Marion

Marion, Iowa Overview

With a composite score of 61.7/100 and a A grade, Marion ranks #5 of 20 cities in Iowa. Its strongest showing is in Safety (88/100), while Outdoor Access (22/100) represents its largest gap.

Income & Employment in Marion

Households in Marion earn a median of $87,105 — 20% above the state median — but the 3.1% unemployment rate sits above the statewide 3%, suggesting the job market doesn’t match the income figures.

Safety in Marion

At 226.2 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Marion sits meaningfully below the Iowa average of 295 — a 30% lower gap. The property crime rate is 680.9 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Marion

With a cost of living index of 87.2, Marion is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $230,800. Median monthly rent is $978. Renters spend 13.5% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Marion

The adult obesity rate in Marion is 33.8% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 10%. Residents report an average of 15.5 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Iowa ranks #22 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Marion

Marion’s high school graduation rate of 94.7% is well above average, reflecting strong local school performance. The student-teacher ratio is 14.7:1. Per-pupil spending is $13,005. The city has 15 public schools serving 8,743 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Marion

The annual average temperature in Marion is 52.1°F. Summers average 73.4°F. Winters average 30.3°F. Annual precipitation is 29.2 inches. The average commute of 16.5 minutes is notably short.

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