countyscore

Marion County, West Virginia — County Report Card

WV

#49 in West Virginia

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
54.4
County Score
Schools 76.7Property Tax 74.3Lawn Care 71.9

County Report Card

About Marion County, West Virginia

Marion County edges out the national median

Marion County's composite score of 54.4 places it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It maintains a competitive standing in the broader American landscape.

Lower than the West Virginia average

With a 54.4 composite score, Marion falls short of the 62.0 West Virginia state average. This suggests there is room for improvement in dimensions like safety and environmental risk.

Excellent schools and strong local income

The county earns a high school score of 76.7, making it a leader in local education. A respectable income score of 60.4 reflects a median household income of $67,537.

Safety and environmental risk hurdles

Safety is a concern with a score of 34.8, while environmental risk also tracks low at 28.5. These factors weigh down the county's high scores in education and earnings.

Best for middle-income families with students

Marion County is ideal for families who prioritize quality schools and moderate incomes over total safety scores. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those earning around the $67,537 median.

2040608010074.354.834.845.176.760.428.53562.3Tax74.3Cost54.8Safety34.8Health45.1Schools76.7Income60.4Risk28.5Water35Weather62.354.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 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 Schools (76.7/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (35/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
74.3+22.299999999999997
Cost
54.8
Safety
34.8-20.200000000000003
Health
45.1
Schools
76.7+22.700000000000003
Income
60.4+9.399999999999999
Risk
28.5-18.5
Water
35-23
Weather
62.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$164,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$901/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$164,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,537/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Monongalia County
West Virginia
51.4
Taylor County
West Virginia
67.8
Harrison County
West Virginia
56.3
Wetzel County
West Virginia
66.6
Greene County
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Doddridge County
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Barbour County
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Preston 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 rate remains well below nation

Marion County's effective tax rate of 0.602% trails the national median of 0.867%, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. Residents pay $989 annually in property tax—roughly 37% of the national median of $2,690.

Above-average rate for West Virginia

Marion County's 0.602% effective rate exceeds the state average of 0.497%, ranking among the higher-taxing counties in West Virginia. The median property tax of $989 is notably above the state median of $699, driven by both the higher rate and Marion's relatively strong median home value of $164,300.

Steepest rate in its region

Marion's 0.602% rate leads all nearby counties, exceeding Harrison at 0.550% and Jackson at 0.563%. A Marion homeowner pays roughly $118 more annually than a Jackson County resident on a typical home, and $350 more than a Lewis County resident.

Marion's property tax per household

The median Marion County home valued at $164,300 carries approximately $989 in annual property tax. With mortgage-related adjustments included, homeowners may pay around $1,094 annually.

Review your assessment carefully

Marion County's higher-than-average tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important for your household budget. A free appeal to the county assessor can provide relief if your property is valued above its actual market worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion inches above national affordability line

Marion County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the U.S. average, suggesting reasonable affordability for renters earning $67,537 annually. At $901 monthly rent, Marion's costs are higher than many neighbors, but stronger incomes make the burden manageable.

Slightly better than West Virginia average

Marion's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio undercuts the state average of 16.9%, placing it in the more-affordable half statewide. The median income of $67,537 also runs above the state trend, easing the burden.

Expensive rent, but higher pay cushions it

Marion's $901 rent is the highest in this group after Jefferson ($1,103), but Marion residents earn more than most rural neighbors, narrowing the proportional burden. Only Jefferson and Harrison residents earn comparably.

Marion's balanced income-to-housing ratio

Marion households earning $67,537 spend $901 on rent (16.0%), a reasonable share despite top-tier rents, while homeowners pay $706 monthly on $164,300 homes. Marion's higher-than-average income is the key to managing its pricier housing.

For moderate earners seeking urban services

Marion County suits households earning $65K-$75K seeking better urban amenities and job variety than rural counties offer. Its rents are steep, but incomes keep pace better here than in struggling rural neighbors like Logan or Lincoln.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion's income nears national average

Marion County's median household income of $67,537 sits 10% below the national median of $74,755, ranking it in the upper-middle third of all U.S. counties. The county significantly outpaces West Virginia's state average of $54,746, making it one of the state's strongest earners.

Top performer among West Virginia counties

Marion County ranks second among West Virginia's 55 counties for median household income, exceeded only by Jefferson County. At $67,537, it exceeds the state average by $12,791, benefiting from Fairmont's regional role and diverse employment base.

Marion ranks among region's economic leaders

Marion's $67,537 median trails only Jefferson ($95,523) and leads Harrison ($58,326), Jackson ($55,671), and all other regional peers. The county reflects stronger industrial and service sector foundations than most of rural West Virginia.

Housing costs remain comfortably affordable

At 16.0% of household income, Marion's rent-to-income ratio sits in the healthy range, and median home values of $164,300 remain achievable for county residents. Housing costs consume a reasonable share of earnings, leaving room for other expenses and savings.

Marion households can build strong futures

With median incomes 23% above state average, Marion residents have meaningful capacity for investing and wealth accumulation. Maximize employer 401(k) matches, diversify into index funds, and consider real estate investment to compound growth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County is Safer than the National Average

Marion County reports a total crime rate of 1514.4 per 100,000 residents, which is well below the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a solid safety score of 97.6 out of 100. Despite local challenges, it remains a relatively secure area on the national stage.

Marion County Crime Rates Above State Average

With a crime rate of 1514.4, Marion County sits above the West Virginia state average of 949.0. Its safety score of 97.6 is slightly lower than the state average of 98.5. Fourteen reporting agencies work to manage safety across the county's varied communities.

Comparing Marion to Central West Virginia

Marion County’s crime rate is very similar to its neighbor, Harrison County, which reports a rate of 1491.0. Both counties have higher crime figures than the more rural Lewis County to the south. This suggests higher activity levels along the northern interstate corridors.

Property Crime Dominates the Safety Profile

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1283.1 per 100,000 residents, making up the bulk of local incidents. Violent crime is lower at 231.3, which is significantly better than the national violent crime average of 369.8. These figures highlight theft and property damage as the main local concerns.

Practical Steps for Home Safety

Protecting your home from theft is key in Marion County, so consider installing a security camera and keeping valuables hidden. Routine safety checks on doors and windows help prevent property crimes before they happen. Collaboration with the 14 local reporting agencies can help drive the county's safety score even higher.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Infrastructure for 7,400 Students

Marion County operates 21 public schools, including 11 elementary, five middle, and three high schools. This robust network supports a total enrollment of 7,406 students within a single school district.

Exceptional Graduation and Competitive Scores

Marion County leads with a stellar 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding state and national averages. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,699, slightly below the state average but highly effective, resulting in a school score of 58.7.

Marion County Schools — A High-Performer

As the sole provider of public education in the area, Marion County Schools manages all 7,406 students. The district contains no charter schools, emphasizing a traditional and highly successful public school model across its 21 campuses.

Town-Based Schools with Strong Community Identity

Fifteen of the county's 21 schools are located in town settings, providing a walkable and community-centric feel. Fairmont Senior High is the largest school with 821 students, anchoring a system where the average school size is 390 students.

Secure Your Future in Top-Rated Marion County

Marion County’s 97.0% graduation rate is a major draw for families seeking the best for their children. Look for homes in Fairmont or surrounding towns to take advantage of one of West Virginia’s most successful school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County's disaster risk stays moderate

Marion County's composite risk score of 71.50 exceeds West Virginia's state average of 49.21, placing it in the relatively low risk category. This reflects significant flood and hurricane exposure tempered by low wildfire and tornado threats.

Marion ranks in upper-middle tier for risk

Marion County scores 71.50 on the composite disaster risk scale, placing it solidly in the middle-to-upper range of West Virginia's 55 counties. The county's risk profile is anchored by flood vulnerability rather than spread across multiple hazard types.

Marion's risk closely mirrors Harrison County

Marion County's composite score of 71.50 nearly matches Harrison County's 73.60, with both counties facing similar flood exposure (Marion 85.69, Harrison 86.70) and hurricane risk (Marion 58.78, Harrison 60.58). Marion's slightly lower overall score reflects marginally better performance across most hazard categories.

Flooding and hurricanes threaten Marion County

Flooding dominates Marion County's hazard landscape with a risk score of 85.69, affecting numerous communities and stream corridors. Hurricane risk ranks second at 58.78, while wildfire (30.18), tornado (30.88), and earthquake (42.08) exposures remain moderate.

Flood insurance is Marion's first priority

Marion County's 85.69 flood risk makes flood insurance absolutely essential and should form the foundation of your home protection plan. Add comprehensive wind and hail coverage to address the 58.78 hurricane exposure, and consider earthquake coverage if your home sits near seismic zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marion County

via WaterByCounty

Marion County Faces Significant Compliance Gaps

Marion County earns a Grade F for drinking water compliance, having recorded 27 health violations over five years. However, its violation rate of 46.8 per 100,000 residents is considerably lower than the West Virginia state average of 173.7. This indicates that while violations occur, they affect a smaller portion of the population than in many neighboring counties.

Strong Watershed Health in Marion County

The 2022 federal reporting cycle assessed 48 water bodies in Marion County, finding no impairments. This 0% impairment rate indicates that the county's waterways are currently meeting Clean Water Act standards. These results show a healthy environment for aquatic life and recreation.

Focused Monitoring on Nutrients and Metals

Marion County utilizes eight monitoring sites that have recorded ,1355 measurements over the last five years. The monitoring program prioritizes inorganics, metals, and nutrients, providing a thorough view of the county's water chemistry. This data helps local officials track the impact of human activity on the Tygart Valley River watershed.

Tygart Valley River Flow at 42% of Mean

The primary USGS gauge on the Tygart Valley River at Colfax reports a current discharge of 1,130 cfs. This represents 42% of the long-term mean, showing that the river is currently in a low-flow state. While not as severe as neighboring watersheds, this reduction still affects local water dynamics.

Stay Alert to Infrastructure Impacts

Given the Grade F compliance rating, residents should stay informed about utility updates regarding infrastructure and treatment. Low-flow conditions on the Tygart Valley River can occasionally lead to increased sediment or mineral concentrations. Consider a home filter to address potential health-based violations identified in federal records.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Humid Continental Weather Patterns

Marion County averages 52.3°F annually, sitting just below the national median for U.S. counties. With 49.6 inches of precipitation, it is significantly wetter than the average American county.

A Representative West Virginia Climate

The county's 52.3°F average temperature tracks almost perfectly with the state average of 52.8°F. It receives 2.6 inches more precipitation than the statewide average of 47.0 inches.

Mild Summers Compared to Southern Neighbors

Marion experiences only 13 days of extreme heat, making it much more temperate than Logan or Lincoln. Its July average of 72.8°F offers a cooler summer experience than the southern coalfields.

Moderate Summers and Cold January Nights

July is pleasant with a 72.8°F average, while January temperatures drop to a chilly 30.1°F. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, the 32.5°F winter average indicates consistent freezing conditions.

Focus on Insulation and Dehumidification

Strong home insulation is required to manage the sub-freezing January average of 30.1°F. High-capacity dehumidifiers help manage the internal environment during the county's nearly 50 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Defining the Marion landscape

Marion County's soil identity, including its pH, is currently not documented in this dataset. With a state average pH of 5.25, local gardeners should expect acidic conditions relative to the 6.5 national median.

Tracking soil texture

Data on the percentages of sand, silt, and clay for the county is currently limited. Understanding the balance between these three components is the first step in managing your soil's drainage and nutrient storage.

Building better soil capacity

Local organic matter figures are unavailable, but the state average of 0.142 in/in for water capacity serves as a good target. Building up organic matter is always a winning strategy for West Virginia's mountainous terrain.

Survey your site

Official records for drainage classes are not available at this time for Marion County. For any building projects, always verify local soil stability and drainage through a professional site survey first.

A garden foundation in Zone 6b

Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, Marion County provides a solid foundation for many traditional Appalachian crops. It is an excellent environment for starting a home garden full of peas, potatoes, and perennial herbs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Marion County Offers Ideal Lawn Conditions

Marion County is a premier location for lawn enthusiasts, with a difficulty score of 71.9. This outperforms the state average of 66.5 and is much higher than the national 50.0 median. Zone 6b provides a reliable climate for lush, green, cool-season turf.

Cooler Summers and Plenty of Water

With only 13 days of extreme heat per year, Marion County is cooler than the state average of 17. The 49.6 inches of annual precipitation is nearly perfect for maintaining grass without constant irrigation. A total of 3,208 growing degree days indicates a manageable growth pace for most homeowners.

Solid Foundation Requires Local Checks

Soil metrics like pH and texture are not currently recorded for Marion County. Residents should prioritize a soil test to confirm they are near the 6.0-7.0 pH sweet spot for turfgrass. Given the high annual rainfall, checking for proper drainage is a smart first step before major landscaping.

Drought-Free Outlook for Marion Homeowners

The county spent 13 weeks in drought over the last year but is currently 100% free of any dry conditions. This stable moisture makes it an excellent time for overseeding or lawn repairs. Maintaining consistent ground cover will help prevent weed encroachment during any future dry spells.

Wait for May to Start Your Lawn

The last spring frost is typically around May 3rd, so hold off on sensitive seeding until then. Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass are perfectly suited for this 6b climate and the local rainfall patterns. Fall aeration and overseeding in September will further capitalize on these great growing conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, West Virginia has a composite county score of 54.4 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 West Virginia?
Marion County ranks #49 among all counties in West Virginia 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, West Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $989, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 74.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, West Virginia is $67,537 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 60.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, West Virginia a good place to live?
Marion County scores 54.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in West Virginia. 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.