Median Income
$41,944
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,800
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
424/100K
12% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$733
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
2% lower than US avg
How Marion Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population674
Median Age44.0 yrs
Density522/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans12.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,944
Per Capita$24,151
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty12.2%
County GDP$678M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,800
Rent$733
Ownership70.1%
Zillow$180,291
Housing Units328
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent424/100K
Property1,166/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking20.2%
Depression30.6%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,095 ft (334 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.24
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute27 min
Broadband74.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Marion a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marion receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Marion has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Marion is $41,944, 44% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Marion is $96,800, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $733 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 424 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,166 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Marion has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.4 inches, including 74.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Marion has a population of 674 with a density of 522 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 44.0 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.0yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Marion is $41,944, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,151 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $886, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 388 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,944 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,151 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $886 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,174 |
| Gini Index | 0.422 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.2% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 388 |
| County GDP | $678M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,479 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Marion is $96,800, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,291, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $733 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 328 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,479 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,800 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,291 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $733 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.9% |
| Housing Units | 328 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,479 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.63% |
In Marion, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 20.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 28.5% are physically inactive. 30.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,043. The dentist ratio is 1:5,071. 17.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Marion vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 30.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,043 |
| Dentists | 1:5,071 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,531 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,753/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Marion has a violent crime rate of 424 per 100,000 residents, 12% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,166 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Marion receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Marion vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 424.0/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,165.9/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Marion has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 270 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 33.4 inches. The area receives 74.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,095 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.6°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,095 ft (334 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 522/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.0998°N, 85.1409°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Missaukee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
66 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.4"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0433 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 1.7 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
179 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 163 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
64 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1975 |
EF2 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
75 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
85 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
94 km |
| 2017 |
GRANT RX |
2,204 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
45 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
87 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
95 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
81 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
60 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
63 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
99 km |
| 1995 |
OGEMAW10 |
856 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Marion has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 19°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Marion. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $502 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $688 |
| Preschool | $688 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marion
What is the population of Marion?
Marion has a population of 674 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 522 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Marion expensive to live in?
Marion has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $41,944, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,800 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $733 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Marion safe?
The violent crime rate in Marion is 424 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 1,166 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Marion receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Marion?
Marion has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.4 inches, with 74.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Marion?
Marion has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $886. There are 388 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marion?
The median home value in Marion is $96,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,291. For renters, the median monthly rent is $733. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,479.
How are the schools in Marion?
Schools in Marion score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.1% of adults in Marion hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marion?
The obesity rate in Marion is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.2% of adults are smokers. 28.5% are physically inactive. 30.6% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 17.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,043.
What is transportation like in Marion?
The average commute in Marion is 27 minutes. 65.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marion?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marion is 93.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.7% of the population are military veterans. 30.0% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
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