Economy
Ocala/Marion County is fortunate to have a diverse and rebounding economy. Our manufacturing base has strengthened and growing professional and business service sectors are on the rise. 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.
2011 Effective Buying Income - (EBI)
Marion County, Florida
| Average Household EBI | $41,909 |
| Median Household EBI | $32,746 |
| % of Households by EBI Group | |
| Less than $15,000 | 20.45% |
| $15,000 - $24,999 | 16.54% |
| $25,000 - $34,999 | 16.79% |
| $35,000 - $49,999 | 20.21% |
| $50,000 - $74,999 | 14.98% |
| Above $75,000 | 11.02% |
Source: The Nielsen Company 2011
Building Permit Annual Activity - Marion County 2009
| Total Residential Value | $80,499,000 |
| Number of Permits | |
| Single Family | 370 |
| Multi-Family | 24 |
Source: 2010 Florida Statistical Abstract
Residential Income
| 2009 Average Earnings Per Worker | $32,729 |
| 2011 Average Household Income | $50,312 |
| 2011 Median Household Income | $38,626 |
| 2011 Per Capita Income | $21,279 |
Sources: Workforce Connection, The Nielsen Company 2011
Total Bank Deposits, 2000 - 2009
| 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 |
| 2009 | $4.89 billion |
Source: 2010 Florida Statistical Abstract
2011 Retail Sales By Store Group - Marion County, Florida
| Major Retail Store Groups | Total Amount |
| Automotive Dealers | $630,523,358 |
| Clothing and Accessories Stores | $101,916,847 |
| Eating and Drinking Establishments | $487,991,687 |
| Electronics and Appliance Stores | $90,228,711 |
| Food and Beverage Stores | $585,060,491 |
| General Merchandise/Department/Other | $636,886,224 |
| Furniture, Home Furnishings & Equipment | $85,908,088 |
Source: The Nielsen Company 2011
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 |
| 2009 | $7.54 billion | $3.31 billion |
Source: 2010 Florida Statistical Abstract
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