countyscore
48.3
County Score
Property Tax 84.5Cost of Living 78.5Weather & Climate 63.9

County Report Card

About Marion County, Arkansas

Marion slightly underperforms national standard

Marion County's composite score of 48.3 trails the national median of 50.0, placing it at approximately the 48th percentile nationwide. This rural county falls just shy of national benchmarks, reflecting a pattern of affordable living tempered by economic and health constraints.

Near-average performance for Arkansas

Marion's score of 48.3 places it very close to the Arkansas state average of 47.9, reflecting typical state-level patterns. The county ranks in the middle of Arkansas's 75 counties, neither particularly strong nor notably weak on livability.

Tax efficiency and housing affordability win

Marion excels with a tax score of 84.5 and an effective tax rate of 0.513%, paired with strong housing affordability reflected in median rent of $792/month and home values of $158,400. These factors make the county accessible for cost-conscious households.

Severe income stagnation and water quality issues

Marion's income score of just 9.3—the second-lowest in this group—reflects a median household income of only $46,953, severely limiting economic opportunity. Water quality (14.4) also trails badly, and health outcomes (35.2) suggest healthcare access challenges.

Suitable for those with very modest means

Marion County suits retirees on fixed incomes and workers in lower-wage jobs seeking maximum affordability with minimal tax burden. Families prioritizing income growth, robust infrastructure, or excellent schools should explore stronger-performing counties elsewhere in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax84.5Cost78.5Safety31.2Health35.2Schools23.4Income9.3Risk52.1Water14.4Weather63.9
🏛84.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓23.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.5
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Baxter County
Arkansas
44.5
Ozark County
Missouri
60.2
Boone County
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53.2
Searcy County
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Taney County
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Stone County
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Izard County
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Douglas County
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Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marion County

via TaxByCounty

Marion ranks among nation's lower-tax counties

Marion County's 0.513% effective tax rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.90%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $813 annually is less than one-third of the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Arkansas state average

Marion County's 0.513% rate edges just below Arkansas's statewide average of 0.532%, making it one of the more affordable counties in the state. Homeowners pay a median of $813 in property taxes versus $705 statewide.

Middle ground among regional peers

Marion County's 0.513% rate sits between Madison County (0.445%) at the lower end and Mississippi County (0.558%) at the higher end regionally. The county occupies a middle position in the region's tax landscape.

Median annual tax: $813 for median home

The county's median home value of $158,400 multiplied by the 0.513% rate yields a median property tax of $813 per year. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners typically remit $960 annually.

Assessment errors may cost you money

Property assessments in Marion County may overvalue some homes—a costly mistake that homeowners can challenge for free. An appeal to the county assessor could uncover and correct overassessments, lowering your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion County stretches housing dollars

Marion County renters face a 20.2% rent-to-income ratio, well above the national average of roughly 18%, signaling affordability strain. With the lowest household income in this cohort ($46,953), residents must allocate more earnings to rent than comparable national populations.

Marion County feels affordability pinch

Marion's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% is the highest in this eight-county group and significantly above Arkansas's 18.1% state average. This reflects both lower household income and higher-than-median rents, placing Marion renters in the state's tighter affordability tier.

Marion rents strain local incomes

Marion County's $792 median rent ranks among the region's highest, yet household income of $46,953 is the lowest in the cohort, creating a perfect affordability storm. The 20.2% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds neighboring Little River (18.6%) and Madison County (16.2%).

Renters bear the heaviest load

Renters pay $792 monthly (20.2% of the $46,953 household income), consuming one-fifth of earnings—substantially more than the national benchmark. Homeowners fare better at $529 monthly (13.5% of income), suggesting that owning frees up income compared to renting.

Marion: weigh your options carefully

Marion County presents real affordability challenges for renters, with costs consuming over 20% of income; comparison shopping is essential. If you're relocating here, prioritize finding homeownership paths or consider neighboring counties like Madison or Logan for lower housing burdens.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion faces significant income gap

Marion County's median household income of $46,953 falls 37% short of the national median of $74,755, ranking among Arkansas's lower-income counties. The county sits about $4,200 below the state average, reflecting structural economic challenges in rural northern Arkansas.

Bottom third of Arkansas counties

Marion County ranks in the lower tier of Arkansas counties by median household income, signaling limited job opportunities and lower wage levels than most of the state. Economic revitalization efforts remain critical to improving household earnings.

Lowest-earning in western cluster

Marion County's $46,953 trails neighboring Little River County ($52,241) and Logan County ($54,237) by $5,000–$7,000 annually. Among the eight-county group analyzed here, Marion ranks second-lowest, suggesting a need for targeted economic development.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets

Marion County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio is the highest in this group, signaling tighter budgets for renters despite affordability remaining below the 30% threshold. Median home values of $158,400 may stretch buyers earning at the county median, limiting homeownership wealth-building.

Prioritize emergency savings first

With tighter income-to-housing ratios, Marion County households should focus on building emergency funds and reducing debt before investing aggressively. Explore free financial literacy resources, investigate first-time homebuyer programs, and seek employer benefits like matching 401(k) contributions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County Outpaces National Safety

Marion County earns a high safety score of 97.4, with total crime at 1,620.8 per 100K. This is much lower than the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Strong Safety Performance in Arkansas

The county's safety score of 97.4 outperforms the state average of 96.3. Data from three reporting agencies confirms that Marion remains one of Arkansas's safer jurisdictions.

Safer Than the State Average

Marion County's total crime rate of 1,620.8 per 100K is nearly 700 points lower than the Arkansas average of 2,326.8. It serves as a peaceful community compared to many other regions in the state.

A Closer Look at Local Incidents

The violent crime rate is 402.2 per 100K, which is lower than the Arkansas average of 517.8. Property crime makes up the largest share of reports at 1,218.6 per 100K.

Smart Security for Peace of Mind

Most local incidents involve property, so basic preventative measures are highly effective. Residents should focus on securing outbuildings and ensuring home entries are well-monitored.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion holds steady above state average

Marion County's 73.7-year life expectancy exceeds the Arkansas average of 72.3 years by 1.4 years, putting it closer to national norms. With 22.5% reporting poor or fair health, Marion ranks in the middle of the eight counties, reflecting moderate health challenges.

Above average health outcomes statewide

At 73.7 years, Marion County ranks above the Arkansas average and among the healthier counties in the state. This position reflects consistent healthcare access and community health management, though room for improvement remains.

Solid middle-ground performance

Marion's 73.7-year life expectancy sits between Lonoke County (74.1 years) and Little River County (71.8 years), positioning it as a stable, mid-range performer. The modest 22.5% poor/fair health rate suggests more residents enjoy good or excellent health than in several neighboring counties.

Strong primary care, limited mental health

Marion offers 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above average for the region—but only 11 mental health providers per 100,000. The 10.0% uninsured rate matches the state average, indicating coverage gaps persist despite solid primary care access.

Expand mental health coverage too

Marion County's primary care strength should be paired with robust health insurance for comprehensive care, including mental health services. Check healthcare.gov to find plans that cover both your primary doctor and behavioral health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Traditional Rural Schools Serve Marion County

Marion County features seven public schools organized into two main districts, serving a total of 2,073 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, and one specialized facility. This balanced distribution ensures coverage for all grade levels across the county.

Solid Graduation Rates with Lean Spending

The county achieves an 88.3% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0%. Educational results are maintained with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,559, which is below the state average. The school score of 49.5 reflects a system that is performing near the national median of 50.0.

Yellville-Summit and Flippin Lead the Way

The Yellville-Summit School District is the largest in the county, educating 1,000 students across three campuses. The Flippin School District is nearly as large, with 915 students and three schools. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's offerings, as there are no charter schools.

Quiet Learning in All-Rural Locales

Education in Marion County is exclusively rural, with an average school size of 296 students. Flippin Elementary is the largest school with 405 students, while Flippin High School maintains a smaller environment for 267 students. This intimate scale allows teachers and students to build strong, familiar relationships.

Small-Town Charm and Quality Education

For families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle without sacrificing graduation success, Marion County is a strong contender. Real estate in the Yellville or Flippin areas keeps you close to these community-centric schools. Discover the benefits of a school system where every student is a familiar face.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County's Relatively Safe Profile

Marion County's composite risk score of 47.96 ranks Relatively Low, about 15% below the U.S. average. Earthquake risk (65.71) and tornado risk (55.82) represent the county's main concerns, while flood risk remains manageable at 43.07.

Among Arkansas's Safer Counties

At 47.96, Marion County's score sits well below Arkansas's state average of 55.51, positioning it as one of the state's lower-risk areas. The county avoids the extreme flood and seismic pressures facing eastern Arkansas.

In Regional Context

Marion County (47.96) ranks slightly higher than Little River (44.05) and Madison (45.07), its western neighbors. All three counties maintain similarly safe profiles within the state's Ozark region.

Marion's Main Hazards

Earthquakes (65.71) and tornadoes (55.82) present Marion County's primary risks, though neither reaches critical levels. Wildfire danger (64.98) is notably elevated compared to flood risk (43.07).

Essential Coverage Steps

Marion County homeowners should prioritize earthquake coverage, as seismic risk exceeds national norms in this region. Adding tornado and standard homeowner protection provides comprehensive security against the county's multiple hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in the Ozarks

Soil in Marion County is quite acidic, recording an average pH of 5.40. This acidity is typical for the region, falling below the Arkansas average of 5.56 and well under the national median of 6.5.

Light and Easy-to-Till Soil

The mineral mix consists of 25.8% sand, 33.3% silt, and 10.4% clay. This composition suggests a soil that is relatively light and easy to till, though it may require organic amendments to boost its structure over time.

Massive Organic Matter Reserves

This county boasts a staggering 22.61% organic matter, dwarfing the state average of 4.15%. However, its available water capacity is low at 0.097 in/in, meaning the soil may dry out quickly despite its rich organic content.

Monitoring Natural Water Drainage

Specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this county. Gardeners should monitor local spots for standing water, as the low clay content often indicates rapid water movement through the soil.

Resilient Planting in Zone 7b

Marion County resides in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, offering a climate suited for apples and hardy perennials. With such incredibly high organic matter already present, your garden is just a few seeds away from a thriving season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Uphill battle for lawns in Marion County

A lawn difficulty score of 32.5 puts this county well below the state average of 37.3. Growers in this Zone 7b area must be diligent, as the environment presents more obstacles than the national median of 50.0.

Adapting to limited climate data

While specific temperature and precipitation averages are unavailable for this county, nearby trends suggest a need for heat-hardy grass varieties. Local conditions require a watchful eye on weather patterns to timing mowing and watering correctly.

Acidic soil profile needs attention

The soil pH sits at 5.40, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. With a composition of 25.8% sand and 10.4% clay, the soil may require organic matter to improve its structure and nutrient retention.

Severe drought covers the county

Almost 97% of Marion County is in a severe drought, following 29 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Water conservation is paramount; consider allowing your lawn to go dormant during the hottest months to protect the root systems.

Focus on resilience and timing

Choose grass types that can handle both the acidity of the soil and the frequency of drought. Since frost dates are not specified, watch local forecasts closely to time your planting after the final spring freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 48.3 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 Arkansas?
Marion County ranks #39 among all counties in Arkansas 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, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $813, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 84.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Arkansas is $46,953 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 9.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Marion County scores 48.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Arkansas. 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.