countyscore
30.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 77.5Weather & 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.

2040608010047.59.44.44938.577.54.550.463.8Tax47.5Cost9.4Safety4.4Health49Schools38.5Income77.5Risk4.5Water50.4Weather63.830.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Marion County DNA

Foverall

How Marion County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Marion County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (4.4/100), though Income (77.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
47.5
Cost
9.4-38.6
Safety
4.4-50.6
Health
49
Schools
38.5-15.5
Income
77.5+26.5
Risk
4.5-42.5
Water
50.4
Weather
63.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Marion County

Whether buying or refinancing in Marion County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$416,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,414/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$416,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,351/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.8

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

Linn County
Oregon
35.2
Clackamas County
Oregon
36.5
Yamhill County
Oregon
40.9
Polk County
Oregon
43.7
Benton County
Oregon
35.8
Multnomah County
Oregon
44.1
Washington County
Oregon
41.1
Clark County
Washington
38.1

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 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

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

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 30.5 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 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 $3,490, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 47.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Oregon is $77,351 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 77.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Oregon a good place to live?
Marion County scores 30.5/100 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.
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.