For the second year in a row, the Ocala metro area has been recognized as the fastest-growing metro area in the United States, based on percentage growth.
According to figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau on March 26, the population of the Ocala metro area, which is defined as all of Marion County, grew 3.4% between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. In numeric terms, the population grew from 427,995 to 442,260.
Ocala also ranked first nationally for the 2023–24 period, when its population grew 4%. During the 2022–23 period, the Ocala metro ranked fourth nationally with 3.4% growth.
To put that growth in perspective: In 2020, the Ocala metro population stood at 375,892. By July 1, 2025, it had risen to 442,260 — an increase of 66,368 people, or 17.65%, over five years.
Two other Florida metro areas placed in the Top 10 for growth during the 2024–25 period: Lakeland–Winter Haven ranked No. 4 with 2.7% growth, while Punta Gorda ranked No. 5, also at 2.7%.
According to the Census Bureau, “310 of the 387 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (metro areas) had slower growth between 2024 and 2025 than during the prior year.”
That was also true for the Ocala metro area — which slowed from 4% growth the previous year to 3.4% — but the rate was still strong enough to lead the nation.
(This story was updated to add a new video)
jross@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala is nation’s fastest growing metro for second straight year
Reporting by Jim Ross, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
