countyscore
45.1
County Score
Cost of Living 73Disaster Risk 70.9Schools 62.1

County Report Card

About Marion County, Texas

Marion County Offers a Balanced Value

With a composite score of 45.1, Marion County ranks slightly below the national median of 50.0. It trades high economic growth for significant advantages in local affordability.

A Top Choice in East Texas

Marion County’s 45.1 score surpasses the Texas state average of 41.9. It stands out as a more accessible and affordable alternative to the state's more expensive metropolitan hubs.

Affordable Housing and Low Taxes

The county shines with a cost score of 73.0 and a tax score of 54.4. Homeowners enjoy a low effective tax rate of 0.787% and a median home value of just $110,500.

Navigating Economic and Safety Hurdles

Economic opportunities are limited, as reflected by an income score of 10.2 and a median income of $47,447. Safety also requires attention, with the county earning a score of 29.7 in that category.

A Budget-Friendly Haven for Retirees

Marion County is perfect for retirees or remote workers looking to minimize their cost of living. Its combination of low taxes and cheap real estate offers a high degree of financial freedom.

2040608010054.47329.716.162.110.270.95.938.8Tax54.4Cost73Safety29.7Health16.1Schools62.1Income10.2Risk70.9Water5.9Weather38.845.1/100
This county
National avg
2 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 (73/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
54.4
Cost
73+25
Safety
29.7-25.3
Health
16.1-33.9
Schools
62.1+8.100000000000001
Income
10.2-40.8
Risk
70.9+23.900000000000006
Water
5.9-52.1
Weather
38.8-17.200000000000003
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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.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$110,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$854/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$110,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,447/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.4

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

Harrison County
Texas
34.5
Cass County
Texas
47.9
Gregg County
Texas
28.2
Upshur County
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40.8
Morris County
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47.6
Caddo Parish
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47.7
Camp County
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Panola County
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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's taxes run well below national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion stretches renters' budgets tight

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion County significantly below U.S. median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County Remains Safer Than the National Average

Marion County holds a safety score of 97.4, indicating it is safer than most counties nationwide. Its total crime rate of 1,675.6 per 100,000 is comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Marion County to Texas Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 97.4 slightly outperforms the Texas state average of 96.8. While four local agencies manage public safety, the total crime rate of 1,675.6 stays below the state average of 2,052.5.

A Regional Perspective on Safety

Marion County is safer than many of its Texas neighbors, maintaining a crime rate that is approximately 18% lower than the state average. This indicates a relatively stable environment for residents and visitors alike.

Breaking Down Local Crime Trends

The violent crime rate stands at 393.0 per 100,000, which is slightly above both the state and national averages. However, the property crime rate of 1,282.6 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,015.7.

Prioritizing Your Household Security

With violent crime rates slightly elevated compared to the state average, home security awareness is vital. Ensure entry points are well-lit and consider an alarm system to enhance your family's peace of mind.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in Marion County

Marion County operates a simplified educational system with four public schools, all managed by a single district. This network serves 1,132 total students across two elementary campuses, one middle school, and one high school.

Consistent Performance and Solid Investment

With a graduation rate of 92.0%, the county slightly exceeds the Texas state average of 91.6%. Investment stands at $7,709 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $7,498 though below the national $13,000 average.

Unified Under Jefferson ISD

Jefferson ISD is the sole provider for the county, educating all 1,132 students across its four campuses. There are no charter school options currently available in this rural district.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

Education here is entirely rural, with all four schools serving a small-town atmosphere and an average enrollment of 283 students. Jefferson High School is the largest campus with 380 students, while Jefferson Primary School offers an intimate setting with just 144 students.

Settle Down in a Tight-Knit Community

For those seeking a community with consistent school performance, Marion County offers unique opportunities. Consider looking for homes in Jefferson to stay close to the county's central educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marion County

via WaterByCounty

Compliance Performance Below State Average

Marion County receives a grade of F for drinking water compliance, recording 70 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 624.9 per 100,000 people sits slightly above the Texas state average of 581.9. These numbers suggest that local utilities face consistent hurdles in maintaining federal safety standards.

Watershed Impairments Not Yet Assessed

The water bodies in Marion County are not currently included in the federal §303(d) assessment program. As a result, there is no official data on the percentage of impaired streams or the specific causes of pollution. This reporting gap limits the understanding of local watershed health.

Robust Monitoring at Fourteen Sites

Marion County maintains a solid monitoring footprint with 14 sites and 6,002 measurements recorded over the last five years. The most measured groups include physical traits, inorganics, and nutrients. This wealth of data helps environmental managers track the chemical composition of local water sources effectively.

Critically Low Flow on Big Cypress Creek

The primary USGS gauge on Big Cypress Creek near Karnack reports a current discharge of 205 cfs. This is only 14% of the long-term mean flow of 1,428 cfs, indicating significant drought or water stress. Low flows can increase the concentration of any existing contaminants in the water supply.

Conserve Water and Use Filtration

Extremely low streamflow on Big Cypress Creek suggests residents should practice water conservation to protect source supplies. Given the F grade for compliance, using a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of safety at the tap. Monitor local drought reports as low water levels often impact overall quality.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Very Wet Northeast

Marion County features a 64.7°F average temperature, which is about 10 degrees warmer than the national median. This region is characterized by high humidity and heavy annual rainfall.

Average Temperature but Exceptional Rain

While its 64.7°F average is nearly identical to the state's 65.5°F, its rainfall is far from average. At 49.7 inches annually, Marion receives over 50% more precipitation than the state average of 31.9 inches.

The Wettest Corner of Texas

Marion’s 49.7 inches of rain makes it one of the dampest counties in the region, out-pacing many of its neighbors. Its 89 days of extreme heat are slightly fewer than central Texas, thanks to frequent cloud cover and rain.

Damp Winters and Humid Summers

The seasons are defined by moisture, from a 45.5°F January to an 83.1°F July average. Though it gets 89 days of extreme heat, the county also sees a modest 1.3 inches of snow during the winter months.

Plan for High Precipitation

Home maintenance should focus on moisture control and mold prevention given the nearly 50 inches of annual rain. Residents should also prepare for 89 days over 90°F by ensuring reliable air conditioning for the humid summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

A Mystery in the East Texas Timberlands

Marion County's specific soil classifications and pH levels are not currently indexed in this primary dataset. Local land typically reflects the acidic, pine-friendly profiles common to the Piney Woods region. Gardeners should conduct individual soil tests to determine their specific baseline pH relative to the national 6.5 median.

Regional Textures and Timber Growth

While exact sand and clay percentages for this profile are unavailable, the region generally features sandy surface layers over clayey subsoils. This classic East Texas mix provides an ideal balance of drainage and moisture retention for timber. Residents often find the soil easy to work but requiring supplemental nutrients for vegetable gardening.

Potential for High Organic Growth

Local organic matter often tracks with the state average of 1.66%, though specific county-wide data is limited here. Despite the lack of precise water capacity metrics, the area's high annual rainfall usually offsets lower water storage in the soil. Lush forest growth across the county suggests strong natural fertility for native species.

Navigating Hydrology in the Bayou

Detailed drainage classes and hydrologic groups for this specific county footprint remain unmapped in the current data report. Given the proximity to Caddo Lake, many local soils likely experience high water tables and seasonal saturation. Homebuilders and farmers should perform site-specific perk tests to ensure proper drainage for their projects.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

This county falls within USDA hardiness zone 8b, a prime climate for azaleas, camellias, and blueberries. The long, humid growing season supports a massive variety of Southern perennials and ornamental shrubs. Grab some compost and start a garden to take advantage of this mild climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Average Difficulty in Piney Woods

With a lawn difficulty score of 33.9, Marion County sits slightly above the Texas average of 31.7. This Zone 8b region offers a more forgiving environment than the state's arid regions, though it still falls short of the national 50.0 median. While challenges exist, the local climate supports a variety of traditional lawn styles.

High Rainfall for Thirsty Lawns

Annual precipitation reaches 49.7 inches, which is nearly double the Texas average of 31.9 inches. This high rainfall, combined with 89 extreme heat days, creates a humid environment where grass grows vigorously. You can expect a long, active season with 6,002 growing degree days providing plenty of warmth.

Managing Unlisted Soil Variables

Specific soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for this region. Local gardeners should conduct a soil test to determine if the local pine-heavy environment has created acidic conditions common in East Texas. Understanding your unique drainage and nutrient levels is the first step toward a healthy lawn.

Resilience During Water Shortages

Marion County experienced 17 weeks of drought over the last year, with 86.4% of the county currently facing severe conditions. Even with high annual rainfall, temporary droughts can stress lawns if they aren't properly established. Prioritizing deep-rooting grass types can help your yard survive these periodic dry stretches.

Spring Planting for Zone 8b

Warm-season grasses like Centipedegrass or Bermuda are ideal for the humid Zone 8b climate. Time your planting for late March, once the typical March 18 frost risk has passed. Your lawn will have until early November to establish itself before the first freeze arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Texas has a composite county score of 45.1 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 Texas?
Marion County ranks #102 among all counties in Texas 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, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $870, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 54.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Texas is $47,447 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 10.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Texas a good place to live?
Marion County scores 45.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #102 in Texas. 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.