a poverty rate of 18.2%. Most residents commute about 26 minutes to work, and while the area has a modest level of higher education attainment, it is known for its friendly, community-oriented spirit.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$44,200
Family Income:
$51,900
Per Capita Income:
$20,900
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
18.2%
Non English Speakers:
9.6%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
80.6%
Bachelors or More:
13.8%
Education
How are the schools in Williston, FL?
Education in Williston is supported by local public schools with manageable class sizes, such as Williston Middle High School and Joyce M. Bullock Elementary. Families also have access to private schooling options and are within a short drive of regional colleges like Santa Fe College and the College of Central Florida.

Public Schools
Name:
Williston Middle High School
Street:
350 Robert Philpot Way
Phone:
352-528-3542
Students:
970
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Joyce M. Bullock Elementary School
Street:
130 SW 3rd St
Phone:
352-528-3341
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9

Private Schools
Name:
Williston Central Christian Academy
Street:
225 SE 4th St
Phone:
352-528-6880
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
College of Central Florida
City:
Ocala
State:
FL
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
10,900
Name:
Santa Fe College
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
14,800
Healthcare
Williston residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UF Health Shands and North Florida Regional Medical Center located nearby in Gainesville. Around 86% of the population has health insurance, and the area maintains a reasonable healthcare index, ensuring reliable medical support.

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:
North Florida Regional Medical Center
Address:
6500 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32605
Phone:
(352) 333-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.7%
Health Care Index:
76.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Williston, FL?
The housing market in Williston features affordable options, with a median home price of $170,500 and average two-bedroom rents at $970. About 53% of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a healthy 7.1% appreciation rate in the past year, offering value for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$170,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Williston residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with comprehensive services accessible online and at the main office in Tallahassee. Vehicle registration, licensing, and related needs are efficiently managed under Florida’s statewide DMV system.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
2900 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone:
850-617-2000
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.