countyscore
59.2
County Score
Health 92.2Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 81.6

County Report Card

About Marion County, Iowa

Exceeding National Standards

Marion County scores a 59.2 on the composite index, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a very high level of livability by national standards.

Outpacing the Iowa Average

With a score of 59.2, the county performs better than the Iowa state average of 55.6. It is a standout performer in the central Iowa region.

Vibrant Health and High Incomes

The county boasts an elite Health Score of 92.2 and a strong Income Score of 81.6. Residents enjoy a median household income of $78,059, which is supported by a robust local economy.

Navigating Cost and Taxes

The Cost Score (35.5) and Tax Score (21.2) are the main areas of concern for residents. While incomes are high, an effective tax rate of 1.292% and rising home values impact overall affordability.

Top Tier for Growing Families

Marion County is ideal for families who prioritize school quality (69.3) and physical wellness. It offers a prosperous environment for those who want a mix of economic opportunity and healthy living.

Score breakdown

Tax21.2Cost35.5Safety69.5Health92.2Schools69.3Income81.6Risk65.7Water86Weather49.7
🏛21.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤92.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡65.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨68.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81.3
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Marion County?

Many homeowners in Marion County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Marion County with Chugach Census Area →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Chugach Census Area
Alaska
Median income: $88,565
59.2
Menard County
Illinois
Median income: $81,334
59.2
Jefferson County
Indiana
Median income: $59,987
59.2
Martin County
Minnesota
Median income: $62,969
59.2
Gasconade County
Missouri
Median income: $65,096
59.2
Worth County
Missouri
Median income: $46,167
59.2
Huntingdon County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $65,429
59.2
Weston County
Wyoming
Median income: $87,545
59.2

Nearby counties

Warren County
Iowa
51.7
Lucas County
Iowa
55.8
Jasper County
Iowa
54.1
Monroe County
Iowa
59.1
Mahaska County
Iowa
51.4
Polk County
Iowa
36.6
Poweshiek County
Iowa
46.8
Clarke County
Iowa
43.7

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 taxes moderate on national scale

Marion County's effective tax rate of 1.292% exceeds the national median of 1.099%, placing it around the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,727 rivals the national median of $2,690, offering homeowners a near-average national experience despite Iowa's generally higher rates.

Marion just below state average

At 1.292%, Marion County's effective rate sits just below Iowa's state average of 1.344%, making it one of the more affordable options statewide. The median property tax of $2,727 is 26% above Iowa's average of $2,160, reflecting the county's relatively high home values of $211,100.

Marion competes well regionally

Marion County's 1.292% rate is the second-lowest in its peer group, trailing only Louisa (1.273%), and significantly undercutting Linn (1.661%), Madison (1.554%), and Marshall (1.514%). With homes valued similarly to Linn at $211,100, Marion residents enjoy considerably lower tax bills.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Marion County homeowner with a median-valued house of $211,100 pays approximately $2,727 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages face slightly higher bills at $2,778, while those who own outright average $2,625 annually.

You may be paying too much

Marion County homeowners should not assume their assessed values are accurate. If your assessment appears high relative to comparable nearby properties, contact your county assessor about filing an appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion's Rents Above National Norm

Marion County renters spend 13.5% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average and tracking with Iowa's state average of 14.1%. Median income of $78,059 sits above the national median of $74,755, helping offset the higher median rent of $880.

Slightly Above Iowa Average

Marion County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio runs just above Iowa's state average, while median rent of $880 exceeds the state average of $812 by $68. Still, solid median income of $78,059 provides a cushion compared to lower-earning counties.

Fourth-Highest Rents Regionally

Marion's median rent of $880 ranks fourth among the eight counties, notably higher than Louisa ($797) and Lucas ($738) but lower than Linn ($915) and Madison ($938). Home values of $211,100 reflect a county with moderate investment appeal.

Well-Distributed Housing Burden

Marion households earning $78,059 spend $880 on median rent (13.5% of income) or $1,074 on mortgages (16.4% of income). These ratios are reasonable, suggesting housing costs won't severely constrain other essential spending.

Marion Offers Balanced Growth

Marion County suits relocating professionals with decent income and willingness to pay moderate-to-above-average rents for community stability. The county's home values and rental costs suggest a maturing, economically sound area worth exploring.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion County income exceeds national median

Marion County's median household income of $78,059 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $3,304. This 4.4% advantage places Marion solidly in the upper half of American income distributions.

Marion ranks above state average income

At $78,059, Marion County's median household income tops Iowa's state average of $69,830 by $8,229, placing it in the state's stronger-earning counties. This income leadership reflects Marion's balanced economy and manufacturing strength.

Marion competes strongly with neighbors

Marion County's $78,059 income outpaces Lucas County ($67,921) by $10,138 and Marshall County ($72,785) by $5,274. Within south-central Iowa, Marion ranks among the more prosperous counties economically.

Housing affordability is solid here

Marion County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio means housing consumes roughly two and a half weeks of monthly earnings—well within affordability guidelines. The median home value of $211,100 is realistic for households earning $78,059 annually.

Marion's income supports financial goals

Marion County's above-average incomes and reasonable housing costs create real opportunity for wealth building through homeownership, retirement savings, and investment. Households here should capitalize on this favorable income-to-housing ratio by establishing long-term financial plans.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County is Very Safe

Marion County earns a high safety score of 98.9 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 713.7 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Safety Averages

Marion outperforms the Iowa average in every category, with a total crime rate well below the 1,095.3 state benchmark. Its safety score is also superior to the state average of 98.3.

A Secure Choice Among Neighbors

The county is safer than neighboring Mahaska County, reporting about half the total crime per capita. Two law enforcement agencies provide the reliable data that confirms this secure environment.

Low Rates Across All Crimes

Violent crime stands at 194.1 per 100K, which is lower than both state and national averages. Property crime is also very low at 519.6, roughly a quarter of the national rate.

Simple Habits Maintain Safety

Residents enjoy high levels of peace of mind but should still practice basic home security. Simple habits like locking vehicles and closing garage doors at night prevent easy targets for opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion County exceeds U.S. health marks

At 78.2 years, Marion County residents live 1.8 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 12.2% report poor or fair health, beating the national average of 16.8%. Marion County delivers above-average health outcomes across key indicators.

Above Iowa's health baseline

Marion County's 78.2-year life expectancy exceeds Iowa's 77.7-year state average by six months. The county's 12.2% poor/fair health rate ranks among Iowa's better performances. Marion County achieves solid health outcomes relative to its state peers.

Highest primary care in the region

Marion County has 96 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 157 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest primary care density among its neighbors. This abundant provider network ensures most residents find care nearby. Marion County has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure.

Universal coverage and excellent access

At 4.1% uninsured, Marion County beats Iowa's 5.7% and the national 10.9% averages—a sign of strong employment and stable incomes. With 96 primary care providers per 100,000, Marion residents access care with minimal wait times. Few barriers stand between Marion County residents and healthcare.

Leverage Marion's strong healthcare

Nearly all Marion County residents carry coverage, but nearly 1 in 25 still lack it—visit Healthcare.gov to check your options. With the county's exceptional provider density, preventive care appointments should be easy to schedule. Use that access to stay ahead of health problems.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

A High-Performing Education Hub

Marion County features 16 public schools across 5 districts, serving a total of 5,632 students. The county is well-equipped with 7 elementary, 4 middle, and 5 high schools. This diverse infrastructure supports a variety of communities from Pella to Knoxville.

Top-Tier Scores and Graduation Rates

Marion County stands out with a 57.3 school score, outperforming both the Iowa average of 56.0 and the national median. The graduation rate is an impressive 94.7%, well above the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $7,589 is almost perfectly aligned with the state average, showing high efficiency.

Pella and Knoxville Districts Lead

Pella Community School District is the largest in the county, with 2,491 students enrolled across 5 schools. Knoxville Community District also maintains a strong presence with 1,674 students. Traditional public schools account for all enrollment, as there are no charter schools in the region.

A Mix of Town and Country Life

Educational locales are split between 9 town-based schools and 7 rural ones, offering families several lifestyle options. Pella High School is the county's largest with 764 students, while the average school size is 352. This blend provides both the resources of larger town schools and the intimacy of rural campuses.

Premium Homes Near Top Schools

With some of the highest academic scores in the state, Marion County is a magnet for families. Whether you prefer the charm of Pella or the community of Knoxville, you will find excellent schools nearby. Explore local real estate to find a home that offers your children an elite education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County sits below state risk average

Marion County's composite risk score of 34.35 runs about 13 percent below Iowa's state average of 39.68, placing it in the very low risk category. This cushion suggests residents enjoy better-than-average protection from the state's natural hazards.

Safer than most Iowa counties

Marion ranks in the lower-risk quadrant of Iowa's 99 counties, with exposure levels meaningfully below the state median. This favorable standing reflects geographic and climatic factors that reduce the county's overall vulnerability to major natural disasters.

Higher risk than nearby Lucas and Mahaska

Marion's 34.35 score exceeds both Lucas County (29.68) and Mahaska County (29.74) but remains well below Marshall County (62.47) to the north. This positioning places Marion at the higher end of the south-central Iowa safety cluster.

Tornadoes emerge as primary threat

Tornado risk of 67.75 significantly outpaces your other exposures, making spring storm season your highest-risk period. Flood risk at 41.22 and wildfire risk of 50.57 round out your secondary concerns, both manageable but worth monitoring.

Prioritize wind coverage for tornadoes

Your elevated tornado risk relative to other hazards means wind and hail coverage is essential in your homeowners policy. Standard policies typically include these protections, but verify your coverage limits are adequate for replacement costs in your area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm pocket in the Midwest

Marion County averages 49.9°F annually, which is on the higher end for Iowa but remains below the national median. The area experiences a robust humid continental climate with frequent summer heatwaves.

Leading the state in heat

Marion's 49.9°F average is nearly two degrees higher than the Iowa state average. It also sees 20 days of extreme heat annually, which is significantly higher than many northern counties.

More extreme heat than neighbors

Marion records 20 days above 90°F, surpassing neighbors like Mahaska and Madison. While its temperature is high, its 36.9 inches of rain is very close to the state average.

Intense summers and cold winters

Summer is a major factor here, with a July average of 75.1°F. Although specific snowfall totals are currently unlisted, winter temperatures average 24.8°F, providing a sharp contrast to the summer heat.

Prioritize high-efficiency cooling

With 20 days of extreme heat, a robust cooling system is essential for resident safety and comfort. Homeowners should also prepare for a 21.2°F January, the coldest month of the year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silt Loams in Marion County

Marion County is dominated by Alfisols with a pH of 6.19, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This silt loam profile is a staple of the region, though it may need lime to boost performance for certain crops.

Fine Texture and Nutrient Storage

The soil consists of 56.7% silt and 25.5% clay, making it very fine-textured and excellent for nutrient storage. Because it only contains 16.7% sand, it can be prone to compaction and may feel slick when wet.

Competitive Water Capacity

At 3.06%, the organic matter is lower than the Iowa state average but still significantly better than the national average. The available water capacity of 0.194 inches per inch is nearly identical to the state average of 0.195.

Navigating Poor Drainage and Saturation

Rated as poorly drained with a hydrologic group C/D, this soil struggles to move water and often remains saturated. These conditions are challenging for basements but excellent for moisture-loving plants and wetland restoration.

Powerhouse Soil for Diverse Crops

Hardiness zone 5b allows for a diverse garden of squashes, beans, and orchard fruits. Despite the heavy drainage, this moisture-retentive soil is a powerhouse if you manage the water levels correctly.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Excellent Conditions in Zone 5b

With a lawn difficulty score of 81.3, Marion County offers some of the best growing conditions in Iowa. It outpaces the state average of 77.2 and the national median of 50.0, rewarding gardeners with high success rates.

Warm Summers and Ample Rain

The county experiences 20 extreme heat days per year, which is higher than the state average and requires extra summer vigilance. However, 36.9 inches of annual precipitation and 3,279 growing degree days provide strong support for rapid turf development.

Managing Silt Loam Drainage

The soil is a silt loam with a 6.19 pH, but it is classified as poorly drained. Homeowners should consider core aeration or surface grading to prevent water from pooling and suffocating grass roots during wet seasons.

Brief and Manageable Droughts

Only 5 weeks of drought occurred over the last year, showing that severe dry spells are rare in Marion County. While 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry, the soil's moisture-retention properties help protect turf from immediate damage.

Long Growing Season Ahead

The frost-free period runs from April 20 to October 19, providing a very generous timeframe for seeding. Choose heat-tolerant cool-season blends to help your lawn withstand the 20 days of peak summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Iowa has a composite county score of 59.2 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 Iowa?
Marion County ranks #43 among all counties in Iowa 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, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $2,727, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 21.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Iowa is $78,059 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 81.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Iowa a good place to live?
Marion County scores 59.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Iowa. 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.