Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Marion, IL
Thinking of moving to Marion, IL? With a friendly population of 16,855 and a median home price around $144,000, Marion offers affordable living, reasonable rents, and a relaxed pace. Commute times average just 18 minutes, and the city enjoys 60% sunny days each year. Residents benefit from access to good local schools and healthcare, though crime rates are a bit above state averages. Marion’s small-town charm, lower cost of living, and proximity to Southern Illinois University make it an appealing spot for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Marion, IL
Demographics - Marion, IL
Marion, Illinois is home to about 16,855 residents, with a median age of 40.7 and a community that is predominantly White, while also featuring some diversity. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a moderate population density, making it a comfortable place for families and individuals. Around 4.8% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting some multicultural presence.
Population:
16,855
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.7
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.5%
Black:
7.2%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Marion, IL?
Marion offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $144,000 and average rent around $890, both well below national averages. Utilities, groceries, and healthcare costs are also reasonable, and the overall cost of living index is 77.3, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. State income tax is a flat 4.95%, helping residents manage expenses easily.
Median House Value:
$144,000
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.3
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
56.1
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
80.2
Health Care:
95.7
Miscellaneous:
86.4
Crime
Is Marion, IL a safe place to live?
Marion experiences a higher-than-average crime rate, with property crimes being more common than violent crimes. The chance of being a victim of a property crime is about 1 in 48, while violent crime risk is 1 in 303. While safety should be considered, many residents enjoy an overall sense of community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
330
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,380
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 303
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Marion, IL year-round?
The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging 22–41°F and warm summers peaking near 89°F. Marion receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 60% sunny days, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities. Spring and fall are comfortable, making the area pleasant year-round.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Residents in Marion typically have a household income of $52,300, with a poverty rate of 15.5% and an unemployment rate of 5.8%. The community is well-educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma and 24% earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times are short at just over 18 minutes, contributing to a relaxed lifestyle.
Median Income:
$29,500
Household Income:
$52,300
Family Income:
$67,800
Per Capita Income:
$27,900
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$33,400
Poverty Rate:
15.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.1%
Bachelors or More:
24.3%
Education
How are the schools in Marion, IL?
Marion features strong educational options, including public schools like Marion High School and private institutions such as St. Joseph Catholic School. Nearby colleges, including John A. Logan College and Southern Illinois University, offer convenient higher education opportunities within a short drive. The presence of these schools makes Marion a practical choice for families and students.
Public Schools
Name:
Marion High School
Street:
1700 Wildcat Rd
Phone:
618-993-8196
Students:
1,080
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Jefferson Elementary School
Street:
700 E Boulevard St
Phone:
618-993-8534
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
607 College St
Phone:
618-993-4517
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
John A. Logan College
City:
Carterville
State:
IL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
4,600
Name:
Southern Illinois University
City:
Carbondale
State:
IL
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
11,400
Healthcare
Marion offers access to quality healthcare, with facilities like Heartland Regional Medical Center providing both general and emergency services. There are approximately 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 91% of the population has health insurance coverage. The city’s healthcare index of 73.5 reflects solid local medical resources for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Heartland Regional Medical Center
Address:
3333 W Deyoung St, Marion, IL 62959
Phone:
(618) 998-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
73.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Marion, IL?
The Marion housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $144,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 63%. Rental options are plentiful, with average rents for a two-bedroom around $890 and a rental vacancy rate of 8.1%. Home values have appreciated by roughly 4.1% over the past year, indicating steady growth.
Median Home Price:
$144,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Marion are managed by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, conveniently located in nearby Carbondale. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services, with helpful resources available through the state’s official website. The office provides support for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services
Address:
1905 Rendleman Street, Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.