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Is Ocala a Good Place to Live? Ocala, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ocala ranks #962 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #405 of 524 smaller cities and #52 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #33 of 468) and short commutes (19.2 min, #76 of 524), and trails on high poverty (21.1%, #470 of 524) and low household income ($56,376, #468 of 524).
Ocala by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ocala's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Ocala?
Ocala's cost of living index is 95.2, 5% below the US level of 100 and #450 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,359/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $265,333, 29% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Ocala | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 95.2#450 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $265,333#282 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,575/mo#397 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $241,400#364 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,359/mo#595 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.9%#1224 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Ocala housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Ocala is in the Ocala, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Ocala safe?
Ocala recorded 393 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% above the US rate of 373 and 2% above Florida's 384. That ranks #702 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #310 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ocala Police Department. Property crime runs 2,510 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Ocala | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 393#702 of 1,083 | 384 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,510#867 of 1,083 | 1,954 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Ocala?
The median household in Ocala earns $56,376, 27% below the US figure of $76,827 and 21% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Ocala | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $56,376#1120 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 21.1%#1152 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +2.4%#71 of 1,132 | +2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Ocala?
The median resident of Ocala is 39.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #746 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ocala | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 31.2%#746 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 52.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Ocala's schools and health?
Ocala's 18 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.8 students per teacher and $11,180 spent per pupil. 37.1% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Ocala | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.8#885 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,180#1044 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37.1%#954 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 15.8%#1114 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,892 students are enrolled in Ocala's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Ocala?
The average commute in Ocala is 19.2 minutes (Florida 24.6); 0.5% of workers take transit and 11.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ocala scores 12.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.6°F and winters 59.8°F, with 51.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ocala | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.2 min#280 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 77.2% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.8% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.2#453 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 70.6 | 45.6 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 73.7 | 48.4 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 78.6 | 52.1 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 83.9 | 57.4 | 2.2 |
| May | 88.9 | 63.9 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 91 | 70.4 | 7.4 |
| Jul | 92 | 72.2 | 6.9 |
| Aug | 91.6 | 72.5 | 7.1 |
| Sep | 89.5 | 70.3 | 6.5 |
| Oct | 84.3 | 62.7 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 77.2 | 53.5 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 72.2 | 48.3 | 2.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ocala.
| Measure | Ocala | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 71.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 81.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 59.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 51.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ocala.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ocala?
Marion County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marion County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | Ocala | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.18%#842 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Marion County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Marion County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.077% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.007% | 82% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.009% | 51% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.066% | 30% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Ocala compare with similar-size cities?
Ocala is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #405 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 66,584.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #962 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 | 19.2 min |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #53 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 | 26.3 min |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #96 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 | 26.2 min |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #551 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 | 24.6 min |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #209 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year | 29.3 min |
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #645 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 | 33.1 min |
| Commerce City, COPop. 66,445 | #707 | 54.8 | $111,972 | $1,880/mo | 742 | 29.7 min |
| Palatine, ILPop. 66,293 | #145 | 66.5 | $97,819 | $1,549/mo | 86 | 27.7 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Ocala compare with the rest of Florida?
Ocala ranks #52 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 21% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 2% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | … #48 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 |
| Sunrise, FLPop. 97,918 | #49 | 51.0 | $77,652 | $2,140/mo | part year |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #50 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 |
| Coconut Creek, FLPop. 58,330 | #51 | 50.9 | $75,014 | $2,102/mo | part year |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #52 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #53 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year |
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #54 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #55 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #56 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Ocala among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Ocala's score calculated?
Ocala scores 50.7 out of 100, #962 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Florida's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Ocala. Similar-size median 55.5.
41.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ocala's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
63.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ocala. Similar-size median 58.9.
44.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Ocala's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
45.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Ocala's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
73.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ocala. Similar-size median 56.1.
25.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ocala. Similar-size median 42.4.
63.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ocala. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ocala's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
58.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
41.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ocala's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Ocala has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Ocala
Is Ocala, FL a good place to live?
Ocala ranks #962 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #405 of 524 smaller cities and #52 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #33 of 468) and short commutes (19.2 min, #76 of 524), and trails on high poverty (21.1%, #470 of 524) and low household income ($56,376, #468 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Ocala?
Ocala's cost of living index is 95.2, 5% below the US level of 100 and #450 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,359/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $265,333, 29% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Ocala?
Ocala recorded 393 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 5% above the US rate of 373 and 2% above Florida's 384. That ranks #702 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #310 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ocala Police Department. Property crime runs 2,510 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Ocala?
The median household in Ocala earns $56,376, 27% below the US figure of $76,827 and 21% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.2%). 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Ocala?
Median rent in Ocala is $1,359/mo (Census), #595 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,575/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ocala?
Zillow's typical home value in Ocala is $265,333, down 2.5% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $241,400.
How are the public schools in Ocala?
Ocala's 18 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.8 students per teacher and $11,180 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Ocala?
The average commute is 19.2 minutes, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ocala?
Ocala averages 71.3°F over the year, 81.6°F in summer and 59.8°F in winter, with 51.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ocala walkable?
Ocala scores 12.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Ocala at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Marion County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Ocala?
Marion County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 67% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Ocala?
Ocala has 66,584 residents. The median resident of Ocala is 39.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #746 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ocala compare with the rest of Florida?
Ocala ranks #52 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 50.7 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 21% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 2% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Ocala?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ocala's population of 66,584 are Alpharetta, GA (#53 overall), Oshkosh, WI (#377 overall), Novi, MI (#96 overall), Caldwell, ID (#551 overall), and Sammamish, WA (#209 overall). Ocala is #962.