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Things To Do In Marion County, FL & Economic Status

Welcome to Marion County, Florida – a dynamic blend of economic vitality and natural beauty. With a population of 396,415 and a median household income of $55,265, this county offers a thriving job market, a rich cultural scene, and outdoor wonders. Let’s explore what makes Marion County, Florida, special.

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Employment:

Population

396,415

Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022

$55,265

Labor Force Participation Rate: 60.5% (May 2023)
Unemployment Rate: 3.0% (May 2023)
Top Industries:
- Retail Trade
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Educational Services
- Manufacturing

Median home price:

In October 2023, Marion County home prices were up 0.4% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $280K. On average, homes in Marion County sell after 36 days on the market compared to 27 days last year. There were 799 homes sold in October this year, up from 725 last year

Top 10 Private Employers

Check out the top 10 private employers in Marion County, FL.

HCA Florida Hospitals

Employees: 2,712
Product or Service: Healthcare
Office function: Regional Healthcare Facility

AdventHealth Ocala

Employees: 2,648
Product or Service: Healthcare
Office function: Regional Healthcare Facility

Walmart (combined)

Employees: 2,583
Product or Service: Retail Sales
Office function: Discount Chain Department Stores

Lockheed Martin

Employees: 1,600
Product or Service: Manufacturing
Office function: Electronic assemblies for defense and aerospace

Publix Supermarkets (combined)

Employees: 1488
Product or Service: Retail Sales
Office function: Supermarket Chain

E-ONE, INC

Employees: 1,200
Product or Service: Manufacturing/HQ
Office function: Rescue & Fire Equipment

Chewy.com

Employees: 1,150
Product or Service: Distribution
Office function: Pet Supplies

FedEx Ground

Employees: 1,500
Product or Service: Distribution
Office function: Ground Hub for Florida

Cardinal LG

Employees: 650
Product or Service: Manufacturing
Office function: Laminated Glass

Custom Window Systems a Pella company

Employees: 650
Product or Service: Manufacturing
Office function: Windows

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Outdoor Activities:

Explore natural wonders:

Visit Silver Springs State Park and take a glass-bottom boat tour over crystal-clear springs.
Hike or bike the Santos – Belleview Trail, offering scenic views and wildlife encounters.
Go swimming, kayaking, or canoeing in the numerous springs and rivers, including Rainbow Springs State Park and Juniper Springs.
Climb the Ocala National Forest for stunning panoramic views.

Experience the horse capital of the world:

Take a horseback riding tour through the scenic landscapes of Ocala.
Visit the renowned World Equestrian Center for world-class horse shows and events.
Learn about the history and culture of horses at the Appleton Museum of Art’s “The Horse in Art” exhibit.

Enjoy family-friendly fun:

Cool off at one of the many splash pads, including Wilma Loar Splash Park in Belleview and Lily’s Splash Pad in Ocala.
Visit the Discovery Center of Ocala for interactive exhibits on science, technology, and the environment.
Go bowling at Bowlero East Ocala or spend a day at Laser Tactics for laser tag fun.
Zip Lining

Cultural and Historical Activities:

Delve into history:

Explore the Ocala Downtown Square, featuring historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.
Visit the Fort King National Historic Landmark, a replica of a British fort from the 18th century.
Take a walking tour of Ocala and learn about its fascinating history and architecture.

Immerse yourself in art and culture:

Stroll through the beautiful Tuscawilla Art Park and discover sculptures, murals, and other works of art.
Catch a performance at the historic Marion Theatre or the Ocala Civic Theatre.
Explore the Appleton Museum of Art for a diverse collection of art and artifacts.

Unique Experiences:

Go on a thrilling airboat tour:

Experience the excitement of gliding across the water and encounter alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
Several companies offer airboat tours in the area, such as Wild Florida and Black Hammock Adventures.

Visit a local farm or ranch:

Learn about the agricultural heritage of Marion County and taste fresh produce at a farm like Appleton Farms or Whispering Pines Tree Farm.
Take a farm tour or participate in farm-to-table dining experiences.

Go stargazing:

Escape the city lights and enjoy the stunning night sky at one of the many dark sky observation sites, such as the Ocala National Forest.

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Additional Resources

Ocala/Marion County Visitor & Convention Bureau: https://members.gainesvillechamber.com/list/member/ocala-marion-county-chamber-economic-partnership-1438
Tripadvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34496-Ocala_Florida-Vacations.html
Visit Gainesville: https://www.visitgainesville.com/

This list offers only a glimpse of the many possibilities for enjoying your time in Marion County. Remember to consider your interests, budget, and desired pace when planning your activities.

Have fun exploring!

Distance:

Gulf of Mexico: The closest point on the Gulf of Mexico is Crystal River, which is approximately 45 miles west of Ocala, the county seat of Marion County.

Atlantic Ocean: The closest point on the Atlantic Ocean is Daytona Beach, which is about 65 miles east of Ocala.

Accessibility:

Highways: Major highways like I-75 and Florida’s Turnpike connect Marion County to both coasts efficiently. The drive to each coast takes approximately 1-1.5 hours.

Benefits of Proximity:

Diverse Activities: Marion County residents can enjoy the best of both worlds: the calm waters and sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast and the vibrant atmosphere and thrilling water sports of the Atlantic Coast.
Economic Opportunities: The county’s proximity to both coasts fosters economic development in tourism, trade, and other sectors.
Balanced Climate: Marion County experiences a more moderate climate compared to the extremes on the coasts, offering a comfortable year-round living environment.

Overall:

While not directly on the coast, Marion County’s convenient location offers easy access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the best of both coasts.

In Conclusion

Marion County, Florida, is more than just a location; it’s a vibrant community with a rich tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. From its thriving job market with top employers like HCA Florida Hospitals and Lockheed Martin to its historical sites, cultural venues, and outdoor adventures, Marion County has something for everyone. Whether you’re a resident enjoying the balanced climate or a visitor reveling in the proximity to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, this county offers a unique blend of opportunities and natural beauty. As you consider your interests, budget, and pace, remember that Marion County invites you to have fun exploring its many possibilities.