Marion County's composite score of 72.7 places it in the 73rd percentile nationally, substantially above the national median of 50.0. The county delivers the strongest overall performance among the eight profiled Alabama counties across multiple livability dimensions.
2 / 5
Leads Alabama's county rankings
Marion County scores 72.7, exceeding Alabama's state average of 70.8 to rank among the state's top-performing counties. The county's comprehensive strength reflects balanced investment in affordability, taxation, and community quality.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes and best housing values
Marion County excels with the highest tax score of 94.0 among comparison counties and an effective tax rate of just 0.295%. The cost score of 90.1 combines median rent of $583/month and median home value of $104,300, delivering unmatched affordability-to-value ratios.
4 / 5
Income growth and economic opportunity gaps
The county's income score of 16.5 and median household income of $50,714 indicate limited wage-earning opportunities compared to state and national standards. Residents often require supplementary income sources or employment in adjacent regions.
5 / 5
Best choice for frugal, independent households
Marion County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and self-employed individuals who value extreme affordability and minimal tax burden. This county delivers the strongest cost-efficiency advantage in Alabama, though prospective wage-dependent residents should explore commuting or remote work options.
Marion County's composite score of 72.7 places it in the 73rd percentile nationally, substantially above the national median of 50.0. The county delivers the strongest overall performance among the eight profiled Alabama counties across multiple livability dimensions.
Leads Alabama's county rankings
Marion County scores 72.7, exceeding Alabama's state average of 70.8 to rank among the state's top-performing counties. The county's comprehensive strength reflects balanced investment in affordability, taxation, and community quality.
Lowest taxes and best housing values
Marion County excels with the highest tax score of 94.0 among comparison counties and an effective tax rate of just 0.295%. The cost score of 90.1 combines median rent of $583/month and median home value of $104,300, delivering unmatched affordability-to-value ratios.
Income growth and economic opportunity gaps
The county's income score of 16.5 and median household income of $50,714 indicate limited wage-earning opportunities compared to state and national standards. Residents often require supplementary income sources or employment in adjacent regions.
Best choice for frugal, independent households
Marion County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and self-employed individuals who value extreme affordability and minimal tax burden. This county delivers the strongest cost-efficiency advantage in Alabama, though prospective wage-dependent residents should explore commuting or remote work options.
Score breakdown
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🏛94
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Marion County's effective tax rate of 0.295% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 0.339% and Alabama's state average of 0.339%. The typical resident pays just $308 annually—less than 11% of the national median property tax.
Among Alabama's most tax-friendly counties
At 0.295%, Marion County ranks in Alabama's bottom tier by tax rate, making it one of the most affordable places in the state for property ownership. This exceptional rate helps offset lower home values common in rural Alabama.
Marion offers clear tax advantage
Marion County's 0.295% rate is the lowest among its regional peers, beating Limestone (0.306%), Marshall (0.381%), and Marengo (0.384%) significantly. A homeowner with a $104,300 home saves $50–$100 annually compared to neighbors in surrounding counties.
Your median annual tax bill
Marion County's median home value of $104,300 at an effective rate of 0.295% results in approximately $308 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in the state. With a mortgage, add roughly $92 in escrow, bringing the total to about $400.
Low rates don't mean low scrutiny
Even in Marion County's tax-friendly environment, assessments can still be inaccurate. Review your assessment notice when it arrives; if your home's assessed value exceeds nearby comparable sales, request an appeal to ensure you're paying only your fair share.
Marion County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Alabama's best, falling well below the national average of 18.0%. At $583 monthly rent on a $50,714 median income, residents enjoy genuine housing affordability despite modest earnings.
Top-tier affordability statewide
Marion County ranks among Alabama's most affordable counties for renters, with a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio that outperforms the state average. The combination of low rent and reasonable income creates one of the state's best housing-value propositions.
Cheapest rent, solid income balance
Marion County's $583 median rent is the lowest in this group, while the 13.8% affordability ratio beats all neighbors except Limestone and Madison. This positions Marion as a standout option for budget-conscious renters seeking genuine housing relief.
Efficient housing, tight overall budgets
Renters pay just $583 monthly while homeowners pay $529 on a $50,714 income, consuming only 13.8% for rent and roughly 12.5% for ownership. Marion County's low housing burden is genuine—residents have more discretionary income than most regional peers.
Marion County: hidden gem for renters
If low rent matters most, Marion County delivers the best rates in this group without sacrificing income levels or community stability. Both renters and homebuyers will find exceptional value, making Marion County worth serious consideration for relocators.
Marion County's median household income of $50,714 trails the national median of $74,755 by $24,041—a 32% shortfall. This gap places Marion County in the lower-income tier nationally, reflecting limited job opportunities and wage growth.
Marion Slightly Trails State Average
At $50,714, Marion County's median household income sits about 6% below Alabama's state average of $54,196. While the gap is modest, this positions Marion as a below-average earner even within Alabama's lower-income profile.
Marion Leads Lower-Income Cluster
Marion County's $50,714 income outpaces Lowndes County ($35,160) and Marengo County ($44,205), but trails Macon County ($45,951) and the northern tier counties. This ranking reflects Marion's position as a transitional county between rural poverty and moderate prosperity.
Rent Stays Relatively Affordable
Marion County's rent-to-income ratio of just 13.8% falls below the recommended 15% threshold, indicating good housing affordability for renters. The median home value of $104,300 is likewise accessible, though median incomes mean many families must save for years to afford a down payment.
Leverage Marion's Housing Affordability
Marion County families benefit from manageable housing costs, leaving room for modest savings and retirement contributions. Focus on employer-sponsored plans and micro-savings strategies that fit lower-income budgets while building long-term financial security.
Marion County's life expectancy of 72.4 years trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4 years. With 22.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health versus 21% nationally, Marion shows modestly higher chronic disease burden than typical American counties.
Slightly above Alabama's health average
Marion County's 72.4-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Alabama's state average of 72.1 years, but its 11.2% uninsured rate exceeds the state's 11.1%—nearly 1 in 10 residents lacks coverage. The county sits in the middle of Alabama's health rankings.
Among lower-performing peer counties
Marion County's 72.4-year life expectancy ranks below neighbors like Limestone (76.1 years) and Marshall (71.9 years). Its primary care density of only 24 per 100,000 and mental health providers at 31 per 100,000 are among the lowest in our survey, limiting care options.
Scarcity of both insurance and providers
Marion County's 11.2% uninsured rate affects about 1,500 residents who lack insurance coverage, the highest uninsured rate in our data. With just 24 primary care and 31 mental health providers per 100,000, residents face both financial and geographic barriers to care.
Coverage is even more critical here
With the fewest primary care providers in our survey and above-average uninsured rates, Marion residents who lack coverage face compounded obstacles. Visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore affordable plans and remove at least one barrier to the healthcare the county's limited providers can offer.
Marion County's composite risk score of 69.15 outpaces the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category but still elevated. This score reflects meaningful vulnerability across multiple hazard types that warrant serious attention from residents.
Above-average risk within Alabama
Marion County ranks above the state median with a composite score of 69.15 compared to Alabama's 61.54 average, placing it in the upper portion of the state's risk distribution. This 7-point advantage indicates Marion County faces somewhat greater disaster exposure than typical Alabama counties.
Riskier than some, safer than others
Marion County's 69.15 score exceeds Marengo County (52.16) and Lowndes County (29.07), but trails Marshall County (87.31) and Limestone County (79.96). The county occupies the middle ground in its region's risk hierarchy.
Tornado risk dominates threat profile
Tornado risk stands exceptionally high at 90.68, making Marion County particularly vulnerable during spring and fall severe weather seasons. Flood risk (63.99) and earthquake risk (80.15) present secondary but notable threats, while hurricane risk (67.63) rounds out the hazard portfolio.
Prioritize tornado and flood protection
Marion County residents should install safe rooms or identify community shelters well before tornado season, and verify homeowners insurance covers wind damage. Assess your property's flood risk and obtain NFIP coverage if needed, and develop family communication plans for multiple hazard scenarios.