Map of Marion County, Florida

Complete guide to all cities, towns, and communities in Marion County with distances from Ocala

1,663 Square Miles
12+ Communities

Marion County at a Glance

Marion County is located in north-central Florida, roughly 80 miles north of Orlando and 75 miles south of Jacksonville. The county covers 1,663 square miles and is home to approximately 390,000 residents. Ocala is the county seat and largest city, known as the Horse Capital of the World. Interstate 75 bisects the county, providing easy highway access. The Ocala National Forest covers much of the eastern portion. See our detailed Marion County cities guide for more information on each community.

Cities & Towns in Marion County

Ocala

City (County Seat)

~65,000

Population

From Ocala

The largest city and county seat of Marion County. Home to downtown dining, arts, shopping, and the World Equestrian Center.

Belleview

City

~6,500

Population

15 min south

From Ocala

Small city south of Ocala along US 441 with a growing residential community and easy access to The Villages.

Dunnellon

City

~2,000

Population

30 min west

From Ocala

Known as the gateway to Rainbow Springs State Park. Charming downtown with unique shops and river access.

Silver Springs

Unincorporated

~5,000

Population

10 min east

From Ocala

Home to Silver Springs State Park and the famous glass bottom boat tours. Located along SR 40 east of Ocala.

Silver Springs Shores

CDP

~14,000

Population

15 min SE

From Ocala

Residential community southeast of Ocala with affordable housing, golf course, and growing commercial area.

Marion Oaks

CDP

~35,000

Population

20 min SW

From Ocala

One of the largest communities in Marion County with rapid growth, schools, and developing commercial centers.

Anthony

Unincorporated

~6,000

Population

20 min north

From Ocala

Rural community north of Ocala known for equestrian farms and the annual Brick City BBQ Festival.

Reddick

Town

~500

Population

25 min north

From Ocala

Small historic town in northern Marion County with deep agricultural roots and a tight-knit community.

Weirsdale

Unincorporated

~2,000

Population

25 min south

From Ocala

Home to the beloved Orange Blossom Opry and located near Lake Weir, offering waterfront recreation.

Citra

Unincorporated

~1,800

Population

20 min NE

From Ocala

Agricultural community in northeastern Marion County known for citrus heritage and rural character.

Summerfield

CDP

~15,000

Population

25 min south

From Ocala

Growing community between Ocala and The Villages with shopping, dining, and residential development.

McIntosh

Town

~500

Population

30 min NE

From Ocala

Historic Victorian-era town known for its annual 1890s Festival celebrating the town's heritage and architecture.

Nearby Cities Outside Marion County

Gainesville — 40 minutes north via I-75. Home to the University of Florida and a vibrant college town.

The Villages — 30 minutes south via US 441/US 27. America's largest retirement community.

Crystal River — 45 minutes west via US 19. Famous for manatee tours and scalloping.

Leesburg — 40 minutes southeast via US 27. Lake County city with waterfront recreation.

Orlando — 80 minutes south via I-75 and Florida's Turnpike. Theme parks, airports, and metro amenities.

Jacksonville — 90 minutes north via I-75 to I-10. Closest major beach city and NFL town.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cities and towns are in Marion County, Florida?

Marion County, Florida contains five incorporated cities: Ocala (the county seat and largest city), Belleview, Dunnellon, Reddick, and McIntosh. Major unincorporated communities include Silver Springs, Silver Springs Shores, Marion Oaks, Anthony, Weirsdale, Citra, Summerfield, Moss Bluff, and Ocala Estates. The county covers approximately 1,663 square miles in central Florida.

What towns are near Ocala, Florida?

Towns near Ocala include Belleview (15 minutes south on US 441), Dunnellon (30 minutes west on SR 40), Silver Springs (10 minutes east on SR 40), Anthony (20 minutes north on US 301), and Reddick (25 minutes north). Slightly farther out, The Villages is 30 minutes south, Gainesville is 40 minutes north on I-75, and Crystal River is about 45 minutes west on US 19.

How big is Marion County, Florida?

Marion County covers approximately 1,663 square miles (4,307 square kilometers), making it one of the largest counties in Florida by land area. The county is roughly 42 miles from north to south and 39 miles from east to west. The Ocala National Forest covers a significant portion of the eastern part of the county. The population is approximately 390,000 residents as of 2024.

What is Marion County, Florida known for?

Marion County is known as the Horse Capital of the World, with over 1,200 horse farms and the World Equestrian Center. The area is also famous for Silver Springs State Park (glass bottom boats since 1878), the Ocala National Forest, natural freshwater springs, and a growing downtown Ocala dining and arts scene. Key industries include equestrian, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism.

Where is Marion County located in Florida?

Marion County is located in north-central Florida, approximately 80 miles north of Orlando and 75 miles south of Jacksonville. The county is bisected by Interstate 75, which provides easy access to both cities. Ocala, the county seat, sits at the intersection of I-75 and State Road 40, making it a central hub for travel throughout the region.

Marion County community guide compiled by the Only In Ocala team with 10+ years of local expertise. Updated February 2026.