countyscore
50.5
County Score
Property Tax 91Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 81.1

County Report Card

About Marion County, Tennessee

Resting at the national median

Marion County earns a composite score of 50.5, placing it right in line with the national median of 50.0. It offers a standard quality of life that matches the broad U.S. average.

Near the Tennessee state average

The county's 50.5 score is just slightly below the Tennessee state average of 51.3. Marion holds its own by offering a much lower tax burden than many surrounding counties.

Excellent tax and cost scores

Marion stands out with a tax score of 91.0 and a cost score of 60.8. Its low 0.444% effective tax rate makes the $173,600 median home value even more affordable for residents.

Education and health care gaps

The county faces hurdles in education, with a school score of 26.6, and health, with a score of 27.9. Improvements in these areas would be necessary to lift the county's overall ranking.

A budget-friendly mountain transition

Marion County is a great fit for those looking for affordable Tennessee living with minimal property taxes. It is particularly attractive for retirees or those whose children are no longer in school.

204060801009160.841.127.926.633.141.88681.1Tax91Cost60.8Safety41.1Health27.9Schools26.6Income33.1Risk41.8Water86Weather81.150.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 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 Property Tax (91/100) but notably weak in Schools (26.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91+39
Cost
60.8+12.799999999999997
Safety
41.1-13.899999999999999
Health
27.9-22.1
Schools
26.6-27.4
Income
33.1-17.9
Risk
41.8
Water
86+28
Weather
81.1+25.099999999999994
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$173,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$840/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$173,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,103/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.5

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

Grundy County
Tennessee
47.5
Sequatchie County
Tennessee
52
Dade County
Georgia
63.5
Hamilton County
Tennessee
35.7
Franklin County
Tennessee
47.6
Catoosa County
Georgia
47.3
Walker County
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55
Coffee County
Tennessee
44

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 keeps taxes well below national average

Marion County's effective tax rate of 0.444% ranks in the lowest tier nationally, roughly double the U.S. median of 0.22%. The county achieves this favorable rate on median homes worth $173,600, resulting in modest tax bills of $771 annually.

Below average across Tennessee

Marion County's 0.444% effective rate sits comfortably below Tennessee's state average of 0.511%, placing it in the lower-tax tier statewide. Homeowners enjoy a modest tax burden relative to state peers.

Lower than most surrounding counties

Marion's 0.444% rate undercuts Lawrence County (0.532%), Lewis County (0.504%), and several neighbors, though Macon County (0.406%) and Loudon County (0.398%) remain lower. Marion offers solid tax relief in its region.

Lowest median tax bill in region

Marion County homeowners with a median-value property of $173,600 pay just $771 annually—among the lowest tax bills in the analysis. This favorable combination makes Marion a tax-efficient community for budget-conscious homebuyers.

Still review your assessment annually

Even in lower-tax counties, inaccurate assessments reduce your property's fair market value. Marion County residents should request assessment details and appeal if their home is appraised above recent comparable sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion delivers balanced affordability below national standard

Marion County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits slightly below Tennessee's 17.6% state average and favorably compared to national norms. With a median household income of $58,103 and rent of $840 monthly, residents achieve reasonable housing security despite earnings far below the national $74,755 median.

Solid affordability, slightly above state average

Marion ranks slightly better than the state average for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% that undercuts Tennessee's 17.6% benchmark. The county's $840 monthly rent runs just $20 below the state average, reflecting its position as a stable, affordable option.

Mid-tier pricing with modest property values

Marion's $840 rent falls between the rural bargains ($735) and wealthier markets ($995), while the median home value of $173,600 remains modest compared to northern peers. The county offers consistent, unspectacular housing costs—neither a bargain nor a burden.

Ownership costs notably lower than rents

Renters pay $840 monthly while homeowners spend just $702—a striking $138 monthly advantage for ownership that translates to nearly $1,700 annually in savings. This 17.4% rent burden versus 14.5% ownership burden strongly favors those able to purchase property.

Renter-friendly with ownership upside

Marion County offers fair rental affordability alongside surprisingly affordable homeownership, making it accessible for renters considering the transition. If you're exploring relocation, Marion's ownership cost advantage over rents deserves serious consideration in your financial planning.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion County earns below national median

Marion County's median household income of $58,103 trails the national median of $74,755 by $16,652, placing it in the bottom 40% of American counties. The county's per capita income of $29,313 indicates limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Slightly below Tennessee's state average

At $58,103, Marion County's median household income falls just $891 below Tennessee's state average of $58,994, positioning it as a typical Tennessee county. The county ranks very close to the statewide median, with income conditions matching state norms.

Lower-middle income in the eight-county group

Marion County's $58,103 median exceeds the lowest-income western counties (Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis) but trails Lincoln ($63,115) and Loudon ($80,296). The county shows comparable earnings to Madison ($58,189), suggesting similar regional economic dynamics.

Reasonable housing affordability for residents

Marion County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is healthy and among the region's better values, keeping housing costs within standard affordability guidelines. The median home value of $173,600 is realistically attainable for households earning the county median of $58,103.

Marion households can build steady wealth

With $58,103 median income and reasonable housing costs, Marion County families have capacity for consistent retirement and investment contributions. Setting up automatic transfers of $150–$200 monthly to retirement accounts creates a path to $200,000+ in accumulated wealth within 25 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County: Safe and Secure

Marion County maintains a strong safety score of 97.9 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 1,341.3 per 100,000 is about 44% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics highlight a community that is much safer than the typical U.S. county.

Outperforming Tennessee Safety Averages

Marion County's safety score of 97.9 exceeds the Tennessee average of 97.2. The total crime rate of 1,341.3 is also comfortably below the state average of 1,785.6. Seven different reporting agencies collaborate to keep the region's crime rates consistently low.

Regional Comparison for Marion County

Marion's crime rate of 1,341.3 per 100,000 is comparable to Lewis County's 1,361.1 and safer than Lincoln's 1,546.7. This consistency across the region reflects a stable safety environment. Having seven reporting agencies ensures that data is captured thoroughly across the county.

Low Violent Crime in Marion

The violent crime rate in Marion is 301.5 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is reported at a rate of 1,039.8, nearly half the national rate of 2,015.7. Most reported crimes in this area do not involve physical violence.

Simple Defenses for Property Protection

Property crime remains the most frequent concern, occurring at a rate of 1,039.8 per 100,000 residents. Basic security measures like locking vehicles and installing motion-sensor lights can significantly reduce risk. The high number of reporting agencies, seven in total, ensures local police are responsive to resident needs.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Marion County's Educational Framework

Marion County supports 4,142 students across 13 public schools and two districts. The system includes five elementary, two middle, and five high schools, plus one alternative learning center. This distribution provides high school options across several small communities in the county.

Comparing Graduation and Spending Metrics

Marion County reports an 89.1% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average but lower than the state level of 93.3%. The county spends $5,685 per pupil, a lean budget compared to both state and national benchmarks. This efficiency supports a school score of 50.2, placing it near the national median.

Marion County and Richard City Districts

The Marion County district is the major provider, serving 3,960 students in 12 schools. The small Richard City district operates a single school with 182 students, offering a very localized alternative. No charter schools are currently operating within the county boundaries.

Small Campuses in Town and Country

Schools are split between seven town and six rural locales, with an average school size of 345 students. Jasper Elementary is the largest school in the system with 629 students. This small-scale environment ensures that most students benefit from a more personalized academic atmosphere.

Family Living in Marion County

With a focus on smaller school sizes, Marion County is attractive for families looking for a less crowded educational experience. Homes near Jasper or South Pittsburg offer proximity to some of the county's largest elementary schools. Use local school performance data to guide your home search in this scenic Tennessee valley.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County carries moderate risk

Marion County scores 58.24 on the composite risk index with a Relatively Low rating, slightly above Tennessee's average of 52.45. The county's risk is balanced across flood, wildfire, and tornado exposures.

Mid-range risk statewide

Marion County ranks near the median among Tennessee's counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score places it just above average relative to state peers, with no single hazard dominating.

Similar to Lincoln County profile

Marion County's 58.24 score closely mirrors Lincoln County (58.91) to the east, creating a consistent mid-range risk zone in south-central Tennessee. Both counties face meaningful tornado and flood threats.

Tornadoes and wildfires are notable

Tornadoes at 81.84 are Marion County's primary concern, followed by wildfire risk at 59.67—an unusually high wildfire ranking for Tennessee. Flood exposure at 61.39 rounds out your three main hazard categories.

Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage

Flood insurance is important given Marion County's 61.39 flood risk; separate policies are required since standard homeowners insurance excludes water damage. If you live near woodland or forested areas, confirm wildfire coverage (59.67) is included in your policy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marion County

via WaterByCounty

Marion County Meets All Health Standards

Marion County earns an 'A' grade for its drinking water systems, with zero health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 is significantly better than the Tennessee state average of 34.6. This data indicates that local drinking water is well-managed and safe for public consumption.

Healthy Watersheds with Some Bacterial Concerns

Approximately 20.8% of assessed water bodies in Marion County are impaired, which is better than the state average of 30.2%. The 2022 report identifies 20 impaired segments out of 96, with E. coli and siltation as the primary causes. These results suggest generally healthy water systems with localized pollution issues.

Extensive Physical and Nutrient Monitoring

Water quality experts have logged 10,669 measurements from 45 sites across Marion County in five years. Most of these results track physical properties and nutrient levels, providing a clear map of environmental health. This high level of activity ensures that changes in water quality are detected quickly.

Sequatchie River Flow Is Well Below Normal

The Sequatchie River near Whitwell is currently flowing at 195 cfs, representing only 26% of its long-term mean. This indicates a period of low water availability that may stress local aquatic life and ecosystems. Low flows often mean that any runoff pollutants have a greater impact on overall water quality.

Watch Bacteria Levels During Low Flow

Since E. coli is a known impairment and the Sequatchie River is at only 26% of its typical flow, residents should avoid swimming in streams after heavy rain. Reducing agricultural and pet waste runoff is essential to maintaining the county's relatively healthy watershed. Tap water remains a safe resource with no recent health violations recorded.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Highs and Heavy Rainfall

Marion County offers a unique climate profile with a 55.9°F average temperature, nearly matching the national median. It stands out nationally for its high precipitation, receiving a massive 67.0 inches of rain annually.

A Refreshing Exception to State Heat

While the Tennessee average is 58.1°F, Marion County stays significantly cooler at 55.9°F. It also records 67 inches of rain, far exceeding the state average of 55.9 inches.

The Region's Cool, Wet Outlier

Compared to McMinn's 39 extreme heat days, Marion experiences only 6, likely due to its varied elevation. This makes it the wettest and one of the coolest counties in the immediate region.

Milder Summers and Snowy Winters

Summer is remarkably mild with a July average of 74.0°F and very few 90-degree days. Winter brings more snow than its neighbors, averaging 5.4 inches annually alongside a January mean of 35.4°F.

Managing High Rainfall and Winter Snow

The 67 inches of annual rain require residents to invest in heavy-duty drainage and moisture-resistant building materials. Winter weather gear is also necessary to handle the 5.4 inches of snowfall, which is high for the state.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Inceptisols of the Plateau

Marion County features Inceptisols with a pH of 5.26, trailing slightly behind the 5.35 Tennessee average. These soils are significantly more acidic than the 6.5 national median, reflecting their placement in a highly weathered environment.

Unique Gravelly Silt Loams

Unlike its neighbors, Marion’s soil is quite sandy at 38.2%, creating a gravelly silt loam texture. This is balanced by 40.0% silt and 21.3% clay, providing a medium that drains much faster than most Tennessee soils.

Low Moisture and Organic Levels

The Available Water Capacity is just 0.152 in/in, the lowest in this group, meaning crops may dry out quickly. Organic matter is also low at 1.73%, so frequent amendments are necessary to sustain healthy plant growth.

Fast-Moving Waters in Group A

Classified as well-drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group A, these soils have a high infiltration rate. While this prevents flooding, it also means nutrients can leach away quickly if not managed with slow-release fertilizers.

Drought-Tolerant Gardening in Zone 7b

The fast-draining soils of Zone 7b in Marion are perfect for Mediterranean herbs, lavender, and stone fruits. Choose plants that enjoy 'dry feet' and you will find that these unique soils are incredibly rewarding for the right cultivars.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

The Easiest Lawn Care in the State

Marion County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 56.6, making it the easiest place to maintain a lawn in this list. This score is significantly higher than both the Tennessee state average of 48.0 and the national median of 50.0. A favorable climate and good drainage provide a major head start for local gardeners.

Cooler Summers and Abundant Rain

Marion County receives a massive 67.0 inches of annual precipitation, ensuring that water is rarely in short supply. Even better, it only sees 6 extreme heat days per year, which is far lower than the state average of 36. This cool, wet environment is nearly perfect for maintaining lush, green turf with very little heat stress.

Excellent Drainage with Sandy Silt

The soil is a gravelly silt loam with a high sand content of 38.2%, ensuring that the heavy rainfall drains away quickly. While the pH of 5.26 is acidic and needs lime, the physical structure of the soil is excellent for root aeration. This well-drained foundation prevents the rot and disease often found in the state's heavier clay soils.

Managing Moderate Dry Spells

The county spent 13 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. However, the 67 inches of annual rain typically provides enough of a buffer to keep lawns healthy without constant irrigation. You can often rely on natural rainfall even when other parts of the state are struggling.

Perfect Conditions for Cool-Season Turf

Because of the low heat and high rainfall, Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue can thrive here beautifully. Plan to begin your seeding after the last spring frost on April 10 to ensure a strong start. Your lawn will stay productive until the first frost arrives around October 28.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Tennessee has a composite county score of 50.5 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 Tennessee?
Marion County ranks #56 among all counties in Tennessee 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, Tennessee?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $771, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 91/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Tennessee is $58,103 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 33.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Tennessee a good place to live?
Marion County scores 50.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Tennessee. 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

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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.