Living in Marion, North Carolina
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Marion · Census data 2020–2024
Marion has 7,579 residents with a median age of 39.1. The median household income is $51,314 (29% lower than the North Carolina median), the median home value is $163,500, the median rent is $762/month.
Marion at a glance
- Population
- 7,579
- Median age
- 39.1State: 39.1
- Median household income
- $51,314State: $72,388
- Median home value
- $163,500State: $288,900
- Median rent
- $762/moState: $1,228
- Homeowners
- 51.3%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 15.6%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is Marion a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 43% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 29% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 5.4%; a poverty rate of 23.5%.
The weather is best in April–May 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 $163,500, 51% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $762 per month, which is 27.6% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,082 a month in housing costs.
Marion median household income
The median household income in Marion is $51,314 and the income per person is $22,092. 23.5% of residents live below the poverty line (North Carolina: 13%).
Housing in Marion: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 3,323
- Owner-occupied
- 51.3%
- Renter-occupied
- 48.7%
- Vacant
- 13.7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1968
- Average household size
- 2.27
Marion demographics
- Population
- 7,579
- Median age
- 39.1
- Under 18
- 19.1%
- 65 and older
- 16.5%
- Households
- 2,869
- Foreign-born
- 12.2%
- Veterans
- 2.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Marion ›
Education in Marion
15.6% of adults 25 and older in Marion have a bachelor's degree or higher (North Carolina: 35.7%), and 3.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Marion
- Unemployment rate
- 5.4%State: 4.7%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 25 min
- Work from home
- 2.6%
- Drive alone
- 81.3%
- Public transit
- 0.1%
- Walk to work
- 0.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 79.2%
Marion vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | 7,579 | $51,314 | $163,500 | $762 |
| West Marion | 1,066 | $36,715 | $161,600 | $866 |
| Glenwood | 226 | $120,694 | — | — |
| Nebo | 1,670 | $50,139 | $129,800 | $1,087 |
| Old Fort | 555 | $47,500 | $135,900 | $818 |
| Glen Alpine | 1,991 | $69,697 | $172,800 | $871 |
| Montreat | 630 | $115,568 | $606,400 | — |
| Spruce Pine | 2,398 | $42,098 | $207,500 | $837 |
| Salem | 2,377 | $68,988 | $159,100 | $856 |
More for people moving to Marion
Marion ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Marion: FAQ
What is the median household income in Marion, NC?
The median household income in Marion is $51,314, 29% lower than the North Carolina median of $72,388 (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 $163,500, compared with $288,900 in North Carolina.
How much is rent in Marion?
The median gross rent in Marion is $762 per month, about 27.6% of household income.
Is Marion, NC a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 43% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes. Minuses: median household income 29% lower than the North Carolina median; unemployment of 5.4%; a poverty rate of 23.5%.
What is the median age in Marion?
The median age in Marion is 39.1 years (North Carolina: 39.1).
How long is the commute in Marion?
The average commute to work in Marion is 22 minutes; 2.6% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Marion?
The unemployment rate in Marion is 5.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Marion?
15.6% 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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