Economy
Ocala/Marion County is fortunate to have a diverse and rebounding economy. Our manufacturing base is strengthened with growing professional and business service sectors. The growing population and excellent training programs supply a steady workforce stream for employers. The mild climate, close proximity to universities and international airports, and an available, skilled workforce blend together to create the environment new and expanding businesses are naturally attracted to for growth and prosperity. This emerging economic growth continues to make Ocala/Marion County Great for Business, Great for Life!
For your convenience, the economy data is available in a downloadable pdf format. Click here to view Economy.
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The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition - IHMC chose Ocala/Marion County to expand their research operations in 2010. Located in the middle of a major university triangle, our community is an ideal location for high-tech companies looking to recruit talent and be in close proximity to innovative research programs. The University of Florida is less than 45 minutes to the north, the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida are just over an hour away to the south.
Ocala/Marion County is partnering with the Florida High Tech Corridor to further diversify our economy with high-tech, higher wage jobs.
2010 Effective Buying Income - (EBI)
Marion County, Florida
| Average Household EBI | $44,162 |
| Median Household EBI | $34,717 |
| % of Households by EBI Group | |
| Less than $15,000 | 18.64% |
| $15,000 - $24,999 | 16.11% |
| $25,000 - $34,999 | 15.70% |
| $35,000 - $49,999 | 20.32% |
| $50,000 - $74,999 | 16.81% |
| Above $75,000 | 12.42% |
Source: 2010 Claritas MarketPlace Research
Building Permit Annual Activity - Marion County 2008
| Total Residential Value | $192,653,000 |
| Number of Permits | |
| Single Family | 1,149 |
| Multi-Family | 26 |
Source: 2009 Florida Statistical Abstract
Residential Income
| 2008 Average Earnings Per Worker | $31,671 |
| 2010 Average Household Income | $53,318 |
| 2010 Median Household Income | $41,029 |
| 2010 Per Capita Income | $22,272 |
Source: QCEW, 2010 Claritas MarketPlace Research Projections
Total Bank Deposits, 2000 - 2008
| 2000 | $2.60 billion |
| 2001 | $2.73 billion |
| 2002 | $2.93 billion |
| 2003 | $3.20 billion |
| 2004 | $3.59 billion |
| 2005 | $4.44 billion |
| 2006 | $4.78 billion |
| 2007 | $5.20 billion |
| 2008 | $4.62 billion |
Source: 2009 Florida Statistical Abstract
2009 Retail Sales By Store Group - Marion County, Florida
| Major Retail Store Groups | Total Amount |
| Automotive Dealers | $808,532,901 |
| Clothing and Accessories Stores | $199,528,370 |
| Eating and Drinking Establishments | $526,398,746 |
| Electronics and Appliance Stores | $110,243,260 |
| Food and Beverage Stores | $684,874,860 |
| General Merchandise/Department/Other | $622,720,859 |
| Furniture, Home Furnishings & Equipment | $129,114,855 |
Source: 2009 Claritas MarketPlace Research Projections
Retail Sales - Marion County
| Gross and Taxable Retail Sales | ||
| Year | Gross Sales | Taxable Sales |
| 2000 | $6.80 billion | $2.95 billion |
| 2001 | $7.04 billion | $3.04 billion |
| 2002 | $7.03 billion | $3.08 billion |
| 2003 | $7.50 billion | $3.37 billion |
| 2004 | $8.40 billion | $3.68 billion |
| 2005 | $9.55 billion | $4.32 billion |
| 2006 | $10.45 billion | $4.70 billion |
| 2007 | $9.85 billion | $4.30 billion |
| 2008 | $8.61 billion | $3.73 billion |
Source: 2009 Florida Statistical Abstract
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