Marathon, TX — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $45,100

40% lower than US avg

Home Value $143,500

49% 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 5.5%

55% 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%

Poverty5.5%

County GDP$611M

Commute19 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$143,500

RentN/A

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$178,184

Housing Units319

Rent Burden12.1%

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 Score5.10

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 43%

Commute19 min

Broadband83.2%

Libraries2

Is Marathon a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Marathon receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. 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 5.5% 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.

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 5.1/10.

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

271

Total Population

People / sq mi

57.7yrs

Median Age

48% above US avg

5.3mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 32.1%

Female 67.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Marathon vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	62.5%
	20% below US avg
Spanish	37.5%
	180% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Marathon vs U.S. Average

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). 5.5% 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: Marathon vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$45,100
	40% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$33,491
Avg Weekly Wage	$986
IRS Avg AGI	$72,740

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	0.0%
	100% below US avg
Poverty Rate	5.5%
	55% 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%

Walkability

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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$143,500
	49% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$178,184

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs


Rent Burden	12.1%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$887
1 Bedroom	$935
2 Bedrooms	$1,149
3 Bedrooms	$1,497
4 Bedrooms	$1,733

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	53.1%
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 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

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	12.6 inches
	67% below US avg
Snowfall	0.3 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	42.0
Rating	Good

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
County FIPS	48043

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").

Marathon is located in Brewster County. It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, a smaller urban community. 22.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 32% below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.1 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.6% of the vote, a 12.6-point margin. 83.2% of households have broadband internet access. There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 20 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 27.4% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.6%

D 43%

Winner: Republican by 12.6 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	22.8%
	32% below US avg
High School+	79.3%
Graduate Degree+	4.5%
School Test Score	5.10

C+ Education Grade (2.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 7	Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K
Population Density	52/sq mi
Total Area	5.3 sq mi
County	Brewster County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	83.2%
Public Libraries	2
Healthcare Facilities	20
Restaurants	60
Retail Stores	51

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)	3

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	18.9 min
Drive Alone	27.4%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	5.7%

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.

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 average annual property tax is $6,557.

How are the schools in Marathon?

Schools in Marathon score 5.1 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.

Nearby Cities

Alpine, TX 6,003 pop · 27.4 mi Marfa, TX 2,179 pop · 47.5 mi Fort Stockton, TX 8,340 pop · 50.9 mi Presidio, TX 3,226 pop · 81.6 mi Town of Pecos, TX 11,485 pop · 82.7 mi Manuel Ojinaga 22,744 pop · 84.0 mi McCamey, TX 1,550 pop · 87.3 mi Ojinaga 28,040 pop · 90.5 mi Iraan, TX 1,415 pop · 92.8 mi Southwest Sandhill, TX 1,174 pop · 94.4 mi Crane, TX 3,304 pop · 96.5 mi Monahans, TX 7,536 pop · 99.6 mi

Compare Marathon with another city: