CountyScore

Marion County

Florida · FL

#39 in Florida
62.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Marion County, Florida

Marion outpaces the nation by 41%

Marion County's composite score of 70.5 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This 41-point advantage reflects Marion's strength in tax efficiency and housing affordability relative to the rest of the country.

Slightly ahead of Florida's middle

Marion ranks just above Florida's state average composite score of 69.4, positioning it as a solid performer among the state's counties. The county's performance is stable rather than exceptional within Florida's landscape.

Tax and housing value shine

Marion County excels with a tax score of 81.1 and an effective tax rate of just 0.751%, among Florida's lowest. Housing remains genuinely affordable here, with median home values at $220,800 and median rent at $1,174/month—well below state urban averages.

Income growth lags regional peers

Marion's income score of 21.6 is notably weak, with median household income at $58,535—considerably below Florida's more affluent counties. Data on schools, health, safety, and environmental quality remains unavailable, limiting a complete livability picture.

Ideal for cost-conscious Floridians

Marion County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes. It's a pragmatic choice for those seeking stability and financial breathing room in Florida's often-expensive real estate market.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax81.1Cost74.7SafetyComing SoonHealth60.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.6Risk5.3WaterComing Soon
🏛81.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Marion County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

DeSoto County
Florida
62.5
Median income: $50,868
Clarke County
Georgia
62.5
Median income: $52,267
McDonough County
Illinois
62.5
Median income: $50,434
Morgan County
Illinois
62.5
Median income: $65,175
Scott County
Iowa
62.5
Median income: $76,363

Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marion County

via TaxByCounty

Marion's tax rate trails the nation

Marion County's effective tax rate of 0.751% sits below the national average, meaning homeowners here pay less than most Americans on a percentage basis. The county's median property tax of $1,659 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a lower tax rate and lower home values in the area.

Marion ranks middle of the pack statewide

Marion County's effective rate of 0.751% sits just slightly above Florida's state average of 0.731%, placing it near the middle of Florida's 67 counties. The county's median tax bill of $1,659 falls well below the state median of $1,885, largely due to lower property values.

Comparable to nearby central Florida counties

Marion County's 0.751% rate closely matches Orange County's 0.780% to the south and sits between Okeechobee County (0.754%) to the southwest and the state average. For a $220,800 median home, Marion residents pay roughly $300-400 less annually than neighbors in higher-value areas like Orange County.

What Marion homeowners actually pay

A homeowner with Marion County's median-value property of $220,800 pays approximately $1,659 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.751% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill rises to about $1,846 when factoring in tax escrow and related costs.

Many Marion owners could appeal assessments

Research shows that a significant portion of homeowners are assessed above market value, making them eligible to appeal for reduced tax bills at no upfront cost. If you believe your home's assessed value is inflated, Marion County's property appraiser office can guide you through a free challenge process that could lower your annual taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion's rent burden sits slightly above national norms

Marion County residents spend 24.1% of their income on rent, compared to a national median of roughly 28-30% for renters—positioning the county as relatively affordable nationwide. However, the median household income of $58,535 lags nearly $16,000 behind the national median of $74,755, meaning renters stretch smaller paychecks further.

Marion ranks mid-tier in Florida affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 24.1%, Marion sits just slightly above Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it roughly in the middle of the state's 67 counties for rental affordability. The median gross rent of $1,174 is competitive, running $59 below the state average.

Outpaced by wealthier Central Florida peers

Marion's median rent of $1,174 undercuts Orange County ($1,675) and Okaloosa ($1,475), but the county's lower household income means residents feel the pinch more acutely. Compared to its northern neighbor Nassau County ($1,335 rent, $88,900 income), Marion offers cheaper housing but with significantly lower earning power.

Rent claims a quarter of Marion paychecks

A typical Marion renter earning $58,535 annually pays $1,174 monthly in rent—consuming 24.1% of gross income. Homeowners fare better, with median owner costs of $806 per month, or about 16.5% of income.

Consider Marion for rural affordability

If you're relocating from pricier Florida markets and value cost of living, Marion County offers affordable rents and modest home values around $220,800. Compare this county's stability against Orange County's higher costs but greater job diversity to make the best choice for your budget and career.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion lags behind national income

Marion County's median household income of $58,535 falls $16,220 short of the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower half nationally. This gap means Marion households earn roughly 22% less than the typical American family.

Below Florida's income average

At $58,535, Marion's median household income ranks below Florida's state average of $65,468 by $6,933. The county trails most of its peer counties across the state in earning power.

Neighboring counties earn more

Marion residents earn substantially less than nearby Orange County ($77,011) and Okaloosa County ($79,097), with differences exceeding $18,000 annually. Even adjacent Sumter County residents typically earn more, reflecting Marion's position as a lower-income region in central Florida.

Rent remains manageable here

Marion's rent-to-income ratio of 24.1% sits near the recommended threshold, meaning housing costs consume just over one-quarter of household earnings. With a median home value of $220,800, homeownership remains relatively affordable compared to coastal Florida counties.

Build wealth with steady planning

Marion's lower median income underscores the importance of budgeting and long-term investing—even modest monthly savings compound significantly over time. Consider speaking with a financial advisor about retirement accounts and affordable investment vehicles suited to your household's income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion County's health gap

At 74.0 years, Marion County residents live about 6 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health—higher than the national 18% rate—signaling significant chronic disease burden across the county.

Below Florida's health average

Marion County ranks below Florida's state average life expectancy of 75.8 years, placing it in the bottom tier of the state's 67 counties. The county's 20.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds Florida's average, indicating more residents struggle with health management.

Marion lags regional peers

Among Central Florida counties, Marion underperforms: Sumter County residents live 1.8 years longer on average. Marion's primary care provider rate of 58 per 100,000 trails most neighboring regions, creating access challenges for preventive care.

Healthcare access remains strained

With 15.6% of residents uninsured—above Florida's 14.4%—Marion County residents face barriers to routine care. Mental health providers are available at 123 per 100,000, but primary care shortages mean many skip check-ups until problems become urgent.

Explore health insurance options

Nearly 1 in 6 Marion County residents currently lacks coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local insurance broker to explore marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, or employer options that fit your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion's risk is well above average

Marion County scores 94.72 on composite disaster risk, placing it in the relatively high category and well above the national norm. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, from hurricanes to wildfires. The county faces substantially greater risk than the typical American county.

Ranked high among Florida counties

At 94.72, Marion scores 19 points above Florida's state average of 75.74, putting it in the upper tier of risk statewide. The county is among Florida's more hazard-exposed regions. Only the most vulnerable counties in the state face comparable overall risk levels.

More exposed than surrounding areas

Marion County's 94.72 risk score exceeds nearby Alachua and Citrus counties, reflecting its particular vulnerability to hurricanes (97.83) and tornadoes (97.26). While neighboring Sumter County faces similar wildfire exposure, Marion's multi-hazard profile creates greater overall risk. Residents here face measurably higher combined disaster threats than most central Florida neighbors.

Hurricanes and tornadoes dominate

Marion County's two greatest threats are hurricane risk at 97.83 and tornado risk at 97.26—among the highest in the state. Wildfire risk scores 96.76, creating a triple threat to homes and infrastructure across the county. Combined, these three hazards account for the bulk of Marion's elevated overall risk profile.

Insurance is essential here

With hurricane and tornado risks above 97, comprehensive homeowners and flood insurance are not optional in Marion County. Review your policy annually to ensure coverage matches your home's replacement value and includes windstorm protection. Consider a safe room or storm shelter given tornado exposure, and maintain property-hardening measures like impact-resistant windows.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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