Median Income
$45,100
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$143,500
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
116/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.8%
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Marathon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population271
Median Age57.7 yrs
Density52/mi²
Male / Female32% / 68%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$45,100
Per Capita$33,491
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$611M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,500
Ownership53.1%
Zillow$178,184
Housing Units319
Rent Burden12.1%
Crime
F
Violent116/100K
Property809/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Uninsured16.5%
Smoking9.4%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (16°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain12.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4,140 ft (1,262 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.8%
High School+79.3%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score4.95
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%
Commute19 min
Broadband83.2%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Marathon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marathon receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. 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 $45,100, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Marathon is $143,500, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Marathon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 116 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 809 per 100,000, 59% below the national average.
Education
22.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Marathon enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Marathon has a population of 271 with a density of 52 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 57.7 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 67.9% female and 32.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 62.5% of residents, while 37.5% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 78.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.7yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
62.5%
20% below US avg
Spanish
37.5%
180% above US avg
The median household income in Marathon is $45,100, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,491 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $986, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 456 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,491 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,740 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 456 |
| County GDP | $611M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,557 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 27.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Marathon is $143,500, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,184, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 53.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 319 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $6,557 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 12.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,500 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,184 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 53.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.9% |
| Housing Units | 319 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,557 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.57% |
In Marathon, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 9.4% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.4% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 20.4% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 16.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:787. The dentist ratio is 1:3,114. 75.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Marathon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 8.6% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.5% |
| Uninsured | 16.5% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:787 |
| Dentists | 1:3,114 |
| Mental Health | 1:560 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,718/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Marathon has a violent crime rate of 116 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 809 per 100,000, 59% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 115.6/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 808.9/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Marathon enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 4,140 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 61.5°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,140 ft (1,262 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 52/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.2209°N, 103.2366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Brewster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Midland International Air And Space Port (MAF)
134 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.6"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0453 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 52.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
239 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Jul 10, 2025.
| Apr 14, 1995 |
13 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M5.7 |
13 km |
| May 14, 2015 |
84 km S of Sanderson, Texas |
M4.0 |
113 km |
| Apr 15, 1995 |
10 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M4.0 |
10 km |
| Aug 5, 2023 |
10 km E of Study Butte, Texas |
M3.7 |
101 km |
| Aug 26, 2017 |
50 km NNW of Ojinaga, Mexico |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Nov 12, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.6 |
14 km |
| Jun 18, 2019 |
13 km ESE of Redford, Texas |
M3.6 |
119 km |
| Sep 6, 2016 |
22 km WSW of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Jan 24, 2012 |
17 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.6 |
18 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
5 km WSW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.6 |
7 km |
| Jun 1, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.5 |
14 km |
| Jan 30, 2020 |
western Texas |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| May 24, 2021 |
37 km E of Balmorhea, Texas |
M3.3 |
82 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
11 km SSW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.3 |
14 km |
| Oct 22, 2017 |
26 km WSW of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
107 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
19 km WSW of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
104 km |
| Jun 16, 2016 |
19 km SW of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| Feb 20, 2016 |
25 km W of Coyanosa, Texas |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| Apr 4, 2020 |
28 km ESE of Balmorhea, Texas |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Apr 14, 1995 |
14 km NW of Marathon, Texas |
M3.3 |
14 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
94 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 122 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 1987 |
EF4 |
97 km |
30 |
| Jun 2, 2024 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1961 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2011 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1990 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1962 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1961 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1960 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1954 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2024 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 2023 |
EF1 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1999 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1992 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1992 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF1 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1989 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1988 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCK HOUSE (299,170 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
ROCK HOUSE |
299,170 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
IRON MOUNTAIN |
85,016 |
27 km |
| 2008 |
HUCKABEE |
84,897 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
SCHWARTZ FIRE |
80,788 |
41 km |
| 2008 |
PORTER |
47,570 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
HUGHES RANCH |
42,410 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
33,784 |
29 km |
| 2011 |
ROPER |
28,699 |
38 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
24,743 |
18 km |
| 2008 |
CATHEDRAL |
19,342 |
17 km |
| 2011 |
TEJANO CANYON |
11,759 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
ELEPHANT MOUNTAIN |
10,650 |
46 km |
| 2009 |
JEFF DAVIS COMPLEX (LAST CHANCE MESA) |
8,661 |
63 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
8,234 |
27 km |
| 2011 |
MIND |
8,020 |
40 km |
| 2008 |
ROCKING JBH |
7,004 |
21 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
6,788 |
76 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
6,684 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
GAGE HOLLAND FIRE |
6,300 |
51 km |
| 2020 |
LONGFELLOW NINE MILE COMPLEX |
5,780 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
63°F (17°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Marathon has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 44°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.2") and March the driest (0.3").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $528 |
| Toddler | $502 |
| Preschool | $489 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $481 |
| Toddler | $463 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marathon
What is the population of Marathon?
Marathon has a population of 271 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 52 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 67.9% female and 32.1% male.
Is Marathon expensive to live in?
Marathon has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,100, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,500 (49% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Marathon safe?
Marathon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 116 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 809 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Marathon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Marathon?
Marathon enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Marathon?
The job market in Marathon is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $986. There are 456 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marathon?
The median home value in Marathon is $143,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,184. The homeownership rate is 53.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,557.
How are the schools in Marathon?
Schools in Marathon score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.8% of adults in Marathon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marathon?
The obesity rate in Marathon is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.4% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 16.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 75.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:787.
What is transportation like in Marathon?
The average commute in Marathon is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 27.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marathon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marathon is 100% White. 62.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 37.5% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 78.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
