Median Income
$90,000
20% higher than US avg
Home Value
$103,300
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.2%
1% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$617
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
65% lower than US avg
How Marion Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population152
Median Age57.0 yrs
Density181/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans86.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,000
Per Capita$42,576
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty4.4%
County GDP$341M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,300
Rent$617
Ownership88.2%
Zillow$197,685
Housing Units69
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property105/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking15.5%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain21.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,464 ft (446 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.2%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+10.8%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute21 min
Broadband68.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Marion a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marion receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Marion stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Marion is $90,000, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Marion is $103,300, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $617 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Marion is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 105 per 100,000, 95% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.8% 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 41°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Marion has a population of 152 with a density of 181 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 57.0 years, 47% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 86.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.0yrs
Median Age
47% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Marion is $90,000, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,576. The average weekly wage is $981, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 239 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 18.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,000 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,576 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $981 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $88,186 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.4% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 239 |
| County GDP | $341M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.8% |
The median home value in Marion is $103,300, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,685, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $617 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 69 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,300 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $197,685 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $617 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.8% |
| Housing Units | 69 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
In Marion, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. 29.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Marion vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:4,096 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,760/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Marion has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 105 per 100,000, 95% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Marion receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Marion vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 105.5/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Marion has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 276 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 21.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,464 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.5°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,464 ft (446 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 181/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.6112°N, 98.3387°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | LaMoure County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jamestown Regional (JMS)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.5"
44% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.54"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.7 on Oct 20, 1995.
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
350 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
82 km |
10 |
| Jul 18, 2004 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2002 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1958 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 1957 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1950 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2011 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2010 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHICAGOLAKE (4,606 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
CHICAGOLAKE |
4,606 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
BIESTERFELD |
3,481 |
76 km |
| 2003 |
OLERUD |
1,275 |
82 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
81 km |
| 1985 |
CHASE LAKE |
1,215 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
EAST JIM LAKE |
1,214 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
NDAWR FY17 RX G10 11 12 D5 |
1,148 |
80 km |
| 1985 |
ALICE 02 |
1,142 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
FULLERS LAKE 06 |
1,109 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Marion has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 8°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (0.4").
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) |
$223 ($134–$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178–$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712–$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134–$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356–$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134–$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560–$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356–$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895–$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445–$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450–$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780–$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712–$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178–$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890–$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67–$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23–$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23–$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67–$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56–$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71–$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068–$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534–$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445–$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178–$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356–$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450–$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $858 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $727 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $631 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $600 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marion
What is the population of Marion?
Marion has a population of 152 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 181 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Marion expensive to live in?
Marion is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $90,000, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,300 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $617 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Marion safe?
Marion is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 105 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Marion receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Marion?
Marion has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Marion?
The job market in Marion is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $981. There are 239 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 18.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marion?
The median home value in Marion is $103,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,685. For renters, the median monthly rent is $617. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.2%.
How are the schools in Marion?
Schools in Marion score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.2% of adults in Marion hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marion?
The obesity rate in Marion is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 29.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Marion?
The average commute in Marion is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marion?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marion is 88.2% White. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 86.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 97.5% have health insurance coverage.
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