Marion
Arkansas

What stands out

Three things set Marion County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is in the top 8% of American counties (4.8 per 1,000), the median household income is in the bottom 9% of American counties ($42,891), and homeownership is in the top 9% of American counties (82%). Within Arkansas it ranks 30th of 75 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Marion County, Arkansas. 16,905 people live here with you. The population grew 1.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +392).

Arkansas has been cutting its income tax rates every legislative session since 2015, and the top rate is now well under 4%. Home prices remain among the lowest in the country, especially outside Northwest Arkansas, where Walmart, Tyson and J.B. Hunt have built a fast-growing corporate corridor around Bentonville and Fayetteville. Tornado season is real across the whole state.

Money

The typical household here brings in $42,891 a year, lower than 91% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $41,231. Unemployment runs 3.7%, higher than 61% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 24 minutes each way.

Arkansas takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,507 a year.

Home

The median home costs $225K, cheaper than 53% of American counties, about 2.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $729 a month. Property tax is 0.53% of home value, roughly $783 a year on that median home, lower than 84% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.8 per 1,000 residents, higher than 92% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.7 years, shorter than 73% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 3.0 per 10,000 people. 12.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.83 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 68% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 57 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 56% of eligible voters turned out. Under Arkansas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 60°F, highs near 72 and lows near 47, warmer than 66% of American counties. About 45 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 43 out of 100, safer than 57% of American counties; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 137 Mbps down, slower than 75% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.