Marion, IA
Population 41,690 · Iowa
About Marion, IA
Marion is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 41,690 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,105 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Marion features a median home value of $230,800, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Marion in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $978, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,680 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (12,977 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (3,767 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Marion shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Marion have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
39.2% of Marion residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 3.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Marion Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Marion, IA
Compared to national averages, Marion has a median household income of $87,105 (16% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $230,800, which is 6% below the national median. Monthly rent at $978 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Marion's income is 28% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 75% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Marion, IA?
Marion offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,105, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $230,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $978/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 39.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Marion has a population of 41,690 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Marion with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Marion
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Falls | 40,662 | $74,165 | $252,500 | Compare |
| Bettendorf | 39,297 | $102,917 | $295,600 | Compare |
| Urbandale | 46,026 | $113,086 | $318,800 | Compare |
| Marshalltown | 27,491 | $68,854 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Mason City | 27,135 | $62,369 | $130,000 | Compare |
| Waukee | 26,974 | $106,728 | $328,200 | Compare |
| Ottumwa | 25,352 | $56,994 | $92,400 | Compare |
| Fort Dodge | 24,788 | $61,769 | $128,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Marion With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Marion
What is the population of Marion, IA?
The population of Marion, IA is 41,690 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Marion?
The median household income in Marion, IA is $87,105 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Marion?
The median home value in Marion, IA is $230,800, which is 6% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Marion?
The median monthly rent in Marion, IA is $978, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Marion?
The unemployment rate in Marion, IA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Marion, IA a good place to live?
Marion offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 41,690 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Marion, IA?
39.2% of residents in Marion aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Marion?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Marion, IA: median home value is $230,800 (6% below national), median rent is $978/month, and median household income is $87,105. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Marion?
The poverty rate in Marion, IA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Marion, IA?
Marion's population is 2.8% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 3.1% of residents are foreign-born.