Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Marion is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 41,096 people. The majority of Marion residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Marion is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Marion, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Marion and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
Marion has a livability score of 82/100 and is ranked #34 in Iowa and #1,045 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Marion could be a great choice! Marion has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Marion ranks well for crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (A-) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Marion does not rank well for, including: amenities (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Marion has a violent crime rate of 123 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Marion schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Marion an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Marion can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Marion is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Marion come in at $311,147, which is 29.6% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Marion, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Marion | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.5% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.3% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.3% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.1% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.1% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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