CountyScore

Marion County

Indiana · IN

#92 in Indiana
60.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Marion County, Indiana

Above Average, But Room to Climb

Marion County scores 60.9 on the CountyScore composite index, notably above the national median of 50.0—placing it in the 61st percentile nationally. This solid foundation reflects a county that delivers better-than-average livability compared to most U.S. counties, though it still lags behind Indiana's state average of 71.2.

Below State Average in Indiana Rankings

Among Indiana's counties, Marion ranks in the lower half, trailing the state average composite score of 71.2 by more than 10 points. The county faces headwinds compared to its peers across the state, particularly in income-related dimensions.

Taxes and Housing Costs Shine

Marion County excels in tax burden, with a 76.1 tax score and an effective rate of just 0.929%—one of the lowest in the state. Housing affordability remains strong too, with a 70.8 cost score and median home values of $207,000 paired with modest rents at $1,107 per month.

Income Lag Weighs on Overall Score

The county's most pressing challenge is its 24.8 income score, significantly dragging down the composite index despite tax and cost strengths. A median household income of $63,450 trails both state and national peers, limiting purchasing power and long-term economic mobility for residents.

Right for Budget-Conscious, Tax-Aware Families

Marion County suits families and retirees who prioritize low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes—a solid choice for those already earning stable wages elsewhere or living on fixed income. The accessible property market and lean tax structure offer real financial breathing room, though limited data on schools and safety leaves some questions unanswered.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.1Cost70.8SafetyComing SoonHealth63.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.8Risk2.5WaterComing Soon
🏛76.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡2.5
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

Kings County
California
60.9
Median income: $68,750
Montgomery County
Kansas
60.9
Median income: $53,242
Bristol County
Massachusetts
60.9
Median income: $84,198
Fulton County
New York
60.9
Median income: $62,615
Atascosa County
Texas
60.9
Median income: $69,413

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 County taxes beat national average

Marion County's effective tax rate of 0.929% is well below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower-tax tier nationally. Homeowners here pay $1,923 annually on a median home valued at $207,000—significantly less than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Highest taxes among Indiana counties

Marion County ranks first among all Indiana counties with a 0.929% effective tax rate, 38% above the state average of 0.671%. This position reflects higher assessed values and tax rates in Indiana's most populous county.

Marion stands out in central Indiana

Marion County's 0.929% rate significantly exceeds neighboring Monroe County (0.702%) and Marshall County (0.683%), making it the highest-taxing county in the region. Among nearby counties, only Newton County approaches Marion's burden at 0.826%.

Annual tax on typical Marion home

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $207,000 pays approximately $1,923 per year in property taxes. This amount rises to $2,001 when accounting for mortgage-related assessments.

Check your assessment before paying

Many Marion County homeowners are overassessed relative to market values and can appeal their tax assessments. Requesting a reassessment review could reduce your annual tax bill—it costs nothing to challenge an inflated valuation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion's rent burden tops national norms

Marion County renters spend 20.9% of their income on housing, outpacing the national affordability sweet spot of roughly 18%. The county's median household income of $63,450 falls about $11,300 short of the national median, tightening budgets across the board.

Among Indiana's priciest counties

At a 20.9% rent-to-income ratio, Marion County ranks among the least affordable in Indiana, where the state average sits at 15.6%. The median rent of $1,107 runs $224 above the state average, making Marion one of the costlier places to rent in the state.

Notably steeper than surrounding areas

Marion County's median rent of $1,107 significantly exceeds nearby Morgan County ($988) and Marshall County ($936), though it remains cheaper than Monroe County's $1,151. The income-adjusted burden in Marion is also higher, reflecting both elevated costs and lower median household income relative to neighbors like Morgan County.

Where Marion's income goes

The typical Marion County renter pays $1,107 monthly while earning $5,287 gross—leaving just 20.9% for housing. Homeowners with a $207,000 median home value face $1,144 in monthly costs, consuming similar portions of that $63,450 household income.

Weighing Marion against Indiana options

If housing affordability is a priority, compare Marion's 20.9% rent burden to more affordable neighbors like Martin County (11.8%) or Montgomery County (14.9%). Marion's higher costs may be justified by urban amenities and job density, but renters and buyers should run the numbers against neighboring counties before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion County lags national income average

Marion County's median household income of $63,450 falls $11,305 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. This 15% gap reflects economic challenges in the county's largest urban center, Indianapolis.

Below average for Indiana

Marion County ranks below Indiana's state median of $68,681, meaning most other Indiana counties earn more. However, the county's per capita income of $36,355 slightly exceeds the state average of $34,773, suggesting concentration of wealth among fewer earners.

Middle of the pack regionally

Marion County's $63,450 income trails Morgan County ($79,088) and Marshall County ($68,041), but exceeds Miami County ($61,130) and Martin County ($65,345). Among central Indiana's diverse economies, Marion's position reflects its mix of urban and suburban demographics.

Rent remains affordable here

A rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% means Marion County households spend just under one-fifth of income on rent, staying below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $207,000, homeownership remains accessible for households earning the county median.

Build financial resilience today

Marion County households earning $63,450 can build wealth by automating savings and exploring low-cost index funds—even modest contributions compound significantly over time. Consider consulting a local nonprofit credit counselor or financial advisor to develop a plan tailored to your income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion County's health lags national pace

At 73.0 years, Marion County residents live about 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. One in five residents (21.7%) report poor or fair health, outpacing the national average of 16%. These gaps signal persistent health challenges that demand local attention.

Below average, even for Indiana

Marion County trails Indiana's average life expectancy of 75.1 years by 2.1 years. With 21.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among Indiana's healthier counties for self-reported status. Yet the uninsured rate of 9.8% exceeds the state average of 8.4%, leaving thousands without coverage.

Urban center with unique challenges

Marion County's 73.0-year life expectancy is notably lower than nearby Monroe County (77.5 years) and Marshall County (75.9 years), despite having stronger primary care access at 78 providers per 100K. The county's 390 mental health providers per 100K rank among the state's highest, yet broader life expectancy gaps persist.

Coverage and care access vary widely

Nearly one in ten Marion County residents (9.8%) lack health insurance, meaning approximately 60,000 people navigate healthcare without coverage. The county offers strong mental health support with 390 providers per 100K, but primary care physician access at 78 per 100K remains uneven across neighborhoods.

Get covered—Marion County has options

With nearly 10% uninsured, now is the time to explore coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to see what Medicaid, Marketplace plans, or employer coverage is available to you. Financial help exists—many plans cost less than you think.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County faces significantly above-average risk

Marion County's composite risk score of 97.49 ranks it in the high-risk category, more than double Indiana's state average of 45.52. This elevated rating reflects substantial exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and earthquakes. Nationally, Marion County's profile places it among counties with notably heightened natural disaster vulnerability.

The riskiest county in Indiana

Marion County stands as Indiana's most hazard-exposed county by composite risk score, significantly outpacing all other regions in the state. Its 97.49 score dwarfs the statewide average of 45.52, reflecting concentrated vulnerability across flood, tornado, and earthquake hazards. No other Indiana county faces comparable levels of combined natural disaster risk.

Risk levels vary dramatically nearby

Surrounding counties show dramatically lower risk profiles: Morgan County scores 63.49, Monroe County scores 75.99, and Miami County scores 52.80. Marion County's 97.49 composite risk substantially exceeds all adjacent regions, making it a clear outlier in central Indiana. Residents here face substantially different hazard exposure than those in neighboring areas.

Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate here

Marion County faces extreme tornado risk (99.01) and severe earthquake risk (96.37), each among the highest in the nation for their respective hazards. Flood risk also runs high at 98.28, creating a triple threat that demands serious preparation. These three hazards alone account for the county's status as Indiana's most at-risk region.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Marion County residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance including flood coverage, as standard policies exclude both flooding and earthquake damage. Given the county's extreme tornado exposure (99.01), reinforced safe rooms or storm shelters can be life-saving investments. Annual policy reviews and disaster preparedness drills are especially critical in this high-risk environment.

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.