CountyScore

Marion County

South Carolina · SC

#27 in South Carolina
67.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Marion County, South Carolina

Marion scores well above national average

Marion County's composite score of 67.8 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This performance reflects strong affordability and favorable tax conditions that outpace most of the nation.

Slightly below South Carolina average

Marion ranks just below the state average composite score of 68.2, placing it solidly in the middle tier among South Carolina's 46 counties. The county remains competitive statewide despite modest income levels.

Marion excels in affordability and taxes

Marion stands out for its exceptional tax burden (89.4 score) with an effective rate of just 0.457%, among the lowest in the state, and exceptional housing affordability with a median home value of only $86,800 and rent under $700/month. These strengths make Marion one of South Carolina's most budget-friendly places to live.

Income and risk pose challenges

With a median household income of $34,501, Marion lags significantly behind state and national averages—less than half the income of stronger-performing counties. The risk score of 19.3 also suggests limited economic resilience or diversification that demands attention.

Best for cost-conscious families seeking affordability

Marion County suits retirees, families on modest budgets, and those prioritizing low taxes and housing costs over higher incomes. If you can manage on a median household income and want to stretch limited savings, Marion's rock-bottom cost of living may outweigh its economic challenges.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax89.4Cost89.9SafetyComing SoonHealth53.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome5.9Risk19.3WaterComing Soon
🏛89.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼5.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤53.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡19.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Marion County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

White County
Arkansas
67.8
Median income: $53,435
Jeff Davis County
Georgia
67.8
Median income: $40,879
Kalawao County
Hawaii
67.8
Median income: $86,250
Mercer County
Illinois
67.8
Median income: $71,710
Chautauqua County
Kansas
67.8
Median income: $54,592

Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion lags on life expectancy

Marion County residents live 68.2 years on average, nearly 7 years less than the U.S. median of 76.1 years. One in four residents (26.1%) reports poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%. These gaps reflect deeper healthcare and economic challenges that shape daily life across the county.

Second-lowest life expectancy in SC

Marion ranks among South Carolina's hardest-hit counties on health, with life expectancy 4.3 years below the state average of 72.5 years. Only Marlboro County ranks lower statewide, signaling that Marion faces concentrated health disparities. The county's 26.1% poor/fair health rate is also significantly worse than the state trend.

Healthier outcomes in nearby counties

Marion's 68.2-year life expectancy contrasts sharply with McCormick County (73.3 years) and Orangeburg County (70.1 years) nearby. Marion also has fewer primary care providers at 38 per 100,000 residents compared to McCormick's 51, making routine healthcare less accessible. Despite having more mental health providers (182 per 100K), Marion's overall health profile remains among the region's weakest.

One in eight lacks health insurance

Marion's 12.4% uninsured rate tops the state average by 0.8 percentage points, meaning roughly 2,000 county residents lack coverage. Combined with limited primary care access, uninsured residents often delay care or rely on emergency departments instead of preventive visits. Mental health support is more available, but navigating the broader healthcare system remains difficult without insurance.

Take the next step on coverage

If you're uninsured in Marion County, check your eligibility for Medicaid expansion coverage and marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or through South Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services. Many community health centers also offer sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients. Getting covered is the first step toward regular care that can extend your healthspan.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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