Median Income
$40,417
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$41,700
85% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
471/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.8%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$758
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.9%
231% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.8%
44% higher than US avg
How Marathon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population199
Median Age55.4 yrs
Density265/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$40,417
Per Capita$23,873
Unemployment11.9%
Poverty17.8%
County GDP$642M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$41,700
Rent$758
Ownership90.1%
Zillow$89,469
Housing Units101
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
F
Violent471/100K
Property2,006/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking15.9%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,396 ft (426 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.8%
High School+86.2%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute30 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Marathon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marathon receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Marathon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Marathon is $40,417, 46% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Marathon is $41,700, 85% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $758 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,006 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Marathon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches, including 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Marathon has a population of 199 with a density of 265 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 55.4 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.8% female and 42.2% male. The city is predominantly White (86.9%), with 3.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.4yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Marathon is $40,417, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,873 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 265 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,417 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,873 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,570 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.9% |
| 231% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.8% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 265 |
| County GDP | $642M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Marathon is $41,700, 85% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,469, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $758 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 101 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $41,700 |
| 85% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $89,469 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $758 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.9% |
| Housing Units | 101 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.83% |
In Marathon, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,537. The dentist ratio is 1:1,763. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Marathon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,537 |
| Dentists | 1:1,763 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,976 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,324/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Marathon has a violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,006 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Marathon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Marathon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 471.4/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,005.7/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Marathon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. The area receives 38.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,396 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,396 ft (426 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 265/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8602°N, 94.9829°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pocahontas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
11 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
575 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 167 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
40 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1973 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Marathon has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Marathon. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $691 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $454 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon
What is the population of Marathon?
Marathon has a population of 199 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 265 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.8% female and 42.2% male.
Is Marathon expensive to live in?
Marathon is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $40,417, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $41,700 (85% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $758 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Marathon safe?
The violent crime rate in Marathon is 471 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,006 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Marathon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Marathon?
Marathon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 inches, with 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Marathon?
The job market in Marathon faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 265 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marathon?
The median home value in Marathon is $41,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,469. For renters, the median monthly rent is $758. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,850.
How are the schools in Marathon?
Schools in Marathon score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.8% of adults in Marathon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.2% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marathon?
The obesity rate in Marathon is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,537.
What is transportation like in Marathon?
The average commute in Marathon is 30 minutes. 92.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marathon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marathon is 86.9% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 26.5% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
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