The WEC Effect
Prices declined in 2025 for vacant, agriculturally zoned land 10 acres and larger. The Equestrian Land Report by SVN McDonald & Co.
Key Findings
2025 Prices Declined
Following a market peak in 2024, all three distance segments saw a decline in average values for 2025 — perhaps indicating a hot market catching its breath.
18-Mile Influence
Equestrian-minded land buyers considered eastern Levy County close enough to access WEC amenities, extending the third distance segment to 18 miles from the Grand Outdoor Arena.
Inner Band Led the Decline
The 0–6 Miles segment saw the steepest drop at -32.44% YoY, from $67,384 to $45,524/acre. The 6–9 and 9–18 segments declined -6.71% and -1.85%, respectively.
Unprecedented Demand Persists
The WEC has created unprecedented demand for agriculturally zoned vacant land in both Marion and Levy Counties, with 400+ tracked transactions across four years.
400+
Transactions Analyzed
-32.4%
0–6 Mi YoY Decline
18 mi
Influence Radius
4 yrs
Data Span 2022–2025
The WEC: America's Equestrian Hub
Ocala and Marion County's equestrian charm is hard to beat! The combination of picturesque horse farms, natural resources and the warm, welcoming community makes it a special place for those who love horses and the great outdoors. At the heart of this equestrian hub is the World Equestrian Center (WEC), a state-of-the-art facility that has redefined the region since its opening in January 2021. This game changing destination continues to attract people to the area, and the WEC's effect on vacant land valuations surrounding it is significant.
The Data Speaks
The 2025 WEC Effect reveals another year of changing land valuations across three distance segments for vacant, agriculturally zoned land 10 acres and larger. These segments are measured by their distance from the Grand Outdoor Arena at the WEC: 0–6 miles, 6–9 miles and 9–18 miles, respectively.
Prices Declined in All Three Distance Segments in 2025
Following a market peak in 2024, all three distance segments saw a decline in their average values for 2025. The '0–6 Miles' segment led the decline with a -32.44% year over year change from $67,384 to $45,524/acre. The '6–9 Miles' segment declined -6.71% from $43,181 to $40,283/acre. The '9–18 Miles' segment experienced the smallest percentage decline of -1.85% from $24,355 to $23,905/acre.
Our Takeaway
The WEC has created unprecedented demand for agriculturally zoned vacant land in both Marion and Levy Counties. After a period of rapid price appreciation, prices cooled a bit in 2025, perhaps indicating a hot market catching its breath.
As we conversed with new property owners in the Williston area and beyond, equestrian minded land buyers considered eastern portions of Levy County close enough to access the WEC's amenities and activities they desire. We therefore extended our third distance segment to 18 miles from the Grand Outdoor Arena into portions of Levy County.
The Numbers
Our analysis excludes a few sales that closed well outside typical market valuations. For example, one vacant 10-acre tract near WEC sold for $150,000 per acre in 2025, significantly higher than any comparable sale. In some cases, we removed significant outliers to ensure statistical averages accurately reflect normal market conditions in the area.
The WEC Effect identifies general market direction for vacant agriculturally zoned land 10 acres and larger and its proximity to the Grand Outdoor Arena at the World Equestrian Center. Land valuations are subjective and can vary greatly based on attributes such as entitlements, uplands, wetlands, improved pasture, highway frontage, fencing, timber growth, soil content, and more.
Price Per Acre by Year & Distance
Avg Price/Acre by Year & Distance
| Year | 0–6 Miles | 6–9 Miles | 9–18 Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,957 | $28,530 | $16,765 |
| 2023 | $51,565 | $27,994 | $20,593 |
| 2024 | $67,384 | $43,181 | $24,355 |
| 2025 | $45,524 | $40,283 | $23,905 |
Source: SVN McDonald & Company · WEC Effect Broker Opinion of Value · 2025
Year-over-Year % Change
| Year | 0–6 Miles | 6–9 Miles | 9–18 Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +1.19% | -1.88% | +22.83% |
| 2024 | +30.68% | +54.25% | +18.27% |
| 2025 | -32.44% | -6.71% | -1.85% |
*Average price per acre based on SVN McDonald transaction analysis
Key Findings
2025 Prices Declined
Following a market peak in 2024, all three distance segments saw a decline in average values for 2025 — perhaps indicating a hot market catching its breath.
18-Mile Influence
Equestrian-minded land buyers considered eastern Levy County close enough to access WEC amenities, extending the third distance segment to 18 miles from the Grand Outdoor Arena.
Inner Band Led the Decline
The 0–6 Miles segment saw the steepest drop at -32.44% YoY, from $67,384 to $45,524/acre. The 6–9 and 9–18 segments declined -6.71% and -1.85%, respectively.
Unprecedented Demand Persists
The WEC has created unprecedented demand for agriculturally zoned vacant land in both Marion and Levy Counties, with 400+ tracked transactions across four years.
SVN McDonald & Co.
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