countyscore
36.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 84Soil Quality 79.4

County Report Card

About Marion County, Ohio

Below the National Median

Marion County earns a composite score of 36.5, placing it significantly behind the national median score of 50.0. This score reflects systemic challenges in local infrastructure and education.

A Lower State Ranking

The county ranks well below the Ohio average composite score of 48.6. It struggles to keep pace with state-level benchmarks for safety and school performance.

Excellent Water and Low Taxes

Marion County shines in water quality with a score of 86.0. Residents also benefit from an effective tax rate of just 0.980%, which is reflected in a respectable tax score of 39.7.

Critical Gaps in Education

The school score of 12.5 is among the lowest in the region, suggesting limited public education outcomes. This is joined by a low safety score of 26.2, indicating significant community security challenges.

Best for Low-Tax Seekers

This county is a viable option for individuals who prioritize low property taxes and utility quality above all else. However, families may find the school and safety data a significant hurdle to long-term residency.

Score breakdown

Tax39.7Cost45.5Safety26.2Health45.9Schools12.5Income31.2Risk38.9Water86Weather57.3
🏛39.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓12.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡38.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨79.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱84
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

Wyandot County
Ohio
67.1
Morrow County
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51.7
Union County
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49.6
Delaware County
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Crawford County
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Seneca County
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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 offers the lowest tax burden

At 0.980%, Marion County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, making it far more affordable than the national median of 1.3%. Homeowners pay just $1,432 annually on a median property valued at $146,200.

Marion County ranks lowest in Ohio examined

Marion County's 0.980% effective rate is the lowest among the eight counties analyzed and well below Ohio's state average of 1.148%. At $1,432 in median annual taxes, Marion County homeowners enjoy the easiest property tax burden in this group.

Marion outpaces all nearby competitors on rates

Marion County's 0.980% rate beats Meigs County at 0.985%, Monroe County at 0.870% (though Monroe's lower values reduce actual bills), and dramatically undercuts Mahoning County's 1.400%. For buyers seeking low ongoing tax obligations, Marion is the clear regional winner.

Median home = just $1,432 annual tax

On Marion County's median home value of $146,200, the 0.980% effective rate produces annual property taxes of just $1,432. This is roughly $800 less than the national median tax bill despite similar home values.

Low rates don't eliminate appeal opportunities

Even in low-tax Marion County, many properties are assessed above their fair market value, particularly in neighborhoods with changing demographics or declining demand. A professional assessment appeal could still identify savings, especially for homes that haven't been properly valued in recent years.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion County faces affordability headwinds

Marion County renters spend 17.8% of their income on housing—among the least affordable in the nation—while earning $17,449 below the U.S. median. This county struggles with a difficult combination of lower wages and rising housing costs.

Ohio's toughest housing market for renters

Marion County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks as one of Ohio's worst, significantly exceeding the state average of 15.6%. At $850 monthly rent, Marion residents face one of the state's toughest housing affordability challenges.

Struggling compared to regional peers

Marion County's $850 rent is higher than most nearby counties, including Mahoning ($775) and Monroe ($626), yet incomes here are among the lowest in the region. This unfavorable pairing makes Marion one of the region's least affordable places to live.

Marion incomes stretched thin

The median Marion County household earning $57,306 annually spends $850 on rent or $908 on mortgage costs monthly. Renters allocate 17.8% of income to housing while homeowners spend 19%—both well above the 15% affordability benchmark.

Marion County offers value but demands caution

If relocating to Marion County, negotiate aggressively on wages—affordability here depends heavily on earning power rather than cheap rents. Compare your expected salary carefully against regional alternatives before committing to a move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion lags significantly behind national median

Marion County's median household income of $57,306 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $17,449, placing the county well below the national norm. This gap reflects Marion's position as a lower-income Ohio community relative to the broader American economy.

Marion ranks below the state average

Marion County's median household income of $57,306 falls short of Ohio's state average of $68,101 by more than $10,700, marking it as one of the state's lower-income counties. The county's per capita income of $30,491 is notably the lowest among the eight counties reviewed, well below the state average of $35,642.

Marion ranks toward the lower end regionally

Marion's $57,306 median household income exceeds only Meigs County ($46,701) among nearby peers, but trails Mahoning County ($55,576) and lags substantially behind higher-earning counties like Medina ($92,660) and Madison ($83,229). The county faces economic challenges similar to other struggling industrial communities in the region.

Housing costs create real affordability pressure

Marion County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% indicates significant housing cost burden, approaching the stress threshold where budgets become strained. Combined with below-average incomes, homeownership and rental stability remain challenging for many Marion County households.

Start small, invest intentionally for Marion's future

Marion residents can build financial resilience by starting with manageable goals: an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses, then gradual retirement contributions. Even with lower current incomes, consistent saving and learning about personal finance compound into meaningful long-term gains.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County Maintains Strong Safety Score

Marion County earns a safety score of 97.2, remaining more secure than many areas nationwide. Its total crime rate of 1,800.6 per 100,000 is well below the national figure of 2,385.5.

A Mid-Range Performer in Ohio

Marion's safety score of 97.2 is slightly lower than the Ohio average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,800.6 exceeds the state average of 1,412.3, indicating more frequent local law enforcement activity.

Marion vs. Regional Neighbors

Marion County experiences more crime than Madison County, which reports a rate of 873.5. However, it remains safer than Mahoning County, where the rate climbs to 2,570.0 per 100,000 residents.

Low Violent Crime, Higher Property Risk

Violent crime is relatively rare here, with a rate of 153.0 per 100,000, beating both state and national averages. The primary concern is property crime, which accounts for 1,647.6 incidents per 100,000.

Prioritize Property Security in Marion

Since property crime is the leading concern, focus on securing your garage and outbuildings. Visible security cameras and neighborhood watch participation are effective ways to protect your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion County faces health headwinds

At 73.7 years, Marion County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 72.4 by 1.3 years, but its 22.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 21%, signaling higher chronic disease burden. One in five Marion residents reports their health as poor or fair, a concerning indicator of widespread health struggles. The county is aging less and dying younger than peers.

Among Ohio's struggling counties

Marion County's 73.7-year life expectancy trails Ohio's 74.8-year average by 1.1 years, placing it in the lower third of state rankings. The 22.2% poor/fair health rate is the worst among all comparison counties, far exceeding Ohio's typical profile. Marion residents face outsized health adversity relative to the state norm.

Weakest health in the comparison set

Marion County's 73.7-year life expectancy beats only Meigs County (70.8) and Monroe County (73.6) among peers, while its 22.2% poor/fair health rate is the highest in the entire cohort. The county trails Mercer County by 3.7 years and Medina County by 5.3 years in life expectancy. Marion residents experience the most health challenges of any county in this group.

Severe primary care shortage

Marion County has only 28 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the region and well below adequacy—forcing residents to travel for routine care. Mental health providers number 265 per 100,000, which is moderate, but the sparse primary care network creates barriers to preventive health and chronic disease management. Limited doctor access means delayed care and worse health outcomes.

Coverage is your first step

With 6.8% of Marion County uninsured and primary care access already strained, securing health insurance is critical for reaching the providers you do have. Visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid expansion and marketplace plans, or call a local health department for enrollment support. Ensuring coverage helps you get ahead of the health challenges your county faces.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Marion's System of 27 Public Schools

Marion County operates 27 public schools serving 12,292 students within nine distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 11 elementary schools and a significant number of specialized or digital learning facilities.

Facing Challenges in Student Outcomes

The county reports a graduation rate of 61.4%, which trails both the state average and the 87% national benchmark. Per-pupil spending of $6,444 is significantly lower than the national average of $13,000, impacting the overall school score of 37.3.

Marion City and Digital Academy Leaders

Marion City is the largest traditional district with nine schools and 4,223 students. Interestingly, the single largest school is the TRECA Digital Academy, a charter institution with an enrollment of 2,152 students.

Rural Roots with Large Central Schools

Education here is split between rural settings and centralized towns, with an average school size of 492 students. While many schools are small, Harding High School and Ulysses S. Grant Middle School both serve roughly 1,000 students each.

Discovering Your Place in Marion Education

Families in Marion County have access to both traditional town schools and unique digital learning platforms. Explore local housing options to find a community that aligns with your educational priorities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County carries moderate risk overall

Marion County's composite risk score of 61.10 earns a Relatively Low rating, sitting 11% above Ohio's 55.03 state average. The county experiences moderate exposure to several hazard types but lacks the severe concentration seen in higher-risk areas. Residents face higher-than-average tornado and flood exposure paired with minimal wildfire threat.

Mid-tier risk among Ohio counties

Marion County ranks in the middle range of Ohio's county risk profiles, with its 61.10 composite score modestly above the 55.03 state average. The county experiences somewhat elevated hazard exposure compared to western Ohio peers but lower risk than northeastern counties. This middle-ground position means selective preparedness planning rather than across-the-board urgency.

Comparable to central Ohio peers

Marion County's 61.10 risk score aligns closely with Miami County (61.39) and Marion County to the south while trailing Medina County (68.96) to the north. Madison County to the west (24.90) presents a notably safer profile, reflecting the risk gradient across central Ohio. Marion County occupies a moderate position within its regional cluster.

Tornadoes and flooding are primary concerns

Marion County faces significant tornado risk (62.95) and flood risk (64.89), both tracking near or above the state average. Earthquake risk reaches 69.15, creating secondary vulnerability during seismic events. Wildfire risk remains minimal at 3.69, allowing residents to focus preparedness efforts on weather-related hazards.

Standard coverage with flood addition

Homeowners insurance covering wind and hail damage directly addresses Marion County's 62.95 tornado risk and severe weather exposure. Flood insurance becomes important given the 64.89 flood risk score—consider it a priority rather than optional. Earthquake coverage is worth discussing with your agent given the 69.15 risk score, particularly for older structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

Chilly Midwestern Continental Climate

Marion County averages 50.7°F annually, staying below the national median temperature. It features a true four-season climate with a pronounced winter chill.

Cooler Than the State Mean

With an average of 50.7°F, Marion County is cooler than the 51.5°F Ohio state average. It shares this cooler profile with other central-north agricultural counties.

Less Rain, More Snow

Marion receives 38.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is drier than the state average. However, it gets more snow (25.1 inches) than nearby Madison County (20.4 inches).

Cold Winters and Fair Summers

Winters average a cold 28.9°F with 25.1 inches of snowfall. Summer heat is manageable, with 13 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 73.0°F.

Invest in Snow Equipment

A reliable snow shovel or blower is necessary to handle the 25.1 inches of annual snow. The lower rainfall of 38.8 inches makes this a slightly drier environment for local gardening.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral pH Levels Benefit Local Crops

Marion County boasts an average pH of 6.32, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. This level is significantly higher than the Ohio average of 5.97, making it naturally suited for many regional crops. While taxonomic data is limited, the chemical profile indicates a highly productive landscape.

Clay Content Increases Nutrient Retention

With 24.8% clay and 48.1% silt, Marion's soil is slightly heavier and more nutrient-dense than some neighboring counties. The 24.2% sand content helps provide some porosity for air movement. This composition creates a soil that holds onto fertilizers and minerals effectively.

High Water Capacity Supports Growth

The available water capacity is 0.201 in/in, which exceeds the state average of 0.186. Organic matter is measured at 4.75%, sitting just below the state average of 4.85%. Despite the slightly lower organic matter, the superior water storage capacity provides a safety net during dry summers.

Understanding Local Hydrologic Patterns

Specific drainage class data is currently limited for this area, requiring on-site testing for large projects. However, the soil's composition suggests a tendency to retain moisture, which often necessitates managed drainage in agricultural fields. Local builders should assess site-specific conditions before beginning construction.

Productive Gardening in Zone 6a

The 6a hardiness zone allows for a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and sweet corn. With a near-neutral pH, you can grow a vast array of flowers and vegetables without heavy soil amendments. Grab a shovel and start planting to take advantage of this balanced soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Marion leads the pack in lawn ease

A high lawn difficulty score of 84.0 makes Marion County one of the most favorable spots in the state for a lush yard. This score puts it well above both the Ohio average of 76.0 and the national median of 50.0.

Ideal warmth for cool-season turf

The county averages 38.8 inches of rain and 3,106 growing degree days, providing ample energy for turf development. With 13 days of heat over 90°F, your grass will need consistent watering to stay green through the mid-summer peaks.

Balanced minerals for healthy roots

A soil pH of 6.32 falls perfectly within the ideal range for nutrient uptake in most grass species. The soil composition is nearly balanced with 24.8% clay and 24.2% sand, providing a stable foundation for root growth despite limited drainage data.

Watch out for widespread dry spells

Currently, 87.7% of the county is considered abnormally dry, following 8 weeks of drought over the last year. During these periods, prioritize deep, infrequent watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and heat stress.

Timing your Marion County turf

Hardiness zone 6a favors Kentucky bluegrass, which should be planted following the last spring frost around April 25. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first fall frost arrives on October 20.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Ohio has a composite county score of 36.5 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 Ohio?
Marion County ranks #80 among all counties in Ohio 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, Ohio?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $1,432, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 39.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Ohio is $57,306 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 31.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Ohio a good place to live?
Marion County scores 36.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 in Ohio. 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

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.