Living in Marion, Illinois

Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Marion · Census data 2020–2024

Marion has 16,836 residents with a median age of 42.2. The median household income is $56,912 (32% lower than the Illinois median), the median home value is $158,300, the median rent is $921/month.

Marion at a glance

Population
16,836
Median age
42.2State: 39
Median household income
$56,912State: $83,390
Median home value
$158,300State: $263,300
Median rent
$921/moState: $1,274
Homeowners
63.3%
Bachelor's degree or higher
28.5%
Average commute
22 min

Is Marion a good place to live?

Pros: Home values 40% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 3.5%.

Cons: Median household income 32% lower than the Illinois median; a poverty rate of 13.3%.

The weather is best in May–June and September–October.

Cost of living in Marion

Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Marion the median home value is $158,300, 52% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $921 per month, which is 30.7% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,233 a month in housing costs.

Median home value

Marion$158,300
Illinois$263,300
United States$332,700

Median monthly rent

Marion$921
Illinois$1,274
United States$1,413

Marion median household income

The median household income in Marion is $56,912 and the income per person is $39,024. 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line (Illinois: 11.8%).

Median household income

Marion$56,912
Illinois$83,390
United States$80,734

Housing in Marion: homes for sale and rent

Housing units
9,050
Owner-occupied
63.3%
Renter-occupied
36.7%
Vacant
8.7%Includes seasonal homes
Median year built
1981
Average household size
1.99

Marion demographics

Population
16,836
Median age
42.2
Under 18
21%
65 and older
23.5%
Households
8,260
Foreign-born
2.3%
Veterans
9.6%Adults 18+

Race and ethnicity

White85.6%
Hispanic or Latino2.7%
Black8.3%
Asian2.8%

Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Marion ›

Education in Marion

28.5% of adults 25 and older in Marion have a bachelor's degree or higher (Illinois: 37.8%), and 11.9% have a graduate or professional degree.

Bachelor's degree or higher

Marion28.5%
Illinois37.8%
United States35.7%

Jobs and commute in Marion

Unemployment rate
3.5%State: 5.8%
Average commute
22 minState: 28 min
Work from home
11.3%
Drive alone
80.3%
Public transit
0.2%
Walk to work
0.5%
Homes with broadband
84.3%

Marion vs nearby towns

TownPopulationMedian incomeHome valueRent
Marion16,836$56,912$158,300$921
Spillertown246$81,250$152,500—
Whiteash301$114,464——
Energy1,050$65,357$151,800$638
Pittsburg682$53,203$129,200$1,026
Johnston City3,327$42,465$88,100$976
Crainville1,641$65,461$185,300$690
Herrin12,226$59,975$113,300$1,002
Crab Orchard394$148,906——

More for people moving to Marion

Marion ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›

Living in Marion: FAQ

What is the median household income in Marion, IL?

The median household income in Marion is $56,912, 32% lower than the Illinois median of $83,390 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

What is the average home price in Marion?

The median home value in Marion is $158,300, compared with $263,300 in Illinois.

How much is rent in Marion?

The median gross rent in Marion is $921 per month, about 30.7% of household income.

Is Marion, IL a good place to live?

Pluses: home values 40% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes; unemployment of 3.5%. Minuses: median household income 32% lower than the Illinois median; a poverty rate of 13.3%.

What is the median age in Marion?

The median age in Marion is 42.2 years (Illinois: 39).

How long is the commute in Marion?

The average commute to work in Marion is 22 minutes; 11.3% of workers work from home.

What is the unemployment rate in Marion?

The unemployment rate in Marion is 3.5% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

How educated is Marion?

28.5% of adults in Marion have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.

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