countyscore
35.4
County Score
Property Tax 57.5Water Quality 56.6Safety 38.4

County Report Card

About Marion County, Florida

Marion trails the nation on livability

Marion County's composite score of 35.4 falls well below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This 14.6-point gap suggests residents face compounded challenges across housing, income, health, and schools compared to typical American counties.

Below-average across Florida

Marion ranks below Florida's state average composite score of 45.1, sitting near the lower end of the state's 67 counties. The gap of nearly 10 points reflects persistent headwinds in employment, affordability, and public health.

Tax relief and water quality stand out

Marion's strongest dimension is its tax score of 57.5, with an effective tax rate of just 0.751%—among Florida's most favorable. Water quality also rates well at 56.6, offering environmental assets despite broader livability constraints.

Schools and health need urgent attention

Marion's school score of 22.8 is critically low, ranking near the bottom statewide, and health outcomes (29.7) also lag significantly. Income levels at $58,535 median household income fall $19,000 below the state's higher earners, limiting economic opportunity.

Best for retirees seeking tax breaks

Marion suits early retirees or fixed-income families prioritizing low taxes and rural living over strong schools and urban amenities. This county offers affordability (median home $220,800) but requires acceptance of limited health services and underfunded education systems.

2040608010057.535.338.429.722.834.35.356.618.7Tax57.5Cost35.3Safety38.4Health29.7Schools22.8Income34.3Risk5.3Water56.6Weather18.735.4/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

Marion County DNA

Foverall

How Marion County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marion County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (5.3/100), though Property Tax (57.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.5
Cost
35.3-12.700000000000003
Safety
38.4-16.6
Health
29.7-20.3
Schools
22.8-31.2
Income
34.3-16.700000000000003
Risk
5.3-41.7
Water
56.6
Weather
18.7-37.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Marion County

Whether buying or refinancing in Marion County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$220,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,174/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$220,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$46,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,535/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Putnam County
Florida
37.5
Alachua County
Florida
32.1
Citrus County
Florida
43.3
Sumter County
Florida
53.5
Lake County
Florida
46
Levy County
Florida
47.6
Bradford County
Florida
60.2
Flagler County
Florida
45.5

Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Marion County reports a total crime rate of 1411.8 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 97.8 out of 100. Local law enforcement maintains a more secure environment than many other regions across the country.

Comparing Marion to the Florida Average

While safe by national standards, Marion's crime rate of 1411.8 sits above the Florida state average of 1027.9. Its safety score of 97.8 is slightly lower than the state-wide average of 98.4. Eleven different reporting agencies work together to manage public safety within the county lines.

Local Safety Trends Near Marion County

Marion County (1411.8) is considerably safer than neighboring Orange County (2762.5) to the south. However, it shows higher crime levels than Martin County (1207.0). These variations highlight Marion's position as a moderately active transit and residential hub.

Understanding the Property and Violent Crime Split

Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 1114.4 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate stands at 297.4, which remains lower than the national violent crime average of 369.8. This indicates that most reported issues involve property rather than personal threats.

Securing Your Marion County Residence

High safety scores are encouraging, but residents should remain proactive about home security. Investing in motion-activated lighting and smart camera systems helps maintain the community's safe profile. Simple precautions often deter property-related incidents before they occur.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Network Serving 44,000 Students

Marion County operates 63 public schools that support a total enrollment of 44,493 students. The infrastructure includes 35 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 15 high schools across a single district.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

The county's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average, though it trails the Florida state average of 89.8%. Investment stands at $5,904 per pupil, which is slightly below the state average of $6,118.

One District with Growing Charter Options

The Marion School District manages the entire county, including four charter schools that represent 6.3% of all institutions. This centralized system provides a uniform curriculum across all 63 local schools.

A Mix of Rural and City Campuses

Marion County features an even split of 24 rural and 24 city schools, with an average size of 729 students. West Port High School is the largest campus with 2,906 students, while Belleview Middle serves 1,573.

Find Your Home Near Top Marion Schools

Families value the variety of school settings found in Marion County, from quiet rural campuses to bustling city high schools. Consider school quality and district zoning as you explore the local real estate market.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Marion County

via WaterByCounty

Marion County Earns a C for Drinking Water Compliance

Marion County reports 24 health violations over the last five years, resulting in a violation rate of 9.1 per 100,000 residents. While this earns a C grade, the county remains significantly cleaner than the Florida average rate of 43.4. Local utilities manage to keep violation rates well below state and national benchmarks despite the frequency of issues.

One-Third of Local Water Bodies Face Impairment

According to the 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle, 32.5% of the 1,273 assessed water bodies in Marion County fail Clean Water Act standards. This is better than the statewide average impairment rate of 38.8%. Primary concerns for these local waters include low dissolved oxygen, phosphorus, and mercury in fish tissue.

Over 50,000 Monitoring Records Track Water Quality

Environmental agencies maintain 319 active monitoring sites across the county to track ecosystem health. These stations generated 54,440 measurements over the last five years, focusing primarily on physical characteristics and inorganic chemicals. This robust data footprint helps local officials identify shifts in nutrient levels and metal concentrations.

Withlacoochee River Flows at Half Its Typical Volume

The primary USGS gauge on the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon currently records a discharge of 667 cubic feet per second. This flow represents just 48% of the long-term mean for this time of year. Reduced streamflow can impact the dilution of nutrients and affect overall watershed resilience.

Monitor Nutrient Runoff and Fish Consumption Safety

With phosphorus and mercury listed as top pollutants, residents should follow local advisories regarding fish consumption and limit fertilizer use to protect watershed health. Although the county's drinking water grade is a C, the low violation rate compared to the state average suggests municipal water is generally stable. Consider carbon filtration if you are sensitive to the inorganic compounds frequently measured in local monitoring.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

Inland Florida Warmth Tops National Figures

Marion County averages 70.2°F annually, staying well above the national median of 54°F. Its inland location creates a distinct climate profile within the Florida peninsula.

Matching the Florida State Temperature Profile

Marion's 70.2°F average is just below the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It represents a middle-ground temperature rank for the state's interior counties.

Warmer and Drier Than Coastal Levy

Marion County's 70.2°F average is a full degree warmer than neighboring Levy County. It is also drier, receiving 53.4 inches of rain compared to Levy's 57.1 inches.

High Heat Frequency and Mild Winters

The county endures 110 days of extreme heat over 90°F, significantly more than coastal neighbors. Summers average 80.9°F while winters drop to a mild 58.1°F with no snowfall.

Preparing for Significant Inland Heat

Residents must account for 110 extreme heat days, requiring consistent air conditioning and hydration. Annual rainfall of 53.4 inches is slightly below the state average, but still requires drainage planning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

A Mystery in the Soil

Detailed taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable for Marion County’s primary soils. While we lack specific local figures, the county typically sits within Florida's acidic range compared to the national median pH of 6.5.

Unknown Mineral Makeup

Precise percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded in this data set. These metrics are vital for understanding how the ground holds moisture and nutrients in this horse-country landscape.

Tracking Growth Potential

We lack specific measurements for organic matter and water capacity in this area. These indicators usually signal how well native plants might thrive without heavy irrigation or supplemental fertilizers.

Planning for the Water Table

The dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently cataloged for this county. Understanding these categories is essential for planning building foundations and effective garden irrigation systems.

Gardening in the Horse Capital

Marion County sits in hardiness zone 9a, offering a versatile environment for many southern crops. Even without full soil data, the region's climate is world-famous for supporting robust livestock and diverse plant life.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Marion’s Difficult Growing Conditions

Marion County scores a 15.4 for lawn difficulty, making it significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 9a, the county demands extra effort compared to the Florida state average score of 19.2.

Scorching Heat and Long Growing Cycles

The county endures 110 days of extreme heat above 90°F annually, which is much higher than the state average of 92 days. With 7,472 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly, requiring a relentless mowing schedule throughout the long season.

Adapting to Unknown Soil Profiles

Detailed soil data is limited for this region, so local testing is the best first step for any homeowner. Without specific pH or texture benchmarks, residents should focus on adding organic matter to help stabilize nutrient availability in the lawn's foundation.

Managing Water Through Severe Drought

Severe drought covers 100% of the county, and lawns have faced 40 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. To protect your turf, water deeply but infrequently during the early morning to minimize evaporation and heat stress.

Start Your Marion Lawn This Spring

Hardy varieties like St. Augustine or Centipede thrive in Zone 9a once the threat of frost passes after March 1. Plan your sod or seeding projects before the December 12 first frost to ensure the roots establish firmly.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Florida has a composite county score of 35.4 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 Florida?
Marion County ranks #56 among all counties in Florida 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, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $1,659, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 57.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Florida is $58,535 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 34.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Florida a good place to live?
Marion County scores 35.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Florida. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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