countyscore
48.9
County Score
Soil Quality 69.1Cost of Living 68.7Lawn 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.

204060801007.968.754.763.944.347.4621550Tax7.9Cost68.7Safety54.7Health63.9Schools44.3Income47.4Risk62Water15Weather5048.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Marion County DNA

Foverall

How Marion County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Marion County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (68.7/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (7.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
7.9-44.1
Cost
68.7+20.700000000000003
Safety
54.7
Health
63.9+13.899999999999999
Schools
44.3-9.700000000000003
Income
47.4
Risk
62+15
Water
15-43
Weather
50
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Many homeowners in Marion County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$124,200

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$727/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$124,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,695/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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Counties with similar scores

Scott County
Arkansas
Median income: $43,270
48.9
Modoc County
California
Median income: $59,455
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Bleckley County
Georgia
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Kauai County
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Shoshone County
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Median income: $55,527
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Camden County
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Harrison County
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Rockingham County
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Nearby counties

Chase County
Kansas
59.7
Harvey County
Kansas
40
Morris County
Kansas
51.5
McPherson County
Kansas
49.2
Dickinson County
Kansas
46.1
Butler County
Kansas
36
Saline County
Kansas
38.6
Geary County
Kansas
27.2

Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 #60 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 $2,006, with an effective tax rate of 1.62%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 7.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Kansas is $64,695 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 47.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Kansas a good place to live?
Marion County scores 48.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.