Demographics

Transportation

Location: North Central Florida – No more than a 90-minute drive to either the Gulf or Atlantic coasts or to the Orlando attractions

Highways: Interstate 75, U.S. 441, 301 and 27
Rail (freight): CSX, Florida Northern
Air: Local – Charter and cargo service available at Ocala International Airport. Commercial passenger service is available within 100 miles at six airports, including the Orlando and Tampa International airports.

Geographical Territory

• 1,652 square miles—fourth largest county in Florida
• 1/3 of the County is the Ocala National Forest

Local Attractions

• Silver Springs
• Ocala National Forest
• Rainbow Springs State Park
• Appleton Museum
• Ocala downtown square and historic district
• Multitude of rivers, lakes, campgrounds, hiking trails and golf courses

Education

K-12: Marion County Public School System and various private schools

Undergraduate & Graduate Degrees: College of Central Florida (CF), Rasmussen College, Saint Leo University – Ocala Center, Taylor College and Webster University. Additionally, several state research universities are within a short drive from Ocala and Marion County: University of Florida (40 miles-Gainesville, University of Central Florida is 90 miles-Orlando), and University of South Florida (92 miles-Tampa)

Cost of Living

• State Weighted Average = 100
• Marion County: 89.11 (36^th of 67 Counties)
• Composite Index (100%): 99.8
• Grocery Items (13%): 101.79
• Health Care (4%): 94.37
• Housing (29%): 80.67
• Utilities (10%): 99.20
• Transportation (12%): 96.64
• Miscellaneous Goods and Services (32%): 96.64

Source: 2011 Florida Statistical Abstract