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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Ocala

Ocala has 18 affordable and income-based properties totaling 1,856 units across the city. With a median market rent of $1,359 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing can offer meaningful savings for eligible renters. Of the 9 properties with inspection scores, all rated good or excellent.

18
Properties
1,856
Total units
87/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,359/mo

Affordability in Ocala

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median monthly rent in Ocala is $1,359 and the median household income is $56,376 per year, with renters making up 48% of occupied households. For households earning below the area median, HUD-assisted and income-based housing can provide meaningful relief from market-rate costs.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
507 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Ocala Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 507 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 41 · Car-Dependent

Getting Around Ocala

The area around Ocala's assisted properties scores 41 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 22 (Minimal Transit) for transit, and 50 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. Most errands and commutes will require a car.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
49 schools · 1 districts

Schools

According to the NCES Common Core of Data, 49 schools across 1 district serve Ocala, including 25 elementary, 6 middle, 12 high schools, and 6 other campuses. Ratings and quality vary by school, so renters should check the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$56,376 median income

Cost of Living in Ocala

The median household income in Ocala is $56,376 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median market rent in the city is $1,359 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data, which helps illustrate the value that income-restricted housing can provide for eligible renters.

  • Median household income: $56,376/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,359/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Renter households: 48% of occupied units (Census ACS 5-Year)

With nearly half of Ocala households renting, affordable and income-based housing plays an important role in the local market. Lease Lantern lists 9 HUD-assisted properties with 919 total units in the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 9 affordable housing properties in Ocala have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 1 property falls within a high-risk flood zone. Renters interested in that property should ask management about flood insurance requirements and any mitigation measures in place.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 87/100(9 of 18 scored)
90+ (3)70–89 (6)No score (9)

18 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 18 affordable apartments in Ocala→

Other cities in FL

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Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in FL› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

Affordable Housing in Ocala, FL: What Renters Should Know

Ocala is a mid-size city in north-central Florida where nearly half of all households rent. With a median market rent of $1,359 per month and a median household income of $56,376, according to Census ACS 5-Year data, the gap between market-rate costs and what many renters can comfortably afford makes income-restricted housing an important resource here.

Lease Lantern tracks 9 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Ocala, covering 919 total units. All 9 properties carry inspection scores, and 3 rate as excellent while the remaining 6 rate as good -- a strong overall picture with no fair or poor performers in the current data.

Flood Risk

Of the 9 tracked properties, 1 falls within a high-risk flood zone based on FEMA flood map data. Renters should ask about flood insurance requirements and building preparedness before signing a lease at any property.

Getting Around Ocala

Ocala is largely car-dependent. Walk Score rates the city 41 (Car-Dependent), transit scores at 22 (Minimal Transit), and bike scores at 50, according to Walk Score. Renters who rely on public transit or walking should confirm a specific property's access to routes and services before committing.

Safety

The Ocala Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 267 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer.

Schools

Ocala is served by 1 school district with 49 public schools -- including 25 elementary, 6 middle, 12 high, and 6 other schools -- according to NCES Common Core of Data. Families should verify attendance zones for any specific address.

Eligibility & how to apply

Florida income limits (2026)Florida public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Florida

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →