Marion
Florida

What stands out

Three things set Marion County apart from the other 3,142 counties: population growth is in the top 2% of American counties (+3.4% a year), the average temperature is in the top 3% of American counties (72°F), and natural-hazard risk is in the top 4% of American counties (96 of 100). Within Florida it ranks 14th of 67 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Marion County, Florida. 378,225 people live here with you. The population grew 3.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +15,167).

Florida has no income tax and no estate tax, and its Save Our Homes cap limits assessed-value growth to 3% a year for homesteaded owners. The trade-off is insurance: home, wind and flood premiums are the highest in the country and several national carriers have left the market. The state has added more residents than any other since 2020.

Money

The typical household here brings in $55,265 a year, lower than 66% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $52,526. Unemployment runs 3.4%, higher than 51% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Florida has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $273K, pricier than 63% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,041 a month. Property tax is 0.79% of home value, roughly $1,547 a year on that median home, lower than 56% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 55% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 35 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.4 years, shorter than 66% of American counties. There are 872 active physicians in the county, about 23.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.5 of 5 stars. 15.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.91 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 60% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 30 points. 72% of eligible voters turned out. Under Florida law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 72°F, highs near 83 and lows near 60, warmer than 97% of American counties. About 42 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 96 out of 100, riskier than 96% of American counties; the county has had 38 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 208 Mbps down, faster than 54% of American counties. There are 23 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 3 museums.