countyscore
30.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 76.8Weather & Climate 63.8Water Quality 50.4

County Report Card

About Marion County, Oregon

Urban Challenges Drag Down Ranking

Marion County's composite score of 30.4 is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. As a major population center, it faces the complex livability hurdles typical of urbanized regions.

Below Average State Performance

With a 30.4 score, Marion is among the lower-ranked counties in Oregon, well below the 42.5 average. Its performance is hampered by high costs despite its political and economic role.

High Incomes and Reliable Water

Economic opportunity is the primary draw, featuring an income score of 76.8 and a median household income of $74,624. Water quality also performs reasonably well with a score of 50.4.

Severe Safety and Cost Hurdles

The county struggles with safety (4.4) and environmental risk (4.5), which are among the lowest in the state. Housing affordability is also a critical issue, with a cost score of only 9.7.

Best for High-Earning Urban Professionals

Marion County suits career-focused professionals who need to be near the state capital for work. It is best for those who can prioritize high earnings over local safety and housing affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax46.5Cost9.7Safety4.4Health49Schools38.5Income76.8Risk4.5Water50.4Weather63.8
🏛46.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44.2
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

Linn County
Oregon
35
Clackamas County
Oregon
36.5
Yamhill County
Oregon
40.9
Polk County
Oregon
43.3
Benton County
Oregon
35.8
Multnomah County
Oregon
44.4
Washington County
Oregon
41.2
Clark County
Washington
38.2

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 rank well above U.S. average

Marion County's 0.882% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.75% by 18%, placing it in the top 30% nationwide. The median tax bill is $3,382—26% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Marion County ranks second-highest in Oregon taxes

At 0.882%, Marion's effective rate ranks second only to Linn County's 0.908% among all Oregon jurisdictions. Marion residents pay $3,382 annually—23% above Oregon's median of $2,745.

Marion taxes exceed most peers in Willamette Valley

Marion's 0.882% rate rivals Lane (0.863%) and Linn (0.908%), making the Willamette Valley Oregon's highest-tax region. Only Linn edges Marion out in the statewide rankings.

Median Marion home costs $3,382 annually in tax

Marion County's median home value of $383,300 combined with its 0.882% rate produces an annual tax bill of approximately $3,382. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to roughly $3,447.

Marion County homeowners deserve assessment reviews

Despite Marion's high rates, many properties remain overassessed on county rolls. File a free property tax appeal if you believe your home's valuation exceeds its current fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion's Incomes Support Elevated Rents

Marion County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% slightly exceeds Oregon's 19.4% average, but household income of $74,624 nearly matches the national median of $74,755. This income strength helps Marion residents manage housing costs that would strain lower-earning counties, positioning the county as reasonably affordable despite mid-range rents.

Above Average but Income-Supported

Marion's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Oregon's state average of 19.4%, yet the county's strong incomes—highest in this comparison—ease the burden relative to its position. Marion represents the state's successful balance of employment opportunity and housing accessibility.

Willamette Valley's Premium Market

Marion's median rent of $1,333 exceeds all southern Oregon counties and rivals Linn County ($1,273) to the north, reflecting major-employer-area pricing. Unlike those regions, Marion residents earn $74,624—the highest in this analysis—making these rents proportionally more manageable despite higher absolute costs.

Highest Incomes Offset Highest Rents

Monthly rent averages $1,333 while homeownership costs $1,510, with median home values at $383,300, and households earning $74,624—the strongest in this analysis. Housing costs consume 21.4% of income for renters, demonstrating how robust earnings help Marion residents manage the state's steepest homeownership costs.

Premium Incomes for Premium Housing

Marion County attracts relocators seeking Willamette Valley employment and lifestyle without the tech-driven cost explosion of Portland's inner suburbs. For those with competitive earning potential, Marion balances career opportunity with housing costs markedly lower than the metro's core while maintaining easy access to state amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion nearly matches national income standard

Marion County's median household income of $74,624 virtually mirrors the national median of $74,755—a near-perfect alignment within $131. This parity reflects Marion's role as Oregon's most populous county with a diverse economy including agriculture, manufacturing, and Salem government employment. Nationally, Marion ranks solidly in the upper-middle tier of county earnings.

Oregon's highest-earning county

At $74,624, Marion County exceeds Oregon's state median of $69,965 by $4,659, ranking first among the state's 36 counties in median household income. This leadership reflects Salem's government payroll, agricultural prosperity, and industrial manufacturing base providing stable, well-paying employment. Marion's position as the income leader shows concentrated economic strength in the Willamette Valley.

State's clear income champion

Marion's $74,624 surpasses all featured peers: Linn County ($73,396), Lane County ($69,311), Lincoln ($61,314), and rural counties below $61,000. The $1,228 advantage over runner-up Linn, while modest, represents consistent outperformance across all county comparisons. Marion's diverse economy and population size drive earnings leadership.

Strong income supports homeownership access

Marion's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% indicates housing costs claim a manageable share of median income, though median home value of $383,300 remains substantial. Households earning $74,624 can realistically afford homeownership while maintaining savings, though first-time buyers should plan carefully. The income-to-housing ratio enables wealth building through home equity accumulation.

Prime opportunity for long-term wealth growth

Marion County households earning $74,624 sit in the position to maximize retirement contributions, invest in index funds, and build substantial home equity. Targeting 20% of gross income toward savings (retirement, investments, emergency fund) enables $15,000 annual wealth building. Marion's economic stability provides the foundation for aggressive, diversified wealth-building strategies over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

High crime rates in urban centers

Marion County's total crime rate of 3,673.9 per 100K is much higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county has a safety score of 94.2.

Lower safety score than state average

The county's safety score of 94.2 is lower than the Oregon average of 96.3. Thirteen reporting agencies work together to police this densely populated and active region.

More incidents than neighboring Linn County

Marion's crime rate of 3,673.9 is more than double the rate in neighboring Linn County (1,380.3). Increased urban activity around the capital contributes to these higher figures.

Property crime is a major concern

Property crime is the most frequent issue, occurring at a rate of 3,281.8 per 100K. Violent crime stands at 392.1, which is also above national and state averages.

Take active steps to secure homes

Using smart locks and security cameras is highly recommended in this busy area. Residents should avoid leaving any valuables in cars and ensure all home entry points are well-lit.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Oregon's longest-living residents

Marion County residents live to 77.5 years, just 1.8 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years—among the nation's healthiest. Yet 22.2% report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 21%, showing wealth alone doesn't eliminate chronic disease. Marion County's strong economy supports longevity even as health disparities persist.

Oregon's longest life expectancy

Marion County's 77.5-year life expectancy is the highest in this eight-county group and exceeds Oregon's 77.0-year average by a half-year. Its 22.2% poor/fair health rate is above the state average, revealing that Marion County trades higher chronic disease burden for better survival outcomes—likely due to economic resources and healthcare access. Marion County leads Oregon on longevity.

Leads on longevity, varies on burden

Marion County's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds all eight counties shown here, but its 22.2% poor/fair health rate is higher than Lane County (19.5%) and Linn County (18.5%). The county's 10.3% uninsured rate is Oregon's highest in this group, offsetting its healthcare infrastructure advantages. Primary care access at 71 per 100,000 is solid, though mental health services at 488 per 100,000 lag Lane County.

Longest lived, but uninsured rising

Marion County achieves Oregon's highest life expectancy (77.5 years) despite a concerning 10.3% uninsured rate—the highest in this eight-county group. The uninsured trend suggests growing healthcare access gaps that could threaten future longevity gains. Primary care availability at 71 per 100,000 is moderate, but mental health providers at 488 per 100,000 may struggle to meet rising behavioral health demand.

Don't lose Marion's advantage

Marion County's high life expectancy depends on maintaining strong healthcare access—but the rising 10.3% uninsured rate is a warning sign. Visit healthcare.gov or Oregon's marketplace to confirm your coverage and explore subsidies, especially if income changed this year. Staying insured is how Marion County keeps its longevity edge in Oregon.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Core of Marion County

Marion County hosts a massive education infrastructure of 110 schools serving 54,559 students. This includes 66 elementary schools and 20 high schools across 11 districts.

Assessing Outcomes in the State Capital

The county's 80.6% graduation rate is slightly below the state average of 82.3%. Investment per pupil is $8,127, which is higher than the state average of $7,886 but remains below the national average.

Salem-Keizer and Specialized Charters

Salem-Keizer SD 24J is one of the state's largest districts, managing 65 schools and 39,201 students. The county also offers 10 charter schools, including the large-scale Oregon Charter Academy.

Large Campuses in Urban and Suburbia

The county features 40 city schools and 20 suburban schools, with an average school size of 501 students. Major campuses like McKay High School and South Salem High School each serve over 2,200 students.

Buying in Oregon's Largest School Districts

Marion County offers some of the most diverse schooling options in Oregon, from large urban high schools to specialized charters. For families buying in Salem or Keizer, school proximity remains a top priority for long-term home value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion ranks near the nation's highest risk

Marion County's composite risk score of 95.52 places it among America's most hazard-exposed counties, earning a Relatively High rating. The county's earthquake risk of 99.08 is nearly maximal, while flood risk of 90.52 creates compounding vulnerabilities. Marion's risk profile rivals seismically active zones in California or flood-prone Gulf Coast regions.

Oregon's second-highest risk county

Marion ranks second among Oregon's 36 counties at 95.52—surpassed only by Lane (96.41) and well above the state average of 63.43. Marion's extreme earthquake and flood risks place it in Oregon's highest-risk tier. The county's central Willamette Valley location concentrates these seismic and hydrologic hazards.

Riskier than most Willamette Valley peers

Marion (95.52) substantially exceeds nearby Linn (88.10) and sits just behind Lane (96.41) on composite risk. Marion's earthquake risk of 99.08 is the highest in the state, while its flood risk of 90.52 only trails Lane's 97.20. This makes Marion Oregon's inland hazard hotspot.

Earthquakes and floods are extreme threats

Marion faces near-maximal earthquake risk of 99.08 and severe flood risk of 90.52—two of Oregon's most dangerous exposures. Tornado risk of 22.46 is notably elevated statewide, adding a third concern to Marion's hazard profile. The combination of seismic, hydrologic, and atmospheric hazards makes Marion exceptionally vulnerable.

Earthquake and flood insurance non-negotiable

Marion County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance—the 99.08 risk makes it essential, not optional. Flood insurance is equally critical, particularly for Willamette River basin properties; verify separate flood coverage since standard policies exclude it. Review all coverage annually; Marion's extreme hazard exposure may trigger premium changes or coverage restrictions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Valley Climate Profile

Marion County's 52.7°F average annual temperature is almost perfectly aligned with the national median. This reflects the temperate, stable environment of the Willamette Valley.

Warmer and Wetter Than Oregon's Average

Marion is over two degrees warmer than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It also receives 57.0 inches of annual precipitation, significantly more than the 37.4-inch state average.

Similar to Lane, Warmer than Linn

Marion's 52.7°F average is nearly identical to Lane County. It is noticeably warmer than Linn County, which averages 49.5°F and sees more annual snowfall.

Consistent Rain and Moderate Summers

The county experiences only 12 days of extreme heat above 90°F, keeping summers pleasant at 65.4°F. Winters are mild at 41.1°F and see a light 5.6 inches of snow.

Prioritize Rain Gear and Indoor Air Quality

With 57 inches of rain, residents should focus on maintaining home seals and high-quality rain jackets. Extreme heat is rare, so heavy AC usage is typically limited to a few weeks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

The heart of Oregon agriculture

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Marion County are not currently available in our dataset. Local soils generally mirror the Willamette Valley’s acidic profile, which averages 5.26 compared to the 6.5 national median. This acidic base is what makes the region so productive for iconic Oregon crops.

A foundation for nursery crops

We do not have specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay for Marion County at this time. These factors influence how well your soil handles the heavy winter rains and the dry summer heat. Understanding your soil's texture can help you manage drainage and plant health more effectively.

Inheriting Valley fertility

While specific organic matter data for the county is missing, the Oregon average of 29.41% is incredibly high compared to the 2.0% national average. Marion County is famous for its productive farmland and lush nurseries. Your soil likely contains the rich nutrients needed to grow world-class plants.

Managing the Valley's water

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current regional records. Observing your property during a winter storm is the best way to see how water moves across the land. Proper drainage management will keep your garden from becoming waterlogged during the rainy season.

Unlimited potential in Zone 8b

In Hardiness Zone 8b, Marion County offers one of the best growing environments in the nation. You can find success with everything from hazelnuts and berries to ornamental shrubs and vegetables. Start your garden today and become part of the county's rich agricultural tradition.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in the Heart of the Valley

Marion County’s lawn difficulty score of 44.2 places it between the national average and the more difficult state average. The zone 8b climate is generally hospitable but requires specific attention to seasonal moisture shifts. It is a manageable environment for those willing to deal with heavy winter rains.

Wet Winters and Long Growth Cycles

The county receives 57.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is slightly above the ideal range. With 2275 growing degree days and only 12 extreme heat days, the climate supports steady growth for much of the year. Mowing becomes a weekly chore starting in early spring as the 52.7°F average annual temperature warms up.

Adapting to Valley Soil Needs

While specific soil data is missing, the high annual rainfall typically results in acidic, clay-heavy soils common to the region. Improving drainage is essential to prevent the lawn from becoming a swamp during the 57-inch rainy season. Regular aeration and occasional lime applications are standard practices for maintaining healthy local turf.

Managing Summer Dry Spells

Currently, 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry, and residents navigated 30 weeks of drought last year. This means that despite the heavy winter rains, a summer irrigation plan is essential to prevent turf from browning. Deep watering twice a week is usually more effective than light daily sprinkling in this climate.

Ideal Timing for Zone 8b Grasses

Fine fescue and perennial ryegrass perform exceptionally well in Marion County’s moderate climate. The spring planting window opens early, following the last frost around March 29th. You have a long autumn to finish repairs, as the first fall frost doesn't typically arrive until November 10th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Oregon has a composite county score of 30.4 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 Oregon?
Marion County ranks #35 among all counties in Oregon 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, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $3,382, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 46.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Oregon is $74,624 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 76.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Oregon a good place to live?
Marion County scores 30.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Oregon. 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.