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Marion County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#9 in South Carolina

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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.

Score breakdown

Tax89.9Cost94.6Safety5.2Health14Schools37.3Income0.9Risk19.3Water86Weather56.3
🏛89.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡5.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.2
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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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 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

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

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

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.

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