countyscore
42.3
County Score
Soil Quality 73.8Lawn Care 70Cost of Living 64.8

County Report Card

About Marion County, Missouri

Marion County Trails the National Median

Marion County earns a composite score of 42.3, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This lower-than-average score is driven largely by safety and education metrics.

Struggling to Match Missouri State Averages

At 42.3, the county ranks well below the Missouri state average of 50.3. While it offers some regional advantages, it faces more livability challenges than the typical Missouri county.

Stable Housing Costs and Good Water

The county's primary strengths are a Cost Score of 64.8 and a Water Score of 58.3. An Income Score of 50.5 shows a solid middle-class foundation with a median household income of $63,908.

Safety Concerns Impact Overall Quality

A notably low Safety Score of 10.2 is the county's biggest challenge, dragging down the overall composite. School and health scores also remain below average, coming in at 39.4 and 41.4 respectively.

Suited for Those Seeking Entry-Level Value

Marion County is best for individuals focused on finding affordable housing in a community with decent income potential. It is a practical choice for those who can navigate its safety and school limitations.

Score breakdown

Tax47.7Cost64.8Safety10.2Health41.4Schools39.4Income50.5Risk52.1Water58.3Weather55.6
🏛47.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡10.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70
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 →
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Nearby counties

Adams County
Illinois
54.7
Ralls County
Missouri
61.9
Lewis County
Missouri
62.1
Shelby County
Missouri
60.1
Monroe County
Missouri
58.6
Pike County
Illinois
55.6
Pike County
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54.6
Knox County
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66

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 County taxes: Well above median

At 0.868%, Marion County's effective rate sits in the 73rd percentile nationally, well above the U.S. median of 0.64%. The median annual tax of $1,373 remains below the national median of $2,690 because homes average $158,100.

Fourth-highest rate in Missouri

Marion County ranks 4th among Missouri's 114 counties in effective tax rate, significantly above the state average of 0.733%. Its median tax of $1,373 exceeds the state median of $1,199 by a considerable margin.

Second-steepest rate in eight-county cluster

Marion County's 0.868% rate trails only Livingston County (0.899%) in this analysis. It substantially exceeds all other peers, making it one of the region's highest-tax-burden counties.

A median home costs $1,373 yearly

A typical Marion County home valued at $158,100 generates $1,373 in annual property taxes—the highest median in this eight-county group. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,414; those without pay $1,328.

High rate makes appeals essential

With the region's second-steepest tax rate, Marion County homeowners should prioritize assessment appeals. Challenging an overvalued assessment could yield hundreds in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion County near national affordability norms

At 15.3%, Marion County's rent-to-income ratio sits just above national benchmarks, indicating fairly typical housing affordability for American renters. With a median rent of $813 and household income of $63,908, the county offers moderate housing accessibility.

Slightly above Missouri average

Marion County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio edges above Missouri's state average of 15.6%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state. Its $813 median rent slightly exceeds the state average of $768, reflecting regional cost dynamics.

Marion rents moderate for the region

Marion County's $813 rent runs higher than budget-friendly neighbors like Linn ($612) and Maries ($594) but remains well below Lincoln County's premium ($972). Median home values of $158,100 position Marion as a middle-ground option for both renters and homebuyers.

15.3% of income spent on rent

Renters in Marion County spend $813 monthly on housing while homeowners pay $692, with median home values of $158,100. At 15.3% of income, rent costs remain manageable, though slightly less generous than the state's most affordable counties.

Marion County: steady, stable housing costs

Marion County provides balanced housing costs without extreme affordability or premium pricing—ideal if you value predictability. Compare your expected Marion County salary to these moderate costs to gauge your real purchasing power in the market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion County income approaches national level

Marion County's median household income of $63,908 trails the national median of $74,755 by $10,847. The county ranks slightly below the national middle, around the 48th percentile.

Outearning the Missouri average

At $63,908, Marion County's median household income exceeds the state average of $59,503 by $4,405. The county performs about 7% better than the typical Missouri household.

Upper tier within local cohort

Marion County's $63,908 median income ranks second in this peer group, exceeded only by Lincoln County. The county competes well against Linn, Livingston, and Macon counties.

Housing costs manageable but elevated

Marion County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio remains below affordability stress levels, though slightly above optimal thresholds. A median home value of $158,100 is accessible for households with stable employment.

Build wealth through consistent investing

Marion County residents enjoy above-average local incomes that support meaningful retirement savings and investments. Establish automatic monthly contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs, and explore low-cost index funds.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County faces higher crime challenges

Marion County's total crime rate of 2,762.5 per 100,000 residents is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.6, placing it below many of its regional peers.

Below the Missouri state safety average

The county's safety score of 95.6 is lower than the Missouri state average of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 2,762.5 also exceeds the statewide average of 1,926.2 per 100,000 people.

A busier landscape for local law enforcement

Marion County reports a higher volume of incidents than the state average, requiring diligent work from its four reporting agencies. The local crime rate is roughly 43% higher than the Missouri average.

Property crime is the primary driver

Property crime is significantly high at 2,471.5 per 100,000 residents, which is well above the national average of 2,015.7. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 291.0 is actually lower than the national average of 369.8.

Enhance your home's property defenses

With property crime being the main concern, residents should invest in high-quality locks and home security systems. Visible deterrents like cameras and alarm signs are particularly effective in areas with higher property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion County's life expectancy lags nationally

At 73.9 years, Marion County residents live 2.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years—a significant health disadvantage. With 19.4% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds national rates, indicating moderate chronic disease and prevention gaps. Despite excellent mental health provider density (325 per 100K—the highest in the state cluster), physical health outcomes remain suboptimal.

Below Missouri's state average on longevity

Marion County's 73.9-year life expectancy falls 0.4 years below Missouri's state average of 74.3 years, placing it in the lower half statewide. The 19.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds state averages, suggesting persistent chronic disease and healthcare barriers. Marion County's health profile mirrors statewide struggles but with particular severity in mental health infrastructure paradoxically contrasting with physical health struggles.

Challenged amid regional disparities

Marion County's 73.9-year life expectancy ranks below neighboring Lincoln County (75.7 years), Livingston County (76.1 years), and Linn County (75.0 years), with a 19.4% poor/fair health rate that mirrors regional averages. However, Marion County boasts exceptional mental health provider density at 325 per 100K—the cluster's highest and far exceeding peers. This stark contrast suggests mental health investment doesn't automatically translate to population-wide physical health gains without primary care integration.

Excellent mental health access, strong primary care

Marion County's 10.4% uninsured rate ranks below the state average of 12.5%, indicating solid insurance penetration. The county leads regionally with 102 primary care providers per 100K, exceeding national standards and providing genuine physician access. Combined with 325 mental health providers per 100K, Marion County offers robust provider infrastructure—yet longevity and health status lag, suggesting other barriers: social determinants, care coordination gaps, or underlying disease prevalence.

Secure insurance to access abundant providers

About 1 in 10 Marion County residents remain uninsured despite abundant healthcare infrastructure—a coverage gap that blocks access to excellent provider networks. With more mental health specialists than any peer county, Marion County offers integrated behavioral and physical healthcare when patients can afford access. Visit Healthcare.gov to enroll in coverage that unlocks these resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Educational Network in the North

Marion County hosts 4,800 students across 15 public schools, including seven elementary schools and four high schools. Three districts manage this system, providing a robust mix of academic and special education services.

Strong Local Investment and Competitive Scores

The county spends $6,428 per pupil, slightly above the Missouri state average of $6,334. With a 90.4% graduation rate and a school score of 52.5, Marion County consistently performs near state benchmarks.

Hannibal 60 Anchors the County

The Hannibal 60 district is the largest, educating 3,406 students in nine separate schools. Like its neighbors, Marion County relies entirely on traditional public districts with no charter schools in the area.

The Feel of a Thriving School Town

Thirteen of the 15 schools are in town settings, giving the county a distinct community-hub atmosphere. Hannibal Sr. High is a major local landmark with 1,052 students, while the county average school size sits at 343.

Invest in a Home Near Hannibal Schools

With diverse school levels and specialized education options, Marion County is ideal for growing families. Search for real estate near Hannibal or Palmyra to take advantage of these well-funded and high-capacity town districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County's risk hovers near average

With a composite risk score of 47.87, Marion County ranks as relatively low and sits slightly below Missouri's state average of 50.56. The county's balanced profile reflects moderate exposure across multiple hazard types.

Slightly below Missouri's average risk

Marion County's score of 47.87 places it just below the state average, making it a moderate-risk area within Missouri's spectrum. The county avoids the extreme exposure seen in some neighboring regions while remaining alert to several hazard types.

Middle ground in regional risk profile

Marion County at 47.87 sits between the safer counties of Livingston (23.03) and Maries (20.83) and the riskier Lincoln County (67.08). It represents the regional median for disaster exposure in north-central Missouri.

Flooding is the primary concern

Flood risk at 59.32 is Marion County's highest hazard, reflecting river and stream exposure across the county. Earthquake risk at 50.92 and tornado risk at 45.80 remain moderate, while wildfire and hurricane threats are minimal.

Flood insurance strongly recommended

Marion County residents should prioritize flood insurance given the 59.32 flood risk score—standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Maintain your home's drainage systems and elevation protections, particularly if you live near the Mississippi River or its tributaries.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

Closer to the National Average

Marion County maintains an annual average temperature of 53.0°F, aligning closely with the national median. The county receives 39.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is lower than the Missouri average of 43.8 inches. This creates a slightly drier profile compared to many other Midwestern counties.

Cooler than the State Median

At 53.0°F, Marion County sits nearly two degrees below the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. This cooler ranking reflects its position in the northeastern part of the state. Winter temperatures here are significantly sharper than in southern Missouri.

Northeastern Missouri Climate Consistency

Marion County is nearly identical in temperature to neighboring Monroe County, which averages 52.9°F. However, Marion receives less precipitation than Monroe, trailing by nearly two inches annually. Both counties share a similar July peak of roughly 76°F.

Cold Winters and Snowy Days

January is cold with an average of 26.3°F, and the county receives 12.5 inches of annual snowfall. Summer brings 25 days of extreme heat above 90°F. The transition from a winter low of 29.4°F to a summer high of 74.7°F marks a classic four-season cycle.

Winterize for Significant Snow

Residents must prepare for 12.5 inches of snow by maintaining reliable shovels and winter tires. Insulation is critical as January temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Summer planning should account for roughly 25 days of 90-degree heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Healthy, High-Quality River Border Soils

Marion County boasts an average soil pH of 6.31, which is higher than the state average of 6.09. This puts it within the ideal range for many commercial crops and near the national 6.5 median. The county earns a high overall soil score of 73.8.

Fine-Textured Silt and Clay Mix

The soil is heavily weighted toward silt at 61.7%, with a 21.4% clay component. Sand makes up 17.0% of the profile, providing a fine-textured soil that holds nutrients well. This composition is typical of the productive lands found along the Mississippi River corridor.

Exceptional Available Water for Crops

The available water capacity is a robust 0.205 in/in, significantly higher than the Missouri average of 0.183 in/in. Organic matter is healthy at 2.67%, well above the 2.0% national average. These traits make the county highly resilient during Missouri's hot, dry summer months.

Managing Saturated Subaqueous Environments

Like many of its neighbors, Marion's dominant drainage class is listed as subaqueous. Hydrologic group data is not currently specified for the county's primary soil types. Users should anticipate high moisture levels and plan for adequate drainage in garden and field layouts.

Prime Zone 6a Growing Conditions

Marion County's Zone 6a climate is excellent for growing everything from apples to zucchini. The high water capacity of the soil is a major asset for producing juicy fruits and large vegetables. Get your seeds in the ground and take advantage of this high-scoring Missouri soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Success in Marion

Marion County matches the state's higher-performing regions with a lawn difficulty score of 70.0. Located in Zone 6a, this county offers a more manageable environment for lawns than the national average of 50.0.

Cooler Summers, Consistent Rain

Annual precipitation of 39.9 inches remains within the ideal range for grass. With only 25 extreme heat days per year, the climate is significantly cooler and less stressful for turf than many southern Missouri counties.

Excellent Foundation for Turf

The soil pH of 6.31 is excellent for most grass types, and the 21.4% clay content provides a stable foundation. While drainage requires attention in specific low areas, standard residential core aeration usually keeps the soil healthy.

Defending Against Drought

Drought has been a persistent issue, with 36 weeks of dry conditions over the past year and 13.5% of the area in severe drought. Residents should employ water-saving techniques like raising mower blades to 4 inches to protect the soil.

Optimal Planting Windows

Target the window between the April 10 last frost and October 27 first frost for all major planting. Kentucky bluegrass and fescue blends perform well here, taking advantage of the 3,741 available growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Missouri has a composite county score of 42.3 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 Missouri?
Marion County ranks #94 among all counties in Missouri 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, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $1,373, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 47.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Missouri is $63,908 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 50.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Missouri a good place to live?
Marion County scores 42.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #94 in Missouri. 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.

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🏛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.