IowaPop. 41,896Small cities
Is Marion a Good Place to Live? Marion, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Marion ranks #128 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94.7%, #28 of 191) and fast population growth (+0.9%, #45 of 182), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Marion by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Marion's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Marion?
Marion's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $961/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $279,823, 17% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Marion | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 89#166 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $279,823#324 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,203/mo#102 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $241,700#366 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $961/mo#167 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.8x#109 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 13.3%#22 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Marion housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Marion is in the Cedar Rapids, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Marion safe?
Marion recorded 126 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 62% below the US rate of 328 and 46% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #193 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #45 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Marion Police Department. Property crime runs 603 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Marion | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 126#193 of 1,085 | 234 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 603#52 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Marion?
The median household in Marion earns $86,743, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Marion | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $86,743#511 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.1%#337 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Marion?
The median resident of Marion is 40.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 38.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 77.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Marion | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 38.1%#520 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 77.4% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Marion's schools and health?
Marion's 15 public schools graduate 94.7% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $13,005 spent per pupil. 33.8% of adults are obese and 10% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Marion | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94.7%#107 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $13,005#831 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 33.8%#685 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10%#402 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.5%#329 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 5.4%#99 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,743 students are enrolled in Marion's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Marion?
The average commute in Marion is 19.2 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 0.4% of workers take transit and 19.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Marion scores 12.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.6°F and winters 24.6°F, with 38.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Marion | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 19.2 min#280 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 72% | 76.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.9% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 19.3% | 9.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 12.2#453 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 | 12.5 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 35.1 | 16.6 | 1.3 |
| Mar | 48.9 | 27.5 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 63.3 | 38.4 | 4 |
| May | 73.8 | 49.6 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 82.3 | 59.6 | 5.7 |
| Jul | 85.5 | 63.3 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 83.4 | 61.2 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 77.3 | 53 | 4 |
| Oct | 64.1 | 41.5 | 3 |
| Nov | 48.1 | 29.3 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 34.7 | 18.6 | 1.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cedar Rapids #1.
| Measure | Marion | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 49.9°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 72.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 24.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 38.8 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Cedar Rapids #1.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Marion?
Linn County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Linn County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Marion | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 5#726 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.11%#334 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Linn County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Linn County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.021% | 89% of counties |
| Hail | 0.011% | 86% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0025% | 58% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Marion compare with similar-size cities?
Marion is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #27 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 41,896.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #128 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 | 19.2 min |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #621 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 | 15.5 min |
| Shelton, CTPop. 41,889 | #137 | 66.9 | $108,185 | $1,741/mo | 32 | 30.3 min |
| Florence, ALPop. 41,701 | #915 | 51.5 | $52,174 | $820/mo | 543 | 18.7 min |
| Greer, SCPop. 41,536 | #326 | 61.5 | $82,626 | $1,198/mo | 257 | 24.3 min |
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #34 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 | 20.7 min |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #535 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 | 21.8 min |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #307 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 | 15.5 min |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #703 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 | 15.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Marion compare with the rest of Iowa?
Marion ranks #4 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 67.3 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 15% above the Iowa median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Marion's score calculated?
Marion scores 67.3 out of 100, #128 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Marion. Similar-size median 52.9.
61.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Marion's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
94.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Marion. Similar-size median 52.2.
60.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Marion's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
65.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Marion's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
82.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Marion. Similar-size median 46.7.
63.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Marion. Similar-size median 44.2.
52.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Marion. Similar-size median 47.3.
57.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Marion's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
58.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
65.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Marion's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Marion has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Marion
Is Marion, IA a good place to live?
Marion ranks #128 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94.7%, #28 of 191) and fast population growth (+0.9%, #45 of 182), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Marion?
Marion's cost of living index is 89, 11% below the US level of 100 and #166 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $961/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $279,823, 17% above the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Marion?
Marion recorded 126 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 62% below the US rate of 328 and 46% below Iowa's 234. That ranks #193 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #45 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Marion Police Department. Property crime runs 603 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Marion?
The median household in Marion earns $86,743, 4% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Marion?
Median rent in Marion is $961/mo (Census), #167 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,203/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 13.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Marion?
The typical home value in Marion is $279,823, up 4% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $241,700.
How are the public schools in Marion?
Marion's 15 public schools graduate 94.7% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 14.7 students per teacher and $13,005 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Marion?
The average commute is 19.2 minutes, #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Marion?
Marion averages 49.9°F over the year, 72.6°F in summer and 24.6°F in winter, with 38.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Marion walkable?
Marion scores 12.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Marion at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Linn County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Marion?
Linn County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 61% of measured days were rated good; 5 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Marion?
Marion has 41,896 residents. The median resident of Marion is 40.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 38.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #520 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 77.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Marion compare with the rest of Iowa?
Marion ranks #4 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 67.3 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 15% above the Iowa median. Violent crime is 46% below the statewide rate. Homes are 17% above the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Marion?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Marion's population of 41,896 are Jefferson City, MO (#621 overall), Shelton, CT (#137 overall), Florence, AL (#915 overall), Greer, SC (#326 overall), and Brookfield, WI (#34 overall). Marion is #128.