Ocala, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
66,584
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,376/yr
5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
30,387
4.2% year-over-year change

Ocala population

How many people live in Ocala

Ocala is home to 66,584 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Ocala locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
66,584
2.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
31,421
Female
52.8%
35,163
Value Percent YoY change
Male 31,421 47.2% 0.3%
Female 35,163 52.8% 4.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ocala is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.9% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.3% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
27.3%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
19.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,920 17.9% -1.6%
15 to 24 8,107 12.2% 4.3%
25 to 44 18,148 27.3% 2.4%
45 to 64 15,211 22.8% 2.9%
Over 65 13,198 19.8% 5.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ocala, 82.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 11.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 61.4% of locals are Caucasian, 18.9% are African American and 4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
82.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
11.4%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 54,958 82.5% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,618 11.4% 15.4%
Non-citizens 4,008 6% 8.2%
Racial breakdown
White
61.4%
Black or African American
18.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12%
Other
3.5%
Value Percent
White 40,853 61.4%
Black or African American 12,575 18.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 172 0.3%
Asian 2,681 4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 6 0%
Two or more races 7,974 12%
Other 2,323 3.5%

Households in Ocala

A peek inside Ocala households

Ocala has 27,152 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.9% are families, while the remaining 41.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
27,152
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,170
Family households
15,982
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,170 41.1% -0.2%
Family households 15,982 58.9% 6.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ocala

The housing landscape of Ocala

Ocala's housing consists of 30,387 units, with 51.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
30,387
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,709 51.7%
1 unit, attached 1,379 4.5%
2 units 867 2.8%
3 or 4 units 1,742 5.7%
5 to 9 units 4,089 13.5%
10 to 19 units 2,192 7.2%
20 to 49 units 1,592 5.2%
50 or more units 1,308 4.3%
Mobile home 1,407 4.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 102 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
766
167.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ocala

In Ocala, the median construction year is 1984. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,261 4.2% 25.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 982 3.2% -6.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,863 6.1% -10.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,649 12% -0.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,314 17.5% 4.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,934 19.5% 4.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,938 9.7% -10.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,428 17.9% 5.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,252 7.4% 20.8%
Built in 2020 or later 766 2.5% 167.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ocala occupancy rates

Out of the 27,152 occupied housing units in Ocala, 52.1% are owner-occupied, while 47.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
27,152
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,995
Owner occupied
14,157
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,995 47.9% -0.1%
Owner occupied 14,157 52.1% 7.0%
Unoccupied housing units
10.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ocala housing costs

Housing costs in Ocala come to a median of $1,237 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,359.

Median housing costs per month
$1,237/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ocala
$1,359/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ocala

Ocala education at a glance

About 36.8% of the population in Ocala went to high school, while 21.7% pursued college studies. Another 9.9% earned an associate degree and 18.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,480 2.9% -3.2%
High school diploma 19,061 36.8% 2.7%
College diploma 11,229 21.7% -6.4%
Associate degree 5,127 9.9% 4.6%
Bachelor's degree 9,634 18.6% 13.1%
Graduate degree 5,305 10.2% 10.5%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ocala

How much people earn in Ocala

The average annual household income in Ocala was $77,266 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,376, reflecting a +5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ocala
$77,266/year
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ocala
$56,376/year
5.3% year-over-year change

Ocala income by age

In Ocala, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,888. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,285 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,761, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,246 in earnings. Overall, 79% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,761 0.6%
25 - 44 $67,888 8.7%
45 - 64 $57,285 5.6%
Over 65 $47,246 2.4%
Above poverty level
49,942
Below poverty level
13,244
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 49,942 79% -0.8%
Below poverty level 13,244 21% 18.0%

Average renter income in Ocala

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ocala, their median household income was $37,461 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,461
Rent-to-income ratio
43.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ocala

Workforce and job types in Ocala

The job market in Ocala is powered by 28,571 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.3% run their own businesses, 67.6% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
28,571
2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
23,811
Blue collar
4,760
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 23,811 83.3% 4.4%
Blue collar 4,760 16.7% -8.4%
Employer type
Self employees
11.3%
Private companies
67.6%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,237 11.3% -0.8%
Private companies 19,315 67.6% 2.2%
Governmental workers 4,218 14.8% 3.1%
Not for profit companies 1,801 6.3% 2.9%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
-16.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ocala stands at 5.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ocala

How people get around in Ocala

In Ocala, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
2.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 23,716 84.8% 0.2%
Taxicab 204 0.7% 74.4%
Bus or trolleybus 126 0.4% 15.6%
Motorcycle 29 0.1% 26.1%
Bicycle 142 0.5% -30.7%
Walk 325 1.2% 3.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ocala by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
34470 22,443 9,867 $52,083 $66,201
34471 28,342 11,356 $65,789 $92,846
34472 35,851 13,412 $64,208 $73,426
34473 26,813 9,112 $72,366 $84,339
34474 20,258 8,272 $65,291 $84,997
34475 14,301 4,816 $30,174 $52,940
34476 28,997 12,705 $65,860 $90,990
34479 13,264 5,493 $54,283 $70,955
34480 23,517 8,910 $77,557 $100,604
34481 26,782 14,033 $57,324 $78,221

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FAQs about Ocala demographics 

What is the total population of Ocala?

Ocala has a total population of 66,584 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ocala?

The gender ratio in Ocala is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (31,421 residents)
  • 52.8% females (35,163 residents)

What is the median age in Ocala?

The median age in Ocala is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ocala?

The age distribution in Ocala is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.9% (11,920 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (8,107 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.3% (18,148 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (15,211 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.8% (13,198 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ocala?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ocala is as follows:
  • White: 61.4% (40,853 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.9% (12,575 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (172 residents)
  • Asian: 4% (2,681 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (6 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12% (7,974 residents)
  • Other: 3.5% (2,323 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ocala are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 82.5% of the population in Ocala.

How many housing units are there in Ocala?

There are 30,387 housing units in Ocala, reflecting a +4.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ocala and what is the average household size?

Ocala has a total of 27,152 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ocala?

Ocala has a median household income of $56,376, representing a +5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ocala?

The employment rate is 94.1% in Ocala, with a workforce of 28,571 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.3% (23,811 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.7% (4,760 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.3% (3,237 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.6% (19,315 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (4,218 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (1,801 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025