countyscore
49.4
County Score
Cost of Living 83Safety 68.8Property Tax 58.3

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.

2040608010058.38368.810.329.94.840.149.432.4Tax58.3Cost83Safety68.8Health10.3Schools29.9Income4.8Risk40.1Water49.4Weather32.449.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Marion County DNA

Foverall

How Marion County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marion County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (83/100) but notably weak in Income (4.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
58.3
Cost
83+35
Safety
68.8+13.799999999999997
Health
10.3-39.7
Schools
29.9-24.1
Income
4.8-46.2
Risk
40.1
Water
49.4-8.600000000000001
Weather
32.4-23.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$117,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$700/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$117,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $42,320/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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Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $78,993
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Hampshire County
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Gladwin County
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Lapeer County
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Lake County
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Prince George County
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Median income: $88,225
49.4

Nearby counties

Walthall County
Mississippi
48.5
Lamar County
Mississippi
47.6
Jefferson Davis County
Mississippi
56.2
Washington Parish
Louisiana
46.4
Lawrence County
Mississippi
56.8
Pike County
Mississippi
37.9
Covington County
Mississippi
47.2
Forrest County
Mississippi
30.3

Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion County barely meets national standard

Marion County renters spend 19.9% of income on rent, slightly above Mississippi's 19.6% state average and well above the 16% national benchmark. With median household income at $42,320, the county sits near the lower end of regional wages, making every rent dollar count more.

Lower tier of Mississippi affordability

Marion County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average, ranking it among Mississippi's less affordable counties in this peer group. The combination of modest wages ($42,320) and relatively tight housing affordability marks Marion as a challenged market.

Low rents offset low wages modestly

Marion's $700 rent is among the cheapest here, but the $42,320 median income is also among the lowest, making affordability improvement marginal. Only Leflore earns less, and Marshall pays more in rent—leaving Marion caught in a difficult middle.

Tight margins for renters and owners

Renters paying $700 monthly dedicate 19.9% of their $42,320 income to housing, while homeowners commit $624 monthly (17.7% of income) on properties valued at $117,000. Both groups experience modest affordability, with limited cushion for unexpected costs.

Marion County requires careful budgeting

Marion works best for renters or modest-income buyers who keep expenses lean and prioritize affordability over space. If you're relocating, compare Marion's 19.9% burden to your current costs—you may find relief here only if you're currently spending 25% or more on housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Public Education Landscape in Marion County

Marion County operates 11 public schools, providing education to a total of 3,550 students. The infrastructure is split between four elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools. Two distinct school districts manage these campuses, ensuring coverage across both town and rural regions.

Outperforming State Averages in Graduation

The county's school score of 51.0 exceeds the Mississippi state average of 49.8. Marion County students reach a high graduation rate of 89.4%, which is more than two points above the state and national averages. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $5,964, closely matching the state average of $5,954.

Spotlighting Marion and Columbia Districts

The Marion County School District is the larger of the two, with 1,904 students enrolled across seven schools. The Columbia School District serves the remaining 1,646 students through four specialized campuses. The county focuses on traditional public education, with no charter schools currently in operation.

Rural Roots and Community Schooling

Six schools are located in rural settings, while five serve the town areas, creating a diverse geographic mix. Average school size is 394 students, providing a personalized feel compared to larger neighboring counties. West Marion High School is the largest campus with 569 students, while Jefferson Middle is the smallest at 373.

Finding Your Home in Marion County

Families value Marion County for its high graduation rates and manageable school sizes. Whether you prefer a home in the city of Columbia or the surrounding rural landscape, quality education is accessible throughout the county. Researching specific district performance can help you identify the perfect neighborhood for your long-term goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County presents moderate disaster exposure

Marion County's composite risk score of 59.96 places it in the relatively low category nationally, representing more balanced hazard exposure than many counties. While below some national averages, the score reflects meaningful vulnerability to specific hazards like hurricanes and wildfires.

Slightly above-average risk in Mississippi

Marion County's score of 59.96 exceeds Mississippi's state average of 50.94, positioning it in the middle range of statewide risk. This standing reflects more consistent exposure across multiple hazard categories rather than extreme vulnerability to any single threat.

Mid-range risk compared to nearby counties

Marion County's 59.96 score places it between Lincoln County (48.44) and Monroe County (68.54), making it moderate relative to the region. The county's distinction lies in its exceptionally high hurricane risk of 89.95, the highest in the area and representing the most significant local vulnerability.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate your profile

Marion County faces a hurricane risk of 89.95 and wildfire risk of 75.76, representing the two hazards most likely to impact residents. Hurricane threat peaks during late summer and fall, while wildfire risk remains elevated throughout much of the year due to vegetation and climate conditions.

Prepare for wind and wildfire damage

Marion County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes comprehensive wind and hail coverage to address hurricane threat, and maintain defensible space around structures against wildfire risk. Review flood insurance availability as well, since hurricanes often bring significant rainfall and storm surge in certain areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marion County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking water challenges lead to D grade

Marion County reports four health violations, resulting in a violation rate of 17.3 per 100,000 residents. Although this rate is below the state average of 92.1, it reflects significant local compliance challenges.

Federal watershed data currently unavailable

There is no current federal assessment for the water bodies in Marion County under Clean Water Act standards. The watershed has not yet been processed for the latest reporting cycle.

Microbiological data tracked at monitoring sites

Five monitoring sites across the county have logged 2,551 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses on microbiological factors, nutrients, and physical water characteristics.

Pearl River flowing above historical mean

The Pearl River near Columbia shows a robust current discharge of 9,510 cfs. This flow is 119% of its long-term typical mean of 8,016 cfs.

Advocate for system improvements and testing

With a D grade in compliance, Marion County residents should consider regular home water testing for bacteria. While the Pearl River is flowing well, the compliance record suggests the need for vigilance regarding municipal system maintenance.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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 49.4 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 #33 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 $870, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 58.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Mississippi is $42,320 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 4.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Marion County scores 49.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 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 Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.