Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Marion, IN
Thinking of moving to Marion, IN? With a friendly population of about 28,000, Marion offers very affordable living, with median home prices around $87,000 and typical rents of $765. Residents enjoy a short average commute of just 18.5 minutes, a close-knit community, and access to Indiana Wesleyan University. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Marion boasts plenty of sunny days and a lower cost of living, making it a budget-friendly choice for movers seeking value and convenience in the Midwest.
Demographics - Marion, IN
Demographics - Marion, IN
Marion, Indiana is home to around 28,000 residents with a median age of 37, offering a balanced mix of families, young adults, and retirees. The city has a predominantly White population, with notable Black and other minority communities, and about 5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and slightly higher number of females contribute to a welcoming, small-city feel.
Population:
28,177
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.4%
Black:
12.6%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
8.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Marion, IN?
Marion stands out for its low cost of living, with a median home value of $87,000 and average rent at $765, making it highly affordable compared to national averages. Essential expenses like groceries, healthcare, and transportation remain below the U.S. average, providing budget-friendly options for residents. State taxes are moderate, and utility costs are in line with national norms.
Median House Value:
$87,000
Gross Rent:
$765
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$940
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
3.15%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
73.2
Grocery:
92.8
Housing:
44.2
Utilities:
99.3
Transportation:
88.5
Health Care:
89.8
Miscellaneous:
93.7
Crime
Is Marion, IN a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Marion are higher than average, with residents facing a 1 in 178 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 26 chance for property crime. While these numbers suggest caution, many neighborhoods remain safe and community-oriented. It's important for newcomers to research specific areas and utilize local resources for safety information.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
563
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,915
Crime Index:
4,478
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 178
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 26
Weather
What is the weather like in Marion, IN year-round?
Marion experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 18°F and warm summers reaching highs near 84°F. The city receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 56% of the year. This varied climate offers opportunities for both winter and summer outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Local households in Marion typically earn a median income of around $40,000, with a relatively high poverty rate of 23%. Most residents have completed high school, and commute times are short, averaging just over 18 minutes. Public transportation usage is minimal, reflecting a car-dependent community.
Median Income:
$21,600
Household Income:
$40,310
Family Income:
$49,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,500
Income Male:
$38,700
Income Female:
$30,500
Poverty Rate:
23.1%
Non English Speakers:
5.3%
Rent:
$765
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.8%
Bachelors or More:
14.7%
Education
How are the schools in Marion, IN?
Marion offers diverse educational opportunities, including public schools like Marion High School and Justice Intermediate, private institutions such as Lakeview Christian School, and higher education at Indiana Wesleyan University. Class sizes in public schools are moderate, with student-teacher ratios around 17:1. The presence of a major university in town enriches both academic and cultural life.

Public Schools
Name:
Marion High School
Street:
750 W 26th St
Phone:
765-664-9051
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Name:
Justice Intermediate School
Street:
720 N Miller Ave
Phone:
765-664-0507
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Private Schools
Name:
Lakeview Christian School
Street:
5315 S Western Ave
Phone:
765-674-8191
Students:
350

Colleges
Name:
Indiana Wesleyan University
City:
Marion
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Marion provides solid healthcare access, anchored by Marion General Hospital offering emergency and surgical services. With about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, most community members can access routine and urgent care. The overall healthcare index suggests services are reliable and affordable.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Marion General Hospital
Address:
441 N Wabash Ave, Marion, IN 46952
Phone:
(765) 660-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
67.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Marion, IN?
Marion’s housing market is notably affordable, with median home prices around $87,000 and an owner-occupancy rate nearing 58%. Rental options are accessible, with a modest vacancy rate and average two-bedroom rents at $765. The market experiences steady appreciation and low foreclosure rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$87,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$765
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registrations and licensing through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles located on W 44th St in Marion. The BMV offers a range of services, from driver’s licenses to title transfers, and provides support both in person and online. Most transactions are efficiently managed locally, ensuring convenience for new arrivals.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
220 W 44th St, Marion, IN 46953
Phone:
888-692-6841
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.