Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Marion, SC
Thinking of moving to Marion, SC? This small city of 6,120 residents features affordable living, with median home prices around $98,000 and average rents near $750. Marion enjoys a mild Southern climate with 67% sunny days each year, and residents benefit from short, 21-minute commutes. While crime rates are higher than average, the city offers a strong sense of community and easy access to local healthcare and schools. Explore cost of living, housing, and school options below to see if Marion fits your lifestyle.
Demographics - Marion, SC
Demographics - Marion, SC
Marion, SC is a close-knit community with about 6,120 residents and a population density of 1,340 per square mile. The city has a median age of nearly 40, and the majority of residents identify as Black or African American. With a small percentage of non-English speakers, Marion offers a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
6,120
Density:
1,340 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
84 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
23.7%
Black:
71.1%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Marion, SC?
Marion offers a very affordable cost of living, with median home values around $98,000 and average rents at $750. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and retirees. Utility costs are moderate, and state taxes range from 0% to 7%.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,470
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
77
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
42.6
Utilities:
106.9
Transportation:
87.1
Health Care:
98.3
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Marion, SC a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Marion are higher than average, with residents facing a 1 in 149 chance of experiencing a violent crime and property crime being more common. While the city has a strong sense of community, new residents should be mindful of safety and take appropriate precautions. Local law enforcement works actively to ensure public safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
670
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,100
Crime Index:
4,770
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 149
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Marion, SC year-round?
Marion enjoys a mild climate year-round, with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and winters that rarely dip below 34°F. The city sees around 48.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 67% sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the local scenery. Seasonal changes are comfortable and not extreme.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
56°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Residents in Marion experience a modest median household income of $29,500, with a poverty rate higher than the national average. Most neighbors have completed high school, and the average commute is just over 21 minutes. The community is known for its resilience and close ties, with low public transit usage and affordable rent.
Median Income:
$24,900
Household Income:
$29,500
Family Income:
$35,000
Per Capita Income:
$16,500
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$21,000
Poverty Rate:
32.2%
Non English Speakers:
2.6%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
7.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Marion, SC?
Families in Marion have access to both public and private schools, including Marion High School and Easterling Primary School, known for manageable class sizes. For higher education, Francis Marion University is located just 27 miles away in Florence, providing a convenient option for college-bound students. Educational opportunities support lifelong learning for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Marion High School
Street:
1205 S Main St
Phone:
843-423-2571
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Easterling Primary School
Street:
201 Zion Rd
Phone:
843-423-8335
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Marion Christian Academy
Street:
1920 N Main St
Phone:
843-423-1811
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Francis Marion University
City:
Florence
State:
SC
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Marion provides essential healthcare services with MUSC Health Marion Medical Center offering emergency and general care nearby. The city has about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 86% of people have health insurance coverage. Healthcare is accessible, serving the needs of the local population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health Marion Medical Center
Address:
2829 E. Highway 76, Mullins, SC 29574
Phone:
(843) 431-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.4%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Marion, SC?
The housing market in Marion is particularly accessible, with a median home price of $98,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $750. Over half of residents own their homes, and vacancy rates are moderate, allowing for a variety of housing options. Home values have seen steady appreciation in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Marion residents are served by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles located in nearby Mullins, offering a full range of services. The local DMV is easily accessible for driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other motor vehicle needs. Helpful information and online services are available through the state DMV website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2855 E. Highway 76, Mullins, SC 29574
Phone:
1-803-896-5000
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.