North Carolina / Mcdowell County

Moving to Marion, NC

Thinking of making a move to Marion, NC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Marion, NC

Considering a move to Marion, NC? This welcoming community of 7,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $152,000 and average rents near $770. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (63% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Marion's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Marion, NC

Marion has a population of 7,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 43 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 80% White, 7% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
7,900
Density
1,140 per sq mi
Median Age
43.2
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
80.4%
Black
7.0%
Asian
1.2%
Others
11.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Marion, NC?

The cost of living in Marion is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 81.6. Median home values are around $152,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $770. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$152,000
Gross Rent
$770
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,075
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$400
State Taxes
Low: 5.25%| High: 5.25%
Cost Of Living Index
81.6
Grocery
95.2
Housing
60.1
Utilities
99.4
Transportation
77.5
Health Care
99.0
Miscellaneous
92.7

Crime

Is Marion, NC a safe place to live?

Marion is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 286 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in North Carolina.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
286
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,413
Crime Index
2,699
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 350
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Marion, NC year-round?

Marion experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 28°F. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 63% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
28°F
Max
50°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
46°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
54.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
63%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $41,700 and a low poverty rate of 20.4%. Over 80% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 14% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$32,500
Household Income
$41,700
Family Income
$49,000
Per Capita Income
$22,300
Income Male
$36,000
Income Female
$28,500
Poverty Rate
20.4%
Non English Speakers
7.8%
Rent
$770
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
Public Transport Usage
0.3%
Commute Time
20.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
79.6%
Bachelors or More
14.1%

Education

How are the schools in Marion, NC?

Marion offers quality education options, with public schools like Marion Elementary School and East McDowell Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including McDowell Technical Community College and Western Carolina University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Marion Elementary School
Street
1001 E Main St
Phone
828-652-2141
Students
480
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9
Name
East McDowell Middle School
Street
676 State St
Phone
828-652-7711
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2

Private Schools

Name
Tabernacle Christian School
Street
197 New Moriah Rd
Phone
828-652-2210
Students
110

Colleges

Name
McDowell Technical Community College
City
Marion
State
NC
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,500
Name
Western Carolina University
City
Cullowhee
State
NC
Distance
63 miles
Students
12,000

Healthcare

Marion residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mission Hospital McDowell nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 people and 88.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mission Hospital McDowell
Address
430 Rankin Dr, Marion, NC 28752
Phone
(828) 659-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage
88.4%
Health Care Index
77.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Marion, NC?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $152,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 7.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.5%. Marion offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$152,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$770
Owner Occupied Rate
57.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
7.2%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.9%

DMV Information

Residents of Marion handle vehicle services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Marion. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
North Carolina
Department
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
202 S Main St, Marion, NC 28752
Phone
919-715-7000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Marion, NC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Marion, review the core fields on this page: population 7,900, median home value $152,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $770, commute time 20.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 63%.

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