Marion
Ohio

What stands out

Three things set Marion County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the school test score is in the bottom 11% of American counties (2.59 where 3.0 is grade level), winter sunshine is in the bottom 11% of American counties (-1.1 on the USDA scale), and the overdose death rate is in the top 13% of American counties (31 per 100,000). Within Ohio it ranks 1st of 88 counties for the school test score, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Marion County, Ohio. 65,366 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +351).

Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax on income over $26,050 and exempts Social Security. Cities and school districts can add their own income taxes, so the total rate depends on the municipality. Home prices are well below the national average in all three major metros. Ohio has allowed permitless concealed carry since June 2022 and legalized recreational marijuana by ballot in 2023.

Money

The typical household here brings in $55,106 a year, lower than 67% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,522. Unemployment runs 4.4%, higher than 79% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

Ohio takes 1.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $799 a year.

Home

The median home costs $183K, cheaper than 70% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $839 a month. Property tax is 1.04% of home value, roughly $1,414 a year on that median home, higher than 63% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 64% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 31 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.0 years, shorter than 70% of American counties. There are 73 active physicians in the county, about 11.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.75 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 89% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 30 points. 54% of eligible voters turned out. Under Ohio law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 52°F, highs near 62 and lows near 41, colder than 68% of American counties. About 32 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 42 out of 100, safer than 58% of American counties; the county has had 12 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 258 Mbps down, faster than 78% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.