Median Income
$52,105
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$370,900
32% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
250/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.3%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.2%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Marion Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,149
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density68/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,105
Per Capita$29,667
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$7,210M
Commute35 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$370,900
Ownership94.2%
Zillow$687,107
Housing Units452
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent250/100K
Property4,629/100K
Health
Obesity33.2%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking16.3%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain16.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation4,320 ft (1,317 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.3%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute35 min
Broadband86.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries5
Is Marion a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marion receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, long commute times. Marion has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Marion is $52,105, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Marion is $370,900, 32% above the national median. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.1x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Marion is below the national average at 250 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,629 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
Education
9.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Marion has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches, including 54.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Marion has a population of 1,149 with a density of 68 people per square mile, spread across 16.9 square miles. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Marion is $52,105, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,667 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,122, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,994 business establishments, including 450 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 23.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,105 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,667 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,122 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,813 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.7% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,994 |
| County GDP | $7,210M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 450 |
| Healthcare | 459 |
| Retail | 491 |
| Manufacturing | 194 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,362 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.7% |
The median home value in Marion is $370,900, 32% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $687,107, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 452 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $5,362 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $370,900 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $687,107 |
| Median List Price | $621,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $621,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $503 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.8% |
| Housing Units | 452 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,362 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.45% |
In Marion, 33.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 28.1% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,085. The dentist ratio is 1:1,434. 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Marion vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.2% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,085 |
| Dentists | 1:1,434 |
| Mental Health | 1:261 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.0% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,948/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 81.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 459 |
Marion has a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,629 per 100,000, 136% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 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 | 249.6/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,628.5/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Traffic Accidents | 62 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Marion has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 274 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 16.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 54.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 4,320 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,320 ft (1,317 m) |
| Area | 16.9 sq mi (43.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 68/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0865°N, 114.6796°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Flathead County County |
| Nearest Airport | Glacier Park International (FCA) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.8"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.56"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0419 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
201 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 17, 2025.
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
41 km |
| Mar 4, 2000 |
35 km S of Pincher Creek, Canada |
M4.6 |
130 km |
| Mar 22, 2006 |
8 km SSW of Rexford, Montana |
M4.3 |
91 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
2 km NW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
16 km |
| Jun 29, 1995 |
2 km NNW of Kila, Montana |
M4.1 |
17 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
107 km |
| Apr 15, 1998 |
11 km NE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.1 |
70 km |
| Apr 1, 1992 |
10 km ESE of Swan Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
74 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
31 km |
| Jul 19, 2002 |
43 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M4.0 |
142 km |
| Jun 2, 1996 |
37 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.9 |
129 km |
| Jun 1, 1996 |
23 km N of Ovando, Montana |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Sep 26, 2004 |
14 km WSW of Pablo, Montana |
M3.8 |
64 km |
| Jul 2, 1992 |
4 km SSE of South Browning, Montana |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| May 7, 1992 |
14 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
136 km |
| Jul 5, 2024 |
24 km ENE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Mar 21, 1992 |
20 km NE of Seeley Lake, Montana |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| May 2, 1995 |
3 km WNW of Kila, Montana |
M3.8 |
15 km |
| Oct 2, 1995 |
18 km E of Finley Point, Montana |
M3.7 |
76 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 9, 2023 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
EF0 |
47 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2011 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2008 |
EF0 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2007 |
EF0 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2000 |
EF0 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1978 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHIPPY CREEK (95,656 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
CHIPPY CREEK |
95,656 |
33 km |
| 2001 |
MOOSE |
73,210 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
BEAR CREEK |
60,710 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
ROBERT |
54,500 |
70 km |
| 2003 |
WEDGE CANYON |
51,987 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
THORNE CREEK |
39,694 |
63 km |
| 1988 |
RED BENCH |
33,845 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
BRUSH CREEK |
30,166 |
34 km |
| 2016 |
COPPER KING |
28,338 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
SHEEP GAP |
24,702 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
RAMPAGE COMPLEX (DOUBLE MOUNTAIN 2) |
23,680 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
TRAIL CREEK |
22,338 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
ELMO |
22,148 |
32 km |
| 2017 |
WEST FORK |
21,154 |
84 km |
| 2023 |
NIARADA |
20,686 |
34 km |
| 2000 |
UPPER NINEMILE COMPLEX (NINE MILE) |
19,695 |
94 km |
| 2003 |
BLACKFOOT LAKE COMPLEX (BLACKFOOT LAKE) |
18,274 |
58 km |
| 2023 |
RIVER ROAD EAST |
18,068 |
77 km |
| 2015 |
THOMPSON |
18,049 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
TRAPPER CREEK FIRE (TRAPPER CREEK) |
18,028 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
1.3 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
62°F (17°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| September |
53°F (11°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
42°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest |
Marion has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 23°F in December to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 22.5 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.6") and July the driest (1.3").
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) |
$237 ($142-$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189-$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95-$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757-$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71-$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142-$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47-$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378-$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95-$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57-$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47-$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142-$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784-$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378-$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203-$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473-$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730-$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892-$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757-$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189-$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946-$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28-$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71-$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47-$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84-$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37-$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37-$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84-$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78-$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57-$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76-$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38-$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47-$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71-$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135-$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28-$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28-$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568-$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473-$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189-$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24-$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378-$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730-$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47-$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28-$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142-$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95-$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $1,008 |
| Preschool | $860 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $779 |
| Toddler | $798 |
| Preschool | $798 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marion
What is the population of Marion?
Marion has a population of 1,149 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 68 people per square mile, spread across 16.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Marion expensive to live in?
Marion is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,105, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $370,900 (32% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 7.1x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Marion safe?
Marion is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 250 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,629 per 100,000 (above 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 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.8 inches, with 54.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Marion?
The unemployment rate in Marion is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,122. There are 6,994 business establishments in the area, including 450 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 23.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marion?
The median home value in Marion is $370,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $687,107. The homeownership rate is 94.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,362.
How are the schools in Marion?
Schools in Marion score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.3% of adults in Marion hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marion?
The obesity rate in Marion is 33.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 81.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,085.
What is transportation like in Marion?
The average commute in Marion is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marion?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marion is 93.1% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 7.4% of residents have a disability. 85.1% have health insurance coverage.