Median Income
$62,984
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,700
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
660/100K
74% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$772
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.8%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Marathon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,011
Median Age29.8 yrs
Density895/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans12.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,984
Per Capita$25,584
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$2,372M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,700
Rent$772
Ownership66.3%
Zillow$180,722
Housing Units399
Rent Burden21.4%
Crime
F
Violent660/100K
Property4,430/100K
Health
Obesity32.8%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.8%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain41.7 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,010 ft (308 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute27 min
Broadband95.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Marathon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marathon receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Marathon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Marathon is $62,984, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Marathon is $119,700, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $772 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 660 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,430 per 100,000, 126% above the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Marathon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Marathon has a population of 1,011 with a density of 895 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 29.8 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 12.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.8yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Marathon is $62,984, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,584 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,073, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,115 business establishments, including 125 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,984 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,584 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,073 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,598 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,115 |
| County GDP | $2,372M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 125 |
| Healthcare | 107 |
| Retail | 162 |
| Manufacturing | 57 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,895 |
| 126% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Marathon is $119,700, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,722, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $772 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 399 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,895 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,700 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,722 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $772 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.7% |
| Housing Units | 399 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,895 |
| 126% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.60% |
In Marathon, 32.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 19.8% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,724. The dentist ratio is 1:2,883. 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Marathon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,724 |
| Dentists | 1:2,883 |
| Mental Health | 1:233 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,256/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
Marathon has a violent crime rate of 660 per 100,000 residents, 74% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,430 per 100,000, 126% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 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 | 659.8/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,430.1/100K |
| 126% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 89 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Marathon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,010 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 45.2°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,010 ft (308 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 895/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4448°N, 76.0362°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cortland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.7"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Jun 17, 1991 |
7 km NE of Worcester, New York |
M4.0 |
113 km |
| Jun 29, 2024 |
14 km W of Ellisburg, New York |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jul 31, 1997 |
0 km WSW of Lyons Falls, New York |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
111 km |
| Feb 27, 2008 |
2 km SW of Central Bridge, New York |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Apr 11, 2007 |
6 km NNE of Sodus Point, New York |
M2.6 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
274 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
161 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 fatalities, 65 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1969 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
69 km |
4 |
| Aug 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2009 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1990 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DRY MARSH (1,018 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
DRY MARSH |
1,018 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Marathon has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 22°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.5").
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) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon
What is the population of Marathon?
Marathon has a population of 1,011 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 895 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Marathon expensive to live in?
Marathon is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,984, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,700 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $772 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Marathon safe?
Public safety is a concern in Marathon, with a violent crime rate of 660 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,430 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Marathon?
Marathon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,073. There are 1,115 business establishments in the area, including 125 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marathon?
The median home value in Marathon is $119,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,722. For renters, the median monthly rent is $772. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.3%. The average annual property tax is $7,895.
How are the schools in Marathon?
Schools in Marathon have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.4% of adults in Marathon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marathon?
The obesity rate in Marathon is 32.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 81.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,724.
What is transportation like in Marathon?
The average commute in Marathon is 27 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marathon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marathon is 98.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 12.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
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