countyscore

Marion County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#9 in South Carolina

Explore on ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.2
County Score
Cost of Living 94.6Property Tax 89.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Marion County, South Carolina

Affordable Living Below National Median

Marion County earns a 46.2 composite score, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score suggests a balance between significant economic hurdles and exceptional housing affordability.

A Strong Performer in South Carolina

The county's 46.2 score sits comfortably above the South Carolina state average of 42.8. It offers a more stable financial profile than many of its rural neighbors in the Pee Dee region.

Elite Housing and Tax Affordability

Marion excels in financial categories with a Cost Score of 94.6 and a Tax Score of 89.9. Property owners benefit from a low 0.457% effective tax rate and median home values of just $86,800.

Economic and Safety Hurdles

Income levels remain a primary concern, reflected in an Income Score of 0.9 and a median household income of $34,501. The Safety Score of 5.2 also indicates a significant need for community improvement.

Ideal for Maximizing Fixed Income

This county suits retirees or remote professionals who prioritize rock-bottom living costs over local employment opportunities. It provides one of the most affordable residential entry points in the state.

2040608010089.994.65.21437.30.919.38656.3Tax89.9Cost94.6Safety5.2Health14Schools37.3Income0.9Risk19.3Water86Weather56.346.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 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 (94.6/100) but notably weak in Income (0.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
89.9+37.900000000000006
Cost
94.6+46.599999999999994
Safety
5.2-49.8
Health
14-36
Schools
37.3-16.700000000000003
Income
0.9-50.1
Risk
19.3-27.7
Water
86+28
Weather
56.3
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

$86,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$663/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$86,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $34,501/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.2

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
Compare Marion County with Lake and Peninsula Borough →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Lake and Peninsula Borough
Alaska
Median income: $64,000
46.2
Monroe County
Florida
Median income: $82,430
46.2
Henderson County
Kentucky
Median income: $58,239
46.2
Franklin County
Massachusetts
Median income: $72,584
46.2
Barry County
Michigan
Median income: $77,873
46.2
Kalkaska County
Michigan
Median income: $60,365
46.2
Chisago County
Minnesota
Median income: $98,260
46.2
Kandiyohi County
Minnesota
Median income: $75,097
46.2

Nearby counties

Horry County
South Carolina
39.4
Dillon County
South Carolina
40.3
Florence County
South Carolina
39.5
Williamsburg County
South Carolina
39.3
Robeson County
North Carolina
31.9
Georgetown County
South Carolina
41.8
Columbus County
North Carolina
40.7
Darlington County
South Carolina
44.9

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 taxes far below national norm

Marion County's effective tax rate of 0.457% ranks in the bottom 15% nationally, meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than the typical American. The median property tax of $397 annually is less than one-seventh of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a lighter tax burden.

Lowest rate in South Carolina

Marion County has the lowest effective tax rate in South Carolina at 0.457%, well below the state average of 0.542%. This advantage saves the median Marion County homeowner $542 per year compared to the state average tax bill of $939.

Lighter load than surrounding counties

Marion's 0.457% rate beats nearby Marlboro County (0.638%) and McCormick County (0.638%) by a significant margin. Among the eight-county region analyzed, Marion stands as the tax haven for property owners.

Median home costs $397 yearly

On Marion County's median home value of $86,800, the annual property tax bill runs just $397—among the lowest in the region. With a mortgage, add $134 in escrow costs, bringing the total to approximately $531 annually.

Double-check your assessment

Even in low-tax Marion County, many homeowners are overassessed and don't realize they can file a formal appeal with the county assessor. If your home's assessed value seems inflated, a successful appeal could lower your already modest tax burden even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion's rent squeeze vs. nation

Marion County residents spend 23.1% of income on rent, slightly above the national norm but reflecting a deeper affordability gap—median household income here is $34,501, less than half the national median of $74,755. Renters are paying proportionally more because they're earning significantly less, making housing costs feel steeper even when nominal rents are low.

Where Marion ranks statewide

At 23.1% rent-to-income, Marion County trails South Carolina's average of 20.1%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. The $663 median monthly rent is well below the state average of $945, but income levels are the real constraint here.

Marion vs. Pee Dee rivals

Marion's $663 rent is competitive with neighboring Marlboro County ($686) and McCormick County ($666), but Marion households earn notably less—$34,501 versus Marlboro's $36,293 and McCormick's $55,344. Neighbors to the east in Marlboro face similar affordability pressure, while McCormick's higher incomes create more breathing room.

Rent, mortgages, and thin margins

Marion renters pay $663/month while homeowners carry $446/month in housing costs on a median home value of $86,800. With median household income of just $34,501 annually, renters dedicate nearly 1 in 4 income dollars to housing, leaving limited resources for other essentials.

Consider Marion carefully

If you're relocating to the Pee Dee region, Marion offers the lowest rents but the tightest income-to-housing ratio in South Carolina. Job seekers should prioritize markets where income growth opportunities match or exceed the state average of $74,755.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion lags far behind national income

Marion County's median household income of $34,501 sits 54% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties nationwide. This income gap means Marion families earn roughly $40,000 less annually than the typical American household, significantly limiting purchasing power and wealth-building potential.

Second-lowest income county in South Carolina

Marion ranks near the bottom of South Carolina's 46 counties, with a median income $22,505 below the state average of $57,006. Only one other South Carolina county earns less, making Marion among the state's most economically challenged regions.

Marion trails similar rural counties

Neighboring Marlboro County ($36,293) and Orangeburg County ($43,214) both earn more than Marion's $34,501, though all three remain well below state and national averages. These rural counties face similar economic headwinds, but Marion's income deficit is the steepest among its peers.

Housing costs strain thin household budgets

Marion's rent-to-income ratio of 23.1% exceeds the recommended 20% threshold, meaning renters spend nearly a quarter of earnings on housing alone. With median household income at $34,501, even homeownership becomes a challenge—a median home value of $86,800 requires substantial down payments few Marion families can afford.

Start small, build wealth over time

Marion residents earning $34,501 annually can start building financial security through modest, consistent savings—even $50 monthly compounds significantly over decades. Free or low-cost financial literacy programs and employer 401(k) plans offer pathways to wealth accumulation; seek out local credit unions and community development organizations for accessible guidance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates exceed the National Average

Marion County reports a total crime rate of 3,460.9 per 100K residents, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a safety score of 94.5 out of 100.

Safety Scores trail the State Average

The county's safety score of 94.5 sits just below the South Carolina average of 95.4. While 10 reporting agencies track local data, the total crime rate remains roughly 18% higher than the state average.

Higher Crime than many South Carolina Peers

With a total crime rate of 3,460.9, Marion sees more reported incidents than the state average of 2,920.8. This suggests a higher volume of law enforcement activity compared to surrounding rural counties.

Property Crimes dominate Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 2,810.5 incidents per 100K, while the violent crime rate stands at 650.4. This violent crime rate is nearly double the national average of 369.8, indicating a need for community focus.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Security

Given the elevated property crime rates, residents should consider enhancing home lighting and security systems. Staying informed through the 10 local reporting agencies helps build a safer community for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Efficient School Infrastructure

Marion County operates a focused educational network of 10 public schools serving 3,875 students. The landscape includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools, all managed by a single unified district. This consolidated structure provides a streamlined approach to local education for the county's families.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 89.0% graduation rate, which outperforms both the South Carolina average of 84.2% and the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $6,692 is slightly below the state average of $7,165, the school score of 52.3 remains above the state median. These figures suggest that local schools are successfully translating their resources into high-school completion.

The Unified Marion 10 District

Marion 10 is the sole district in the county, overseeing all 3,875 students across its 10 campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, ensuring that educational resources are concentrated within the traditional public system. This centralization allows for consistent standards and community-wide focus on student outcomes.

Rural and Town Settings Define Student Life

The educational experience here is split between six rural campuses and four schools in town settings, with an average school size of 431 students. Marion High is the largest institution with 628 students, while Marion Intermediate serves a smaller cohort of 417. This modest scale provides a personal environment where students are less likely to get lost in the crowd.

Find a Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates that lead the state, Marion County is an attractive option for families prioritizing educational outcomes. Exploring homes near Marion High or Mullins High puts you at the center of a community that values high-school success. Consider school quality a cornerstone of your home search in this resilient South Carolina county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion ranks above average for disaster risk

Marion County scores 80.69 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category but notably above South Carolina's average of 70.75. This means Marion faces greater exposure to natural hazards than most of its state neighbors, driven primarily by hurricane vulnerability.

Marion is the 2nd riskiest county in SC

Among South Carolina's 46 counties, Marion ranks second-highest for overall disaster risk, trailing only Richland County. This elevated ranking reflects the county's significant hurricane exposure and above-average flood and wildfire risks.

Marion's risk far exceeds nearby counties

Marion's composite score of 80.69 substantially outpaces neighboring Marlboro County (57.47) and McCormick County (9.54), which rank among the state's safest. Marion's hurricane risk of 94.79 is its defining vulnerability—nearly 20 points higher than Marlboro's neighboring profile.

Hurricanes and earthquakes dominate Marion's threats

Marion's hurricane risk score of 94.79 is the county's most acute hazard, with tropical systems posing direct threats to lives and property throughout the year. Earthquake risk (80.03) and tornado risk (74.97) also merit serious preparation, creating a triple threat that demands comprehensive disaster readiness.

Flood and wind insurance are critical here

Marion residents should prioritize flood insurance, as the county scores 55.50 for flood risk—well above many peers. Given the 94.79 hurricane risk score, securing robust wind and coastal hazard coverage is equally essential for protecting homes and financial stability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marion County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Score for Marion County Drinking Water

Marion County earns a top-tier Grade A for its drinking water safety, recording zero health violations over the last five years. While the state average sits at 22.2 violations per 100,000 residents, local utilities here maintain a flawless record. This data indicates a highly reliable signal for residents relying on municipal water sources.

Bacteria Concerns in Half of Assessed Watersheds

The 2022 EPA reporting cycle reveals that 50% of assessed water bodies in the county are considered impaired. These failures under Clean Water Act standards are primarily driven by high levels of E. coli bacteria. This impairment rate is slightly higher than the South Carolina state average of 42.6%.

Thousands of Quality Readings Across Nine Sites

Nine distinct monitoring sites track the health of local waterways, producing 3,312 measurements over the last five years. Specialists focus heavily on physical characteristics and nutrient levels to monitor ecological health. These records provide a robust baseline for understanding how local runoff affects the water supply.

Pee Dee River Flows Significantly Below Average

The primary USGS gauge on the Pee Dee River at Peedee reports a current discharge of 2,440 cfs. This flow represents only 26% of the long-term mean, indicating unusually dry conditions for this massive drainage area. Low flows can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants due to lack of dilution.

Focus on Bacteria and Low Flow Risks

With E. coli impacting half of the assessed water bodies, residents should avoid direct contact with stream water after heavy rains. The current low streamflow on the Pee Dee River further concentrates these contaminants, making watershed protection critical. While tap water remains safe, monitoring local alerts for recreational water use is highly recommended.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and High-Precipitation Climate

Marion County's 62.5°F annual average temperature sits well above the U.S. median. The county is particularly wet, receiving 51.3 inches of rain compared to the national average of 38 inches.

Aligning with Coastal Plain Norms

The county's 62.5°F average is almost identical to the South Carolina state average of 62.8°F. However, Marion receives 51.3 inches of rain, which is wetter than the 48.9-inch state average.

Drier and Warmer than Coastal Horry

Marion County is slightly drier than neighboring Horry County, which gets 52.4 inches of rain. Marion also sees 55 extreme heat days, significantly more than the 34 days recorded in coastal Horry.

Hot Summers and Very Mild Winters

July brings an average temperature of 80.4°F, and the county faces 55 days of extreme heat annually. Winter temperatures average a mild 46.1°F, and snowfall is essentially non-existent in the climate record.

Water Management and Heat Relief

With over 51 inches of rain, keeping gutters clear and ensuring proper yard grading is vital to prevent flooding. Homeowners should also prepare for 55 days of 90°F heat with regular air conditioning maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soil with high potential

Marion County features highly acidic soil with a pH of 5.06, which is lower than both the state average of 5.27 and the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this area, the chemical profile suggests a unique environment for native and acid-loving plants.

A sandy foundation for easy tilling

The soil composition is 72.2% sand, 15.5% silt, and 9.8% clay. This high sand content makes the earth very easy to work and till, though it may require more frequent nutrient management than heavier soils.

Exceptional organic matter levels

At 3.18%, the organic matter in Marion County far exceeds the state average of 2.05% and the national average of 2.0%. This richness provides a fertility boost that helps offset an available water capacity of 0.109 in/in.

Managing water in sandy terrain

While specific drainage classes are not recorded here, the 72.2% sand profile typically indicates rapid water movement. Gardeners should monitor for quick drying and consider mulch to help maintain moisture levels.

Thriving in hardiness zone 8b

Hardiness zone 8b supports a long, warm growing season for heat-tolerant crops like peppers and sweet potatoes. With a soil score of 24.2, your land actually outpaces the state average of 20.6 for growing potential.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Marion's Challenging Coastal Plains Turf

Marion County has a lawn difficulty score of 31.2, which is more challenging than both the state average of 35.1 and the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, the environment favors warm-season grasses but requires diligent management to overcome local environmental stressors.

High Humidity and Frequent Summer Mowing

The county receives 51.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above the ideal lawn range and the state average of 48.9 inches. With 55 extreme heat days and 5,302 growing degree days, your grass will grow rapidly, necessitating a consistent and frequent mowing schedule throughout the long summer.

Acidic and Sandy Soil Foundations

The soil in Marion County is very sandy at 72.2% and highly acidic with a pH of 5.06, far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Because sand drains quickly and lacks nutrients, you will likely need significant lime applications and consistent fertilization to sustain a healthy lawn.

Navigating Persistent Dry Spells

Marion County spent 25 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry. To maintain resilience, prioritize deep watering sessions that reach the roots of your grass rather than frequent, shallow sprinkling.

Start Your 8b Lawn After March

For best results in Zone 8b, plant heat-tolerant species like Centipede or St. Augustine grass. Wait until the threat of frost passes after March 26th to seed or sod, ensuring your new lawn establishes itself before the July heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 46.2 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 South Carolina?
Marion County ranks #9 among all counties in South Carolina 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, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $397, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 89.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, South Carolina is $34,501 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 0.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Marion County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in South Carolina. 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

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.