countyscore
48.9
County Score
Soil Quality 69.1Cost of Living 69Lawn Care 67.9

County Report Card

About Marion County, Kansas

Marion County Ranks Near the National Median

Marion County earns a composite score of 48.9, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced profile that sits in the middle tier of American counties. Residents experience a mix of high affordability and significant environmental and fiscal pressures.

Consistency Across the Sunflower State

The county's overall score of 48.9 is nearly identical to the Kansas state average of 49.5. This suggests that Marion County offers a standard Kansas lifestyle without extreme deviations from regional norms. It maintains a stable position within the state's middle-ranking counties.

Affordable Housing and Strong Community Health

A high cost score of 69.0 highlights the county's exceptional housing affordability, with median gross rent at just $727 per month. Health outcomes also perform well at a score of 63.9, which is bolstered by a respectable risk score of 62.0. These factors provide a solid foundation for physical and financial well-being.

Tax Burdens and Water Quality Concerns

The county faces a steep tax burden with a score of 6.6, driven by an effective property tax rate of 1.726%. Water quality remains a significant concern with a very low score of 15.0. Local leaders also face the challenge of improving school performance, which currently scores 44.3.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Renters

This county is a strong fit for individuals seeking very low housing costs and a healthy environment. While the tax rates are high, the $114,400 median home value makes entry-level ownership accessible. It suits those who prioritize monthly savings over low property tax rates.

204060801006.66954.763.944.349.3621550Tax6.6Cost69Safety54.7Health63.9Schools44.3Income49.3Risk62Water15Weather5048.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Marion County DNA

Foverall

How Marion County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marion County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (69/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (6.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6.6-45.4
Cost
69+21
Safety
54.7
Health
63.9+13.899999999999999
Schools
44.3-9.700000000000003
Income
49.3
Risk
62+15
Water
15-43
Weather
50
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$114,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$727/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$114,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,438/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.5

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

Chase County
Kansas
59.7
Harvey County
Kansas
40.2
Morris County
Kansas
51.3
McPherson County
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Dickinson County
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Butler County
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Saline County
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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 taxes above national median

Marion County's effective tax rate of 1.726% exceeds the national median of 1.29%, placing it in the upper-middle range nationally. The typical Marion homeowner pays $1,974 annually—about 27% less than the national median of $2,690, reflecting Kansas's lower home values overall.

Among Kansas's higher-taxed counties

Marion's 1.726% rate ranks above the Kansas state average of 1.549%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. The median tax bill of $1,974 is just slightly above Kansas's state median of $1,943.

Higher than Marshall, lower than Mitchell

Marion's rate of 1.726% sits comfortably between neighboring Marshall County (1.280%) and Mitchell County (1.901%). Among immediate regional peers, Marion homes typically face mid-range tax burdens.

What Marion homeowners actually pay

The median Marion home valued at $114,400 generates roughly $1,974 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,140; without one, it drops to $1,801.

You may be overassessed

Studies show that many homeowners across Kansas pay taxes on inflated property assessments. Marion County residents should consider appealing their assessments if recent market sales suggest their homes are overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion County rents remain below national pressure

At 13.8%, Marion County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national norm, meaning residents spend less of their paychecks on housing than most Americans. The county's median rent of $727 per month costs considerably less than the state average of $787, giving renters breathing room despite a median household income of $63,438—about $11,000 below the national average.

Marion County ranks among Kansas's most affordable

With a 13.8% rent-to-income ratio, Marion County outperforms the Kansas state average of 14.7%, placing it in the upper tier of affordable counties statewide. This advantage holds even as the county trails state income averages, reflecting genuinely modest housing costs relative to what residents earn.

Marion edges out rural neighbors on affordability

Marion County's $727 median rent undercuts McPherson County's $889 and Meade County's $799, making it one of the cheapest rental markets in the region. However, Marshall County nearby offers even tighter housing costs at $670 per month, suggesting renters have affordable options across this part of central Kansas.

Housing takes 13.8% of Marion incomes

A typical Marion County renter earning $63,438 annually spends about $727 monthly on gross rent, while homeowners face $780 in monthly ownership costs on median-valued homes of $114,400. Together, these figures show housing costs remain manageable for both renters and owners, leaving more income for other necessities.

Consider Marion for rural Kansas value

If you're comparing cost of living across Kansas, Marion County delivers solid affordability without requiring big-city sacrifices—rents and home prices rank well below state averages. Check out neighboring Marshall County if you want to push affordability even further, or explore McPherson if you prefer slightly higher incomes with moderate housing cost trade-offs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion County's income lags national benchmark

Marion County's median household income of $63,438 falls about 15% below the national median of $74,755. While the county underperforms nationally, it tracks closely with Kansas's state average of $64,428, placing it squarely in the middle of the Sunflower State's economic range.

Middle-of-the-road earners in Kansas

Marion County ranks near the midpoint among Kansas's 105 counties for household income, neither leading nor lagging significantly in the state's economic landscape. Its $63,438 median positions it just below the state average, reflecting Kansas's relatively consistent income distribution across rural and small-town communities.

Marion stands among mixed-income neighbors

Marion County's $63,438 median sits between lower-earning Mitchell County ($58,233) to the west and higher-earning McPherson County ($77,701) to the north. Adjacent Marshall County ($70,828) earns notably more, suggesting geography and local employment opportunities significantly shape earnings in this region.

Housing costs squeeze Marion households

Marion County's 13.8% rent-to-income ratio sits above the national affordability threshold of 12%, meaning renters spend more of their earnings on housing than the national benchmark. The median home value of $114,400 remains reasonable relative to income, but rising rents suggest affordability pressures for lower-wage workers in the county.

Build financial stability in Marion County

With median household income at $63,438, Marion County families have opportunity to strengthen finances through disciplined saving and smart investing in accessible tools like employer retirement plans and low-cost index funds. Starting small—even 3% of household income directed to emergency savings or long-term investment—can compound significantly over years, creating wealth that outlasts economic cycles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Marion County reports a total crime rate of 1,028.1 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency earns the county an exceptional safety score of 98.4 out of 100. It remains one of the more secure regions in the country.

A Top Performer in Kansas Safety

The county’s safety score of 98.4 exceeds the Kansas state average of 98.0. Seven reporting agencies work across the county to maintain these high standards of public safety. Residents enjoy a total crime rate significantly lower than the state average of 1,282.2.

Lower Crime Rates Than Regional Neighbors

With a crime rate of 1,028.1, Marion County remains much safer than Montgomery County, where the rate reaches 2,979.6. It also maintains a lower crime profile than neighboring Morris County. This makes it a regional leader in crime prevention.

Violent Crimes Remain Rare in Marion

Property crimes account for the majority of local incidents at 842.7 per 100,000, while violent crimes stay very low at 185.4. These numbers mean residents face a much lower risk of crime in their daily lives compared to most Americans. The violent crime rate is almost half the national average of 369.8.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe

Even in a high-safety area like Marion, basic home security provides essential peace of mind. Consistent habits like locking doors and installing motion lights help maintain these impressive safety numbers. Community vigilance keeps the county among the safest in Kansas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network of Local Schools

Marion County operates a widespread education network consisting of 11 public schools across five districts. This infrastructure supports 2,211 students with a mix of four elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools. Two specialized programs round out the county's diverse educational offerings.

Evaluating Graduation and Investment Trends

The county reports an 83.6% graduation rate, which trails the Kansas state average of 88.7% and the national benchmark of 87%. Local spending sits at $8,358 per pupil, slightly below the state average of $9,009. Despite these challenges, the composite school score of 53.1 remains above the national median of 50.0.

Small Districts and Online Options

The Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh district leads the county with 640 students, followed by Marion-Florence with 513 students across three schools. No charter schools operate in the county, though the Kansas Online Learning Program serves as the largest single entity with 338 students. Smaller districts like Goessel maintain a local focus with just 294 total students.

Quiet Campuses and Rural Settings

Education here is overwhelmingly rural, with nine schools in rural locales and only two in town settings. The average school size is compact at 201 students, creating an intimate learning environment. While the Kansas Online Learning Program is the largest at 338 students, local options like Centre serve as few as 198 students.

Establishing Roots Near Marion Schools

Families looking for a personalized education often target homes within the Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh or Marion-Florence districts. These communities offer the safety and close-knit feel of small-town Kansas living. Researching local school performance is a vital first step for any home buyer moving to this scenic region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County's risk profile

Marion County scores 37.98 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting above Kansas's state average of 29.89. This places the county in the lower-risk tier nationally, where most communities experience manageable natural disaster exposure.

Mid-range risk among Kansas counties

Marion County ranks in the middle of Kansas's 105 counties for overall disaster risk, neither among the state's safest nor most exposed communities. Its Very Low rating reflects exposure to multiple hazard types rather than a single dominant threat.

Riskier than most neighbors

Marion County's 37.98 score exceeds neighboring McPherson County (39.22) and Marshall County (21.41), though all three share elevated wildfire risk. Marion sits between Marshall's lower overall exposure and McPherson's higher tornado vulnerability.

Wildfire and tornado threat

Wildfires pose the highest relative risk here with a score of 78.09, making defensible space around structures essential. Tornadoes rank second at 69.05, requiring reliable early warning systems and a practiced family safety plan.

Secure coverage for fire and wind

Marion County residents should verify comprehensive homeowners coverage including wildfire protection and ensure tornado/wind deductibles are affordable. A windstorm rider or enhanced homeowners policy protects against the county's two dominant hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marion County

via WaterByCounty

Significant Health Violations Impact Marion County Water

Marion County carries a Water Quality Grade of F due to 19 health-based violations recorded over the last five years. While the county rate of 198.3 per 100K residents is lower than the Kansas average of 313.4, the high number of incidents triggers serious regulatory concern. This snapshot reflects consistent challenges in maintaining Safe Drinking Water Act standards locally.

Watershed Assessments Currently Pending for Marion

Federal Clean Water Act assessments are not yet available for the water bodies located within Marion County. These water bodies have not been included in the most recent §303(d) reporting cycle for impaired waters. Local health depends on future baseline assessments to determine the status of native streams and lakes.

Six Active Monitoring Sites Track Local Water Quality

The EPA Water Quality Portal reports 270 measurements from six different monitoring sites across the county over the past five years. Researchers focus heavily on Organics and Pesticides during their sampling rounds. These records provide a critical window into how agricultural runoff may be affecting local chemistry.

Cottonwood River Flow Drops Below Typical Levels

The Cottonwood River near Florence currently flows at 106 cfs, which represents only 34% of its long-term seasonal mean. This significant reduction in volume impacts a drainage area of 754 square miles. Low flows can increase the concentration of any existing contaminants in the water supply.

How to Protect Your Household Water Supply

Given the 'F' grade and 19 health violations, residents should stay informed about specific contaminants and consider using certified home filtration systems. Low streamflow in the Cottonwood River may also affect source water quality. Regular independent testing of tap water can provide an extra layer of security for your family.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate Above National Medians

Marion County averages 55.8°F annually, placing it slightly above the national median temperature. This humid continental region experiences distinct seasonal shifts throughout the year.

Warmer and Wetter than the Kansas Average

The county's annual temperature of 55.8°F sits exactly one degree higher than the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. Precipitation is also higher here, with 34.6 inches of rain compared to the 30.3-inch state baseline.

Typical Temperatures for Central Kansas Neighbors

Marion's climate closely mirrors neighboring McPherson County, which averages 55.7°F. However, Marion experiences fewer extreme heat days, with 55 days over 90°F compared to McPherson's 64.

Hot July Peaks and Snowy Winters

July brings an average high of 80.1°F, while January temperatures dip to a chilly 30.6°F. The county receives 12.4 inches of snow annually to round out the winter season.

Preparing for Heat and Moderate Snowfall

Residents should maintain efficient HVAC systems to handle 55 days of extreme heat each year. Solid winter tires are recommended for the 12.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Chemistry in Marion County

Marion County soils feature an average pH of 6.62, which aligns closely with the national median of 6.5. This near-neutral acidity creates a hospitable environment for a wide range of crops without requiring significant chemical adjustments.

Heavy Silt and Clay Profiles

The soil composition is dominated by 56.3% silt and 29.5% clay, with a small 14.2% sand fraction. This mix provides excellent nutrient retention but requires careful management to prevent compaction in wet conditions.

Superior Organic Matter Levels

At 3.00% organic matter, these soils significantly exceed the Kansas state average of 2.22%. The available water capacity of 0.185 in/in is also higher than the state mean, providing a robust reservoir for plants during dry spells.

Managing High Water Retention

While specific drainage classification data is unavailable, the high silt and clay content suggests a soil that holds water tightly. Growers should plan for slow infiltration rates when designing irrigation or drainage systems for new builds.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b

The county's overall soil score of 69.1 is far above the state average of 55.4, making it a prime location for agriculture. Within Zone 6b, you can confidently plant staples like winter wheat, sorghum, and hardy garden vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing Conditions in Marion County

Marion County earns a lawn difficulty score of 67.9, making it significantly easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a stable environment for most transition-zone grasses. Residents enjoy a more manageable experience compared to the Kansas state average of 59.1.

Ample Rainfall Meets Moderate Summer Heat

The county receives 34.6 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal range for healthy turf. While summer brings 55 days of extreme heat over 90°F, 4,259 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for consistent growth. Although specific growing season data is limited, the frost-free window typically runs from April 22 to October 30.

Ideal Soil Chemistry for Marion Lawns

The local soil features a pH of 6.62, falling perfectly within the optimal 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake. With a clay content of 29.5%, the ground holds moisture well but requires attention to prevent compaction. While specific drainage classes aren't recorded, the 14.2% sand content helps provide some natural aeration.

Low Drought Stress Keeps Lawns Green

Marion County experienced only 9 weeks in drought over the last year, faring better than many of its western neighbors. Currently, 0% of the county faces abnormally dry conditions, reducing the immediate need for supplemental irrigation. To maintain this resilience, homeowners should water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root systems.

Start Seeding After the April Frost

Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in Zone 6b, especially given the county's favorable precipitation levels. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on April 22 or during the peak fall window starting in late September. With conditions easier than most of the state, your lawn is well-positioned for success.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Kansas has a composite county score of 48.9 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 Kansas?
Marion County ranks #63 among all counties in Kansas 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, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $1,974, with an effective tax rate of 1.73%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 6.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Kansas is $63,438 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 49.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Kansas a good place to live?
Marion County scores 48.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Kansas. 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.