West Marion, NC
Population 1,018 · North Carolina
About West Marion, NC
West Marion is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,018 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,523 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Marion features a median home value of $123,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes West Marion one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $822, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 596 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (303 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (195 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Marion shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Marion have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.7% of West Marion residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 16.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Marion, NC
Compared to national averages, West Marion has a median household income of $38,523 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,300, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $822 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, West Marion's income is 40% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 46% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in West Marion, NC?
West Marion offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $822/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,523) that falls below the national average. However, West Marion’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Marion has a population of 1,018 with a median age of 35 years. Compare West Marion with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near West Marion
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moravian Falls | 1,015 | $57,262 | $189,500 | Compare |
| Barker Heights | 1,025 | $28,929 | $199,700 | Compare |
| Roseboro | 1,007 | $39,345 | $110,500 | Compare |
| Middlesex | 1,005 | $49,931 | $213,800 | Compare |
| Jackson Heights | 1,002 | $36,975 | $132,300 | Compare |
| Cypress Landing | 1,037 | $80,325 | $418,600 | Compare |
| Woodlawn | 996 | $74,712 | $278,500 | Compare |
| Rocky Point | 1,045 | $52,591 | $115,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare West Marion With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Marion
What is the population of West Marion, NC?
The population of West Marion, NC is 1,018 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in West Marion?
The median household income in West Marion, NC is $38,523 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Marion?
The median home value in West Marion, NC is $123,300, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Marion?
The median monthly rent in West Marion, NC is $822, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Marion?
The unemployment rate in West Marion, NC is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Marion, NC a good place to live?
West Marion offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,018 and a median age of 35, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Marion, NC?
12.7% of residents in West Marion aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in West Marion?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Marion, NC: median home value is $123,300 (50% below national), median rent is $822/month, and median household income is $38,523. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in West Marion?
The poverty rate in West Marion, NC is 19.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is West Marion, NC?
West Marion's population is 16.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.