RANK #924 / 996 · POP 378,225 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -2.1%
Marion County, Florida, is widely recognized as the "Horse Capital of the World," with Ocala at its center. More than 1,200 thoroughbred farms and training centers contribute to this identity, creating a landscape of white-fenced paddocks and ancient live oaks. Located in north-central Florida, about 75 minutes southeast of Orlando and 75 minutes southwest of Tampa, the county offers a blend of rural charm and access to larger cities. The Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs, and Rainbow Springs provide extensive outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Life in Marion County offers a quieter pace, attracting many retirees. The public school system, Marion County Public Schools, serves over 45,000 students across 65 schools, including magnet and charter options. While a car is generally necessary for transportation, SunTran provides fixed-route bus service primarily within Ocala. The economy, historically reliant on agriculture and real estate, has diversified, with recent investments in logistics and industrial sectors. This growth has led to an increase in job opportunities, particularly in distribution.
Above national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Stream Data Centers Campus (Project Liberty)
Stream Data Centers
|
$6,000M | Proposed |
|
Dunnellon Farms Solar
Renewable Management Services
|
$100M | Completed |
|
Amazon Distribution Center (3171 NW 44th Avenue)
Amazon
|
$98M | Operating |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center (3400 NW 35th St. Road)
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
White Cap Distribution Center
White Cap / Boyd Mox Industrial
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
SW 49th Avenue Corridor Capacity Project
Marion County
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Marion County has a Boom Town Index score of 7/100, ranking #924 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.8% and a median household income of $55,265, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Marion County is $194,900 with median rent at $1,092/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2836, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.8%. Home values changed -3.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.86% of Marion County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.