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 mid-sized city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 39,910 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (93% White). Given that fact, Marion could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Marion will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Living in Marion can be a great experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Iowa, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like commute, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Marion and in the areas around Marion is a much easier task.
Marion has a livability score of 80 out of 100 and is ranked #42 in Iowa and #1,273 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Marion ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Marion ranks better than 90% of all US cities! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Marion ranks very well for crime (B+), cost of living (A), education (A+), employment (B+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Marion, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (D-).
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Marion has an unemployment rate of 2.74% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Marion, the average school test scores are an impressive 77%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Marion market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
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 $177,200, which is 33.4% 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 2.4, which is 0% lower than the Iowa average.
| 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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