Marion County's composite score of 75.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 51%, placing it solidly in the nation's upper-livability tier. This strong positioning reflects balanced affordability and tax efficiency.
2 / 5
Right at Kentucky's performance baseline
Marion County's 75.4 score essentially matches Kentucky's state average of 75.0, making it a perfectly representative Kentucky county. This alignment suggests typical livability conditions compared to the broader state landscape.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and solid housing affordability
Marion County leads with a tax score of 82.3 and an effective tax rate of 0.708%, the lowest among this cohort, combined with a cost score of 84.1. Median home values of $158,700 and rents of $731 provide genuine affordability without extreme sacrifice.
4 / 5
Income growth remains underdeveloped
Marion County's income score of 19.6 reflects a median household income of $55,404, indicating modest earning potential in the local economy. The county would benefit from workforce development and higher-skill employment opportunities.
5 / 5
Marion suits value-conscious practical families
Marion County appeals to families seeking straightforward livability: low taxes, affordable housing, and stable small-town life without dramatic extremes. It works well for mid-career professionals, established families, and those prioritizing fiscal responsibility over rapid wealth building.
Marion County's composite score of 75.4 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 51%, placing it solidly in the nation's upper-livability tier. This strong positioning reflects balanced affordability and tax efficiency.
Right at Kentucky's performance baseline
Marion County's 75.4 score essentially matches Kentucky's state average of 75.0, making it a perfectly representative Kentucky county. This alignment suggests typical livability conditions compared to the broader state landscape.
Tax efficiency and solid housing affordability
Marion County leads with a tax score of 82.3 and an effective tax rate of 0.708%, the lowest among this cohort, combined with a cost score of 84.1. Median home values of $158,700 and rents of $731 provide genuine affordability without extreme sacrifice.
Income growth remains underdeveloped
Marion County's income score of 19.6 reflects a median household income of $55,404, indicating modest earning potential in the local economy. The county would benefit from workforce development and higher-skill employment opportunities.
Marion suits value-conscious practical families
Marion County appeals to families seeking straightforward livability: low taxes, affordable housing, and stable small-town life without dramatic extremes. It works well for mid-career professionals, established families, and those prioritizing fiscal responsibility over rapid wealth building.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛82.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Marion County's 0.708% effective tax rate is substantially lower than the national median tax burden of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. At a median home value of $158,700, Marion homeowners benefit from both lower rates and lower-valued properties.
Marion among Kentucky's lowest-rate counties
Marion ranks among Kentucky's bottom tier for effective tax rates at 0.708%, falling below the state average of 0.719%. The county's median tax bill of $1,124 still exceeds the state median by 3%, reflecting its moderate home values.
Marion undercuts most nearby counties
At 0.708%, Marion outcompetes regional neighbors Mason County (0.634%), Martin County (0.774%), Madison County (0.739%), and Marshall County (0.717%). Only Mason County achieves a lower rate, making Marion one of the region's most tax-friendly markets.
Median Marion home pays $1,124 annually
A typical $158,700 home in Marion County faces approximately $1,124 in yearly property taxes, or about $94 per month. Mortgage-inclusive assessments push the average bill closer to $1,237.
Check your assessment against sales data
Many Marion County residents don't realize their homes may be assessed higher than comparable recent sales in their neighborhoods. A free appeal process with the assessor's office can reveal whether you're overpaying and help recover overages.
Marion County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio edges below Kentucky's 17% state average, providing genuine affordability despite a median income of $55,404 that trails the national $74,755. Low housing costs relative to earnings make this county an underrated option.
Above-average housing affordability
Marion ranks in the top tier of Kentucky counties for affordability, with a 15.8% rent-to-income ratio beating the state average of 17%. Its $731 median rent falls just below Kentucky's median, reflecting a sweet spot for cost-conscious Kentuckians.
The region's most affordable rents
Marion's $731 monthly rent is the lowest among neighboring Madison ($851), Marshall ($773), Mason ($724), and McCreary ($588) counties. This affordability advantage, paired with a $55,404 median income, positions Marion as the region's best value.
Rent and ownership costs align
Marion renters spend $731 monthly (15.8% of income) while owners pay nearly identical $741, suggesting a well-balanced housing market. The median home value of $158,700 is accessible to moderate-income families in a county where housing doesn't dominate the budget.
Marion delivers true affordability
If you're seeking the lowest housing costs without sacrificing regional stability, Marion outshines neighbors on rent while maintaining decent median income prospects. Compare Marion's $731 rent to Marshall's $773 or Madison's $851 to quantify your savings.
Marion County's median household income of $55,404 trails the national median of $74,755 by 26%, in line with Kentucky's broader economic positioning. Per capita income of $27,866 sits just below the state average of $29,616.
Mirrors Kentucky's statewide average
Marion County's median household income of $55,404 nearly matches Kentucky's state average of $55,909, making it representative of typical earner conditions across the commonwealth. The county shows balanced economic performance relative to state norms.
Mid-range within central Kentucky
Marion County's $55,404 income sits below Madison County ($62,407) and Marshall County ($63,611), but exceeds Mason County ($51,473) and Martin County ($46,185) in the same region. It reflects average economic conditions for central Kentucky communities.
Housing costs stay manageable
Marion County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% indicates sustainable housing costs, well below the 30% stress threshold. With median home values at $158,700, homeownership aligns reasonably with median household income levels.
Steady income supports modest wealth building
Marion County's income at state average provides a practical platform for savings and investment in home equity. Households should prioritize emergency funds and employer retirement benefits to strengthen financial resilience.
At 73.2 years, Marion County's life expectancy is nearly 1 year above the U.S. average of 72.3 years, a solid position. However, 25.1% of residents report poor or fair health—well above the national average of 17.9%—indicating that longevity doesn't reflect day-to-day wellness for many.
Above-average performer statewide
Marion County's 73.2-year life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's 72.2-year state average by one full year. The 25.1% poor/fair health rate is higher than the state average, but Marion still ranks in Kentucky's middle tier for overall health outcomes.
Solid peer performance
Marion County's 73.2-year life expectancy sits between Madison County (73.8) and Marshall County (74.8), placing it squarely in the healthier end of its regional peer group. With 51 primary care providers and 212 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Marion offers healthcare access comparable to or better than most neighboring counties.
Stable coverage and reasonable access
Marion County's 6.2% uninsured rate beats Kentucky's 7.0% average, meaning most residents have insurance protection. With 51 primary care doctors and 212 mental health providers per 100,000 people, most Marion residents can access routine care and mental health support without extensive delays.
Maintain your coverage advantage
With 6.2% of residents uninsured, Marion County is doing better than most—but that still leaves hundreds of people vulnerable. Ensure your family stays covered by checking kynect.ky.gov annually; if you're uninsured or underinsured, call 1-855-MY-KYNCT for personalized enrollment help.
Marion County's composite risk score of 30.22 ranks it as 'very low' and places it well below the national average of 50.19. The county's balanced hazard profile—with no single threat dominating—makes it one of Kentucky's safer areas for residents.
Marion ranks among the state's safest
Marion's composite score of 30.22 sits considerably below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the lower tier of statewide risk. Its minimal wildfire risk of 11.13 is particularly notable—among the lowest in the state.
Marion is safer than surrounding counties
Marion's score of 30.22 compares favorably to neighboring Madison County (74.84) and Mason County (39.19), offering residents notably lower overall disaster risk. This relative safety extends across most hazard categories except tornadoes, where Marion faces moderate exposure.
Tornadoes and earthquakes warrant attention
Tornadoes (61.90) and earthquakes (60.56) are Marion's primary hazards, though neither reaches the extreme levels seen in nearby Madison County. Flooding at 39.66 rounds out the county's risk profile, making spring weather the season of greatest concern.
Maintain tornado coverage and a safe room
Marion's relatively low overall risk shouldn't breed complacency—tornado risk at 61.90 still requires a functional safe room or basement shelter for protection. Review your homeowner's insurance annually and add flood coverage if you're in a mapped floodplain.