countyscore
46.9
County Score
Cost of Living 72.5Safety 68.8Property Tax 55

County Report Card

About Marion County, Mississippi

Marion County matches national livability trends

With a composite score of 49.4, Marion County sits almost exactly at the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more balanced counties in the region by national standards.

Outperforming the Mississippi state average

Marion County beats the Mississippi average of 48.4 with its score of 49.4. It stands as a strong example of affordability and safety within the state's borders.

Maximum affordability and solid safety

The county features an impressive cost score of 83.0 and a safety score of 68.8. Median gross rents of $700 and home values of $117,000 make it highly accessible for new residents.

Healthcare and income remain limited

Low scores in health (10.3) and income (4.8) present hurdles for long-term growth. The median household income of $42,320 indicates a workforce largely concentrated in lower-wage sectors.

A haven for thrifty retirees

Marion County is ideal for those living on fixed incomes who prioritize low costs and a safe environment. It offers an exceptionally high quality of life for every dollar spent.

204060801005572.568.810.329.95.940.149.432.4Tax55Cost72.5Safety68.8Health10.3Schools29.9Income5.9Risk40.1Water49.4Weather32.446.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 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 (72.5/100) but notably weak in Income (5.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
55
Cost
72.5+24.5
Safety
68.8+13.799999999999997
Health
10.3-39.7
Schools
29.9-24.1
Income
5.9-45.1
Risk
40.1
Water
49.4-8.600000000000001
Weather
32.4-23.6
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

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$122,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$818/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$122,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,110/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.2

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

Walthall County
Mississippi
48.3
Lamar County
Mississippi
47.9
Jefferson Davis County
Mississippi
54.1
Washington Parish
Louisiana
46.8
Lawrence County
Mississippi
59.4
Pike County
Mississippi
38.8
Covington County
Mississippi
48.4
Forrest County
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30.2

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's tax rate ranks low nationally

Marion County's effective tax rate of 0.744% is roughly one-third the national median of 2.1%, offering residents one of America's most affordable property tax environments. At $870 annually, the median property tax remains far below the national median of $2,690.

Marion essentially matches state average

Marion County's 0.744% effective rate essentially mirrors Mississippi's 0.743% statewide average, making it perfectly representative of the state's typical tax burden. The median property tax of $870 sits slightly below the state median of $931.

Marion rate tracks regional standard

Marion County's 0.744% effective rate sits near the middle of the region, slightly above Lowndes (0.640%) and Lee (0.722%), and comparable to Marshall (0.747%). This positions Marion as a representative jurisdiction for Mississippi's tax climate.

Median tax bill averages $870 yearly

On a median Marion County home valued at $117,000, property taxes amount to approximately $870 per year. With a mortgage, this rises to $1,032; without, it drops to $731.

Review your assessment today

Even in modestly valued counties, assessments sometimes inflate property values and warrant challenges. Contact Marion County's assessor to request a reassessment if you suspect your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion County significantly lags national income

Marion County's median household income of $42,320 trails the national median of $74,755 by $32,435, placing it well below typical American earnings. The gap to Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514 is also notable, with Marion County ranking among the state's lower-income counties.

Marion County ranks in lower-income tier

Marion County's median household income of $42,320 falls 12.7% below Mississippi's statewide average of $48,514, positioning it among the state's lower-earning counties. Per capita income of $26,281 also trails the state average of $27,136, indicating limited per-person earning power.

Marion County faces economic disadvantage

Marion County's median household income of $42,320 ranks well below neighboring counties like Lowndes County ($54,460)—a gap of $12,140—and trails Monroe County ($51,231) by $8,911. These disparities suggest Marion County residents face steeper economic challenges than surrounding areas.

Housing costs consume significant share

Marion County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% approaches the upper comfort threshold, meaning housing consumes nearly a fifth of household earnings. With median home values at $117,000 relative to modest household income, homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Build financial resilience through education

Marion County residents earning below state averages must prioritize budgeting and debt reduction before wealth-building strategies can take root. Community investments in job training, credential programs, and wage support are essential to help households increase earning potential and financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County’s Exceptional Safety Score

Marion County is exceptionally safe, with a safety score of 98.8 and a total crime rate of 730.7 per 100K. This rate is nearly 70% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming State Safety Averages

Marion outperforms the Mississippi average safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate is also lower than the state average of 978.4, ranking it among the quieter regions.

Marion vs. Neighboring Lincoln County

Marion is significantly safer than neighboring Lincoln County, where the crime rate reaches 2,191.9. This makes Marion a regional leader in public safety.

Marion’s Crime Data Breakdown

Property crime is low at 504.9 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 225.8. While violent crime is higher than in some neighboring areas, it still remains well below national levels.

Home Protection in Marion County

Low property crime rates reflect a secure community, but residents should not be complacent. Basic security systems and outdoor lighting remain effective tools for maintaining a safe home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical influence in Marion

Marion County is quite warm with an average annual temperature of 66.5°F. This makes it one of the hotter regions in the nation compared to the 53°F national median.

Among the state's warmest

The 66.5°F average annual temperature is significantly higher than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the southern tier of the state.

Hotter and wetter than Lincoln

Marion is over two degrees warmer than Lincoln County to its northwest. It is also one of the wettest in the region, receiving 61.9 inches of annual precipitation compared to Lincoln's 61.6.

Persistent heat and no snow

Residents navigate 90 days of extreme heat per year, with summer averages reaching 81.3°F. Snow data is unavailable, reflecting a climate where freezing precipitation is exceptionally rare.

Prepare for high humidity

The combination of 61.9 inches of rain and 90 days of extreme heat creates high humidity year-round. Residents should invest in moisture-resistant materials and high-capacity cooling for their homes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic and Organically Rich

Marion County soil has a very low pH of 4.86, making it one of the most acidic in the state compared to the 5.30 average. Despite this, the county earns a soil score of 36.5, which is slightly above the Mississippi average. This unique profile suggests a specialized growing environment.

Sandy Soil for Rapid Drainage

The soil is primarily sand at 53.6%, the highest among these neighboring counties. Silt makes up 31.1% and clay is low at 10.8%, creating a loose, well-aerated texture. This composition is easy to dig but may require frequent fertilization as nutrients wash through the sand.

Record-Breaking Organic Matter Content

Marion County boasts a staggering 3.84% organic matter content, nearly double the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 1.81%. However, available water capacity is low at 0.159 in/in. The high organic levels help compensate for the sandy texture by improving nutrient storage.

High Permeability and Quick Drying

Because sand dominates over 50% of the soil, drainage is exceptionally fast. While official hydrologic groups are not listed, this soil profile is unlikely to suffer from standing water or drainage issues. Farmers should plan for supplemental water during dry spells to maintain the low available water capacity.

A Haven for Acid-Loving Plants

In USDA Zone 8b, the combination of high organic matter and low pH is a dream for blueberries, strawberries, and camellias. This soil is also perfect for root vegetables like carrots that prefer loose, sandy ground. Start your garden in this rich, well-draining soil today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

High Heat Hurdles in Marion

Marion County faces a tough lawn care environment with a difficulty score of 23.3. This is significantly harder than the national average and well below the Mississippi state score of 30.9. Gardeners in Zone 8b must contend with extreme heat and very acidic soils to maintain a healthy green space.

A Long, High-Energy Growing Season

The county endures 90 extreme heat days annually, far surpassing the state average of 73. With 61.9 inches of rain and 6,453 growing degree days, the environment is a powerhouse for plant growth but can be brutal for turf survival. Frequent watering and high-cut mowing are essential to protect the grass from these intense conditions.

Neutralizing Very Acidic Sands

At a pH of 4.86, Marion County has some of the most acidic soil in the region, requiring significant lime treatment. The soil is very sandy at 53.6%, which means it drains quickly but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. Frequent, light fertilization and soil conditioning are necessary to support healthy lawn growth.

Mitigating Summer Heat Stress

The county experienced 8 weeks of drought last year, and currently, 27.2% of the area remains abnormally dry. Because the soil is so sandy, it loses moisture much faster than clay-heavy regions during heat waves. Establishing deep-rooted turf is the best defense against the 90 days of extreme heat residents face annually.

Early Starts in a Warm Climate

With a very early last frost date of March 5, the growing season starts ahead of schedule in Marion County. This gives you an extended period to establish warm-season grasses before the first frost on November 19. St. Augustine is often recommended here for its ability to tolerate the intense Mississippi sun.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Mississippi?
Marion County ranks #45 among all counties in Mississippi 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, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $922, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 55/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Mississippi is $45,110 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 5.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Marion County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Mississippi. 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.