Marion County's composite score of 74.7 far exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 25% of all U.S. counties. This exceptional 49% advantage reflects outstanding livability fundamentals.
2 / 5
Texas's top tier for affordability
Marion County scores 74.7 compared to the Texas average of 66.8, making it one of the strongest-performing counties in the state. Its ranking reflects consistent excellence across multiple livability dimensions.
3 / 5
Unbeatable tax and housing costs
Marion County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.787% with a score of 80.1, plus a cost score of 85.7 featuring homes at just $110,500 and rent at $854 monthly. This combination creates exceptional financial accessibility for nearly all income levels.
4 / 5
Median incomes present a tradeoff
The county's income score of 14.4 reflects a median household income of $47,447, the lowest among these eight counties. Safety, health, schools, and risk assessments remain unavailable, preventing a complete livability evaluation.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and minimalists
Marion County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or anyone prioritizing ultra-low costs over high earning potential. The extraordinary tax and housing affordability make it one of Texas's most budget-friendly counties for those seeking rural peace.
Marion County's composite score of 74.7 far exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 25% of all U.S. counties. This exceptional 49% advantage reflects outstanding livability fundamentals.
Texas's top tier for affordability
Marion County scores 74.7 compared to the Texas average of 66.8, making it one of the strongest-performing counties in the state. Its ranking reflects consistent excellence across multiple livability dimensions.
Unbeatable tax and housing costs
Marion County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.787% with a score of 80.1, plus a cost score of 85.7 featuring homes at just $110,500 and rent at $854 monthly. This combination creates exceptional financial accessibility for nearly all income levels.
Median incomes present a tradeoff
The county's income score of 14.4 reflects a median household income of $47,447, the lowest among these eight counties. Safety, health, schools, and risk assessments remain unavailable, preventing a complete livability evaluation.
Perfect for retirees and minimalists
Marion County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or anyone prioritizing ultra-low costs over high earning potential. The extraordinary tax and housing affordability make it one of Texas's most budget-friendly counties for those seeking rural peace.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.787%, Marion County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 15% nationally—meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than the typical American county. The median property tax of $870 is just 32% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower home values and a lighter tax burden.
Marion ranks among Texas's lightest tax counties
Marion's 0.787% effective rate is 38% below the Texas state average of 1.276%, placing it among the most tax-friendly counties in the state. The median tax bill of $870 is less than 40% of the state average of $2,193.
Marion undercuts most surrounding counties
Marion's rate of 0.787% beats nearby Mason County (0.815%) and Martin County (0.884%), making it a relative tax bargain in Southeast Texas. Only Martin County among immediate neighbors approaches Marion's affordability, while counties like McCulloch (1.375%) and Maverick (1.394%) carry noticeably higher burdens.
Median Marion homeowner pays $870 annually
On Marion's median home value of $110,500, homeowners pay about $870 in annual property taxes—or roughly $73 per month. With mortgage and other taxes included, the total obligation climbs to $1,543 per year.
Even low-tax Marion homeowners can appeal assessments
Property tax overassessment affects homeowners across all counties, regardless of rate. If you believe your home is valued too high on the tax roll, Marion County appraisers can be challenged during the annual protest period—potentially lowering your already modest tax bill further.
Marion County renters spend 21.6% of their income on housing—nearly 20% higher than the Texas average of 18.1% and well above the national comfort zone. With a median household income of just $47,447, the county's $854 median rent creates genuine affordability pressure for working families.
Among Texas's least affordable counties
Marion County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% places it in the bottom quartile statewide, signaling severe affordability challenges. The combination of lower incomes and relatively high rents makes Marion one of Texas's toughest markets for renters seeking housing stability.
Higher rent pressure than surrounding counties
Marion's $854 rent sits between Madison County's $832 and Martin County's $1,175, but the real strain comes from Marion's lower income base. Homeownership looks more promising here, with a median monthly cost of $482—the lowest among its regional peers—thanks to an affordable median home value of $110,500.
The housing cost crunch in Marion
A typical Marion household earning $47,447 annually spends about $1,025 on rent and utilities, consuming 26% of gross income—far above healthy thresholds. For homeowners, the picture brightens: $482 monthly costs represent just 12% of income, suggesting ownership may be the more viable path for Marion residents.
Marion works better for homebuyers
If you're relocating to Marion, owning is substantially cheaper than renting; the $110,500 median home value and $482 monthly payment make homeownership a smart move. Renters should budget carefully or explore nearby counties like Madison, where rent-to-income ratios are measurably lower.
At $47,447, Marion County's median household income lags the national median of $74,755 by 37%, placing it among the lowest-income counties nationally. This substantial gap reflects rural economic challenges and limited job diversity in the region.
Lowest income in Texas comparison
Marion County ranks 27% below the Texas state average of $64,737, making it one of the state's lowest-income counties. The per capita income of $29,117 underscores concentrated poverty and limited earning opportunities across the county.
Struggles compared to nearby counties
Marion County ($47,447) ranks last among all eight counties studied, falling well below Matagorda ($55,174) and McCulloch ($51,919). Only Maverick County ($51,270) comes close to Marion's income challenges, reflecting severe economic stress in this East Texas region.
Housing costs strain household budgets
Marion County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the healthy affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume over one-fifth of typical earnings. A median home value of $110,500 may be accessible on paper, but represents a real stretch for households living near the county median.
Wealth building requires careful planning
Marion County residents should seek financial counseling and explore community development programs to navigate tight budgets. Even small monthly savings of $50-100 into a high-yield savings account can provide crucial emergency cushion and long-term security.
Marion County's life expectancy of 71.1 years is 2.9 years below the U.S. average of 74.0 years. The 22.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national benchmark of 17%, indicating a population burdened by chronic conditions and limited wellness support.
Lowest life expectancy in state comparison
Marion County's 71.1-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom within Texas, falling 3.2 years short of the state average of 74.3 years. The 16.7% uninsured rate matches Lynn County and beats the state average, yet health outcomes remain grim, suggesting access or quality-of-care issues beyond insurance status.
Limited data, sparse provider presence
Primary care provider data for Marion County is unavailable, but the 21 mental health providers per 100K suggests a minimal behavioral health infrastructure. Neighboring counties with documented provider counts offer more services, making Marion County residents likely to seek care elsewhere.
Insurance coverage doesn't guarantee care access
Despite 83.3% of residents having insurance, the low life expectancy and elevated poor/fair health rate suggest that available local providers are overwhelmed or that residents lack reliable transportation to distant medical centers. Mental health support is particularly scarce relative to community need.
Start with insurance, then advocate
Marion County residents should verify their insurance status at healthcare.gov and enroll if uninsured, then work with local health officials to strengthen provider networks. Community advocacy for rural health clinic expansion and telehealth resources can help bridge the access gap.
Marion County's disaster risk is comfortably low nationally
With a composite risk score of 29.17, Marion County sits well below the national average and carries a "Very Low" overall rating. The county's risk profile is favorable compared to most U.S. counties, though certain regional hazards merit attention. This positioning reflects the county's fortunate geography relative to major disaster corridors.
Safer than average among Texas counties
Marion County's score of 29.17 falls meaningfully below Texas' state average of 49.00, placing it in the safer tier of the state's counties. The county avoids the most severe wildfire and extended drought zones affecting West Texas. However, its East Texas location brings meaningful hurricane and tornado exposure compared to inland West Texas counties.
Mid-range risk within East Texas region
Marion County (29.17) sits between Madison County (34.89) and safer neighbors like Mason (10.97) and McCulloch (10.05) in the regional risk hierarchy. The county experiences higher earthquake risk (32.19) than many Texas counties, though still minimal in absolute terms. Its position near the Sabine River adds flood complexity not found in drier western regions.
Tornado and hurricane risks define Marion's exposure
Tornado risk (54.01) and hurricane risk (51.69) are Marion County's primary natural disaster concerns, reflecting its East Texas location between Gulf storm paths and tornado alley. Wildfire risk (51.08) also registers meaningfully, driven by pine forest coverage and seasonal dry spells. These three hazards account for the bulk of the county's composite risk.
Secure windstorm coverage and storm shelters
Marion County homeowners must prioritize comprehensive windstorm and hail coverage in their insurance policies, given tornado and hurricane risks of 54.01 and 51.69 respectively. Storm shelter construction or identification is essential for family protection during severe weather. Wildfire-defensible space around homes should also be maintained, particularly given the county's 51.08 wildfire risk score.