countyscore
62.5
County Score
Cost of Living 71.5Safety 71.4Schools 70.5

County Report Card

About Marion County, Kentucky

Marion County Surpasses National Standards

With a composite score of 62.5, Marion County sits comfortably ahead of the 50.0 national median. This indicates a higher-than-average quality of life driven by balanced community metrics.

Outpacing the Average Kentucky County

Marion County outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6 with its 62.5 composite score. It is a competitive choice for Kentuckians seeking a mix of safety and educational quality.

Strong Schools and Safe Neighborhoods

The county earns high marks for its schools at 70.5 and safety at 71.4. Residents also enjoy an affordable cost of living, evidenced by a cost score of 71.5 and a median gross rent of $731.

Room to Improve Local Incomes

Income levels represent the county's weakest dimension with a score of 26.0. While the median income of $55,404 is respectable, it limits the county's overall economic ranking.

A Top Choice for Growing Families

Marion County is a perfect fit for families looking for safe neighborhoods and quality public education without breaking the bank. It offers a stable, middle-class lifestyle with low environmental risk.

Score breakdown

Tax62.2Cost71.5Safety71.4Health41.7Schools70.5Income26Risk69.8Water64Weather58.4
🏛62.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61
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 White County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

White County
Illinois
Median income: $53,097
62.5
Adair County
Iowa
Median income: $66,176
62.5
Carlisle County
Kentucky
Median income: $62,019
62.5
Wadena County
Minnesota
Median income: $56,882
62.5
Pawnee County
Nebraska
Median income: $54,926
62.5
Valley County
Nebraska
Median income: $58,902
62.5
Pike County
Arkansas
Median income: $51,000
62.4
Costilla County
Colorado
Median income: $36,519
62.6

Nearby counties

Taylor County
Kentucky
60
Washington County
Kentucky
65.8
Larue County
Kentucky
61.6
Nelson County
Kentucky
54.6
Green County
Kentucky
68.3
Casey County
Kentucky
67.4
Boyle County
Kentucky
55.2
Adair County
Kentucky
65.7

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's rate sits well below national norms

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion balances income and housing well

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion's income gap reflects state trend

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County beats national safety trends

Marion County maintains a safety score of 98.9, reflecting a very secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 682.7 per 100,000 is less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5. Families here experience a level of security that far exceeds the U.S. norm.

Leading the pack in Kentucky safety

The county’s crime rate of 682.7 sits comfortably below the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Two local reporting agencies contribute data that keeps the county's safety score slightly above the state benchmark of 98.8. This makes Marion one of the more reliable areas for low-crime living in the Commonwealth.

Comparing Marion to regional neighbors

Marion County is significantly safer than nearby Madison County, where the crime rate reaches 1,454.5. It also maintains a lower rate than Marshall County’s 965.1. These comparisons highlight Marion as a regional leader in crime prevention and public safety.

A detailed look at local crime

Violent crime in Marion County stays low at 71.3 per 100,000, which is even better than the state average of 78.1. Property crime accounts for 611.4 incidents per 100,000, a fraction of the national 2,015.7 average. Most reported incidents involve property rather than person-to-person conflict.

Securing your property in Marion County

With property crime as the primary local concern, simple preventative habits make a big difference. Ensure outbuildings and vehicles are locked, as these are often targets for opportunistic theft. Staying alert helps Marion County maintain its excellent safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion County meets national health marks

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling in the Heart of Kentucky

Marion County features nine public schools including four elementary, one middle, and two high schools, alongside two specialized campuses. This single-district system serves 3,252 students across a mix of rural and town settings.

High Performance and Strong Investment

The county boasts a 96.0% graduation rate, which is nine points higher than the national average. Local investment is evident in a per-pupil expenditure of $7,370, helping the county achieve a school score of 57.5.

A Unified Vision for Marion Students

The Marion County school district manages all public education for the area's 3,252 students. There are zero charter schools, and the district includes one alternative school to support diverse student needs.

A Blend of Small-Town and Rural Life

While eight of the nine schools are rural, the Marion County Knight Academy and Marion County High School anchor the central student body. Enrollment ranges from 665 students at the high school to approximately 407 students on average per campus.

Find Your Home in a Dedicated District

Marion County's high graduation rates and above-average school scores make it a premier choice for families. Searching for a home here means joining a community that actively invests in its students' futures.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion is among Kentucky's lowest-risk counties

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Mid-Latitude Climate Profile

Marion County's average annual temperature of 55.6°F sits slightly above the national median, characterizing its humid subtropical environment. This temperate climate experiences the full range of four distinct seasons common to the American interior.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county's 55.6°F annual average is roughly half a degree cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It occupies a middle-ground position among the Commonwealth's 120 counties regarding overall warmth.

Wetter Than Its Regional Neighbors

With 52.4 inches of annual precipitation, Marion is wetter than the state average of 50.6 inches. While it shares the central Kentucky heat, it receives significantly more snowfall than western neighbors like McLean County.

Steamy Summers and Snowy Winters

Residents face 35 extreme heat days above 90°F during summers that average 74.5°F. Winters bring a January average of 33.9°F and a substantial 14.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Moisture and Extremes

Robust HVAC systems are necessary to manage over a month of extreme heat and winter lows. High annual precipitation requires well-maintained gutters and localized drainage planning for homeowners.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Marion's Acidic Silt-Rich Earth

Marion County scores a 53.1 for soil quality, placing it slightly below the state average of 56.2. The average pH of 5.74 is more acidic than both the state average and the national median of 6.5.

Dominant Silt and Clay Profiles

The soil is comprised of 60.1% silt and 23.5% clay, giving it a smooth texture that holds water well. A relatively low sand content of 16.4% means the soil can become compact if worked when too wet.

High Water Capacity and Moderate Matter

Organic matter sits at 2.00%, matching the national average but trailing the Kentucky average of 3.55%. However, the available water capacity of 0.192 in/in is higher than the state norm, helping plants survive dry spells.

Hydraulic Management in Marion

Data for dominant drainage classes and taxonomic orders is not currently available for this area. Given the high silt levels, gardeners should be mindful of surface crusting and ensure adequate aeration for healthy roots.

Extended Growing in Zone 7a

With a Hardiness Zone of 7a, Marion County is well-suited for long-season crops like melons and squash. Boosting your soil with organic compost will help unlock the true potential of your local land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Marion County Lawn Difficulty Score

Marion County earns a lawn difficulty score of 61.0, making it slightly more challenging than the Kentucky average of 66.3. However, it remains significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than the national median of 50.0.

More Rain and Higher Heat

Annual precipitation of 52.4 inches is slightly above the ideal range, which can lead to rapid growth and frequent mowing. The county experiences 35 days of extreme heat annually, which is higher than the state average of 30 days.

Soil Prep for Acidic Clay

The soil pH of 5.74 is quite acidic and typically requires amendments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 lawn range. A clay content of 23.5% helps hold moisture but may require aeration to prevent compaction.

Watching for Summer Dry Spells

Over the past year, the county spent 8 weeks in drought, though current conditions are currently stable. Be prepared to supplement rainfall during the hotter months to help your lawn survive its 35 extreme heat days.

Seeding for Success in Marion

Fescue blends and zoysia grass are well-suited for zone 7a and the local soil conditions. Plan to seed after the last spring frost on April 22 to ensure young grass doesn't face an early freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 62.5 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 Kentucky?
Marion County ranks #43 among all counties in Kentucky 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, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $1,124, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 62.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Kentucky is $55,404 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 26/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Marion County scores 62.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Kentucky. 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.