Marathon, TX
Population 271 · Texas
About Marathon, TX
Marathon is a small community located in Texas with a population of 271 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,100 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Marathon features a median home value of $143,500, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Marathon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 320 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (104 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (92 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Marathon shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Marathon have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.8% of Marathon 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 32.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Marathon, TX
Compared to national averages, Marathon has a median household income of $45,100 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $143,500, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Marathon's income is 38% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 32% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Marathon, TX?
Marathon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $143,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,100) that falls below the national average. However, Marathon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Marathon has a population of 271 with a median age of 57.7 years. Compare Marathon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Marathon
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perrin | 271 | $48,929 | $0 | Compare |
| Industry | 270 | $77,708 | $292,300 | Compare |
| Santo | 272 | $101,705 | $149,500 | Compare |
| Hilltop CDP (Starr County), Texas | 269 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Darrouzett | 274 | $62,500 | $90,000 | Compare |
| Hedley | 268 | $50,000 | $38,900 | Compare |
| Lockett | 268 | $0 | $65,400 | Compare |
| Enchanted Oaks | 267 | $106,250 | $354,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Marathon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Marathon
What is the population of Marathon, TX?
The population of Marathon, TX is 271 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Texas.
What is the median household income in Marathon?
The median household income in Marathon, TX is $45,100 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Marathon?
The median home value in Marathon, TX is $143,500, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Marathon?
The median monthly rent in Marathon, TX is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Marathon?
The unemployment rate in Marathon, TX is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Marathon, TX a good place to live?
Marathon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 271 and a median age of 57.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Marathon, TX?
22.8% of residents in Marathon 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 Marathon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Marathon, TX: median home value is $143,500 (41% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $45,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Marathon?
The poverty rate in Marathon, TX is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Marathon, TX?
Marathon's population is 32.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.