Ocala, FL
Population 64,903 · Florida
About Ocala, FL
Ocala is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 64,903 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,520 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ocala features a median home value of $219,900, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ocala in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,230, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 29,151 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (13,236 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (13,002 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ocala shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ocala have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.7% of Ocala residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, and 6.2% Asian residents, with 10.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ocala, FL
Compared to national averages, Ocala has a median household income of $53,520 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $219,900, which is 10% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,230 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Ocala's income is 29% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 38% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Ocala, FL?
Ocala offers affordable housing with a median home value of $219,900, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,520) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Ocala provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Ocala has a population of 64,903 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Ocala with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Ocala
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Charlotte | 64,971 | $60,729 | $249,400 | Compare |
| Port Orange | 63,818 | $68,955 | $287,900 | Compare |
| Delray Beach | 66,940 | $79,393 | $386,700 | Compare |
| Sanford | 62,292 | $62,877 | $272,900 | Compare |
| Horizon West | 62,152 | $123,586 | $498,700 | Compare |
| St. Cloud | 61,963 | $76,196 | $324,100 | Compare |
| Weston | 67,952 | $140,501 | $644,100 | Compare |
| Wellington | 61,497 | $110,294 | $557,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ocala With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ocala
What is the population of Ocala, FL?
The population of Ocala, FL is 64,903 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Ocala?
The median household income in Ocala, FL is $53,520 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ocala?
The median home value in Ocala, FL is $219,900, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ocala?
The median monthly rent in Ocala, FL is $1,230, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ocala?
The unemployment rate in Ocala, FL is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ocala, FL a good place to live?
Ocala offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 64,903 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ocala, FL?
28.7% of residents in Ocala aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ocala?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ocala, FL: median home value is $219,900 (10% below national), median rent is $1,230/month, and median household income is $53,520. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ocala?
The poverty rate in Ocala, FL is 18.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ocala, FL?
Ocala's population is 1.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, 6.2% Asian, and 18.7% two or more races. 10.7% of residents are foreign-born.