countyscore
58.2
County Score
Property Tax 98.4Cost of Living 94.8Weather & Climate 59.3

County Report Card

About Marion County, Alabama

Marion County exceeds national livability standard

Marion County's composite score of 58.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally. This solid performance is anchored by exceptional affordability and minimal tax burden.

Well above Alabama's average performance

Marion County scores 58.2 versus the state average of 52.9, ranking it in Alabama's upper-middle tier. The 5.3-point advantage reflects its distinctive combination of low costs and favorable tax policy.

Taxes and housing affordability lead the way

Marion County offers the lowest effective tax rate in this county group at 0.295% with a tax score of 98.4, plus the highest cost score of 94.8 with median rent at just $583 monthly and homes averaging $104,300. These dual advantages create exceptional financial relief.

Income poverty and health gaps limit opportunity

Median household income of $50,714 produces an income score of just 16.1, indicating limited economic mobility and wage growth. Health outcomes are weak at 27.6, reflecting constrained access to quality medical services.

Ideal for retirees on modest fixed incomes

Marion County is perfect for cost-conscious seniors and low-income households seeking minimal taxes and rock-bottom housing prices. Younger professionals and ambitious families should look elsewhere due to limited job markets, low incomes, and inadequate healthcare facilities.

Score breakdown

Tax98.4Cost94.8Safety41.1Health27.6Schools49.4Income16.1Risk30.9Water29.1Weather59.3
🏛98.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡41.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡30.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Lamar County
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66.3
Franklin County
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55.5
Fayette County
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54.2
Itawamba County
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Winston County
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Monroe County
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Walker County
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Lowndes County
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Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marion County

via TaxByCounty

Marion County offers Alabama's lowest tax rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion County offers solid affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion County Falls Below National Average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County Shows Strong Safety Numbers

Marion County is safer than the national average, with 1,338.9 crimes per 100,000 residents compared to 2,385.5 nationwide. This results in a high safety score of 97.9.

Marion Outperforms Alabama Safety Averages

Marion's safety score of 97.9 beats the Alabama state average of 97.3. The total crime rate is also significantly lower than the statewide average of 1,731.0.

Lower Incident Rates Than Neighboring Marengo

Marion County maintains a lower crime rate than nearby Marengo County, which reports 2,012.6 per 100,000. Nine reporting agencies ensure comprehensive safety data for the community.

Very Low Violent Crime Risks

The violent crime rate is low at 181.5 per 100,000, less than half the national average. Property crime accounts for 1,157.4 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Focus on Deterring Property Theft

Low violent crime rates make property security the primary concern for Marion residents. Utilizing smart locks and keeping high-value items out of sight helps maintain local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion County health lags U.S. averages

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Excellence in Northwest Alabama

Marion County supports 14 public schools across two districts, serving a total of 4,584 students. The infrastructure is well-distributed with 5 elementary schools, 6 high schools, and 2 middle schools. This structure ensures that even in a rural county, high school students have accessible campuses within their local communities.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

The county achieves a stellar 93.4% graduation rate, significantly higher than both the Alabama average of 90.7% and the national 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is efficient at $6,269, nearly matching the state average. This investment yields a strong school score of 53.7, indicating a high-performing rural system.

Unified County and City School Systems

The Marion County district is the largest, managing 11 schools and 3,329 students, while Winfield City serves 1,255 students. No charter schools are active in the county, as the two traditional districts maintain a strong hold on local education. Winfield's three schools are particularly notable for their concentrated town-center layout.

Traditional Rural Schooling Experiences

Education in Marion County is almost entirely rural, with 12 of 14 schools located in scenic, low-density settings. Hamilton Elementary is the largest school with 634 students, while many high schools maintain smaller, more manageable enrollments around 400 students. This creates a safe, traditional school feel where students receive significant individual attention.

Enjoy High Success in a Quiet Setting

Marion County is an ideal choice for families seeking one of the highest graduation rates in the state within a rural context. The stability of the Hamilton and Winfield school systems makes these areas highly desirable for local homebuyers. Start your search today to find a property near these top-performing rural campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County exceeds national risk levels

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

Wetter and warmer than average

Marion County averages 61.2°F annually, sitting above the national median. It stands out for its high precipitation, recording 63.9 inches of rain every year.

One of Alabama's wettest counties

While its temperature is 2 degrees below the state average, its rainfall of 63.9 inches far exceeds the Alabama mean of 57.4. It is one of the dampest areas in the state.

Cooler but much wetter neighbors

Marion shares a 61.2°F average with Madison but receives nearly 8 more inches of rain annually. It experiences 62 extreme heat days, more than neighbors like Marshall.

Rainy seasons and hot Julys

July temperatures average 79.5°F, fueling 62 days above 90°F annually. The county sees 1.1 inches of snow during its mild 43.4°F winter season.

Prioritize drainage and flood prep

With nearly 64 inches of annual rain, robust drainage systems and sump pumps are vital. Residents should also prepare for 62 days of extreme heat each summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

High Acidity in the Sandstone Hills

Marion County features highly acidic soil with a pH of 5.03, which is lower than both the state and national averages. This level of acidity defines the local landscape and determines which plants can naturally survive here.

Gritty Composition for Fast Drainage

The soil contains 52.5% sand and 34.0% silt, making it relatively light and easy to till in the spring. However, the low 13.5% clay content means the soil provides less chemical buffering than heavier soils.

Surprising Water Capacity Despite Low Score

Though its soil score is 19.6, Marion County actually beats the state average for available water capacity at 0.146 in/in. However, the 1.56% organic matter suggests that supplemental feeding is necessary for high-yield crops.

Efficient Water Movement for Hillside Sites

The high sand and silt percentages suggest that water moves through the ground quickly, preventing saturation. This is helpful for avoiding root rot, though it requires more frequent watering during the peak of summer.

Acid-Loving Favorites in Zone 7b

Blueberries, azaleas, and camellias thrive in this naturally acidic environment without any modifications. If you want to grow vegetables, be sure to apply lime to bring that 5.03 pH closer to a neutral range.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Unique Growing Conditions in Zone 7b

Marion County scores 30.8 for lawn difficulty, which is slightly better than the state average of 29.5. As one of the few 7b zones in Alabama, it offers a cooler profile than its southern neighbors.

Abundant Rainfall and Moderate Heat

The county receives a high 63.9 inches of annual precipitation, well above the national ideal of 30-50 inches. Despite 62 days of extreme heat, the overall climate provides 5,067 growing degree days for your turf.

High Acidity and Sandy Soil Content

With a pH of 5.03, Marion County has some of the most acidic soil in the state, falling far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The 52.5% sand content ensures drainage but may require frequent fertilization.

Lower Drought Risk for Now

The county has only seen 11 weeks of drought in the past year and currently has 0% severe drought coverage. While conditions are currently favorable, maintaining deep root systems is always a best practice.

Establishing Lawns in a Cooler Climate

Because this is zone 7b, you have a later start with the last frost on April 11th. Choose grasses like Tall Fescue or Zoysia, and ensure they are established before the November 9th frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Alabama has a composite county score of 58.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Marion County rank among counties in Alabama?
Marion County ranks #18 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Marion County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $308, with an effective tax rate of 0.30%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 98.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Alabama is $50,714 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 16.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Alabama a good place to live?
Marion County scores 58.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Marion County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Marion County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.