Marlin, TX
Population 5,500 · Texas
About Marlin, TX
Marlin is a small town located in Texas with a population of 5,500 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,000 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Marlin features a median home value of $49,800, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Marlin one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $739, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,567 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (1,468 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (546 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Marlin shows an unemployment rate of 13.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Marlin have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.4% of Marlin 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 30.2% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Marlin Ranks in Texas
Cost of Living in Marlin, TX
Compared to national averages, Marlin has a median household income of $38,000 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $49,800, which is 80% below the national median. Monthly rent at $739 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Marlin's income is 48% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 76% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Marlin, TX?
Marlin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $49,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $739/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,000) that falls below the national average. However, Marlin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Marlin has a population of 5,500 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Marlin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Marlin
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sinton | 5,513 | $44,753 | $109,300 | Compare |
| Luling | 5,486 | $55,733 | $212,500 | Compare |
| Rockdale | 5,455 | $47,550 | $164,300 | Compare |
| Willow Park | 5,447 | $113,736 | $339,100 | Compare |
| Wyldwood | 5,436 | $85,216 | $151,500 | Compare |
| Atlanta | 5,434 | $62,675 | $165,300 | Compare |
| Aledo | 5,432 | $152,083 | $409,300 | Compare |
| Alvarado | 5,424 | $71,296 | $206,800 | 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 Marlin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Marlin
What is the population of Marlin, TX?
The population of Marlin, TX is 5,500 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.
What is the median household income in Marlin?
The median household income in Marlin, TX is $38,000 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Marlin?
The median home value in Marlin, TX is $49,800, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Marlin?
The median monthly rent in Marlin, TX is $739, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Marlin?
The unemployment rate in Marlin, TX is 13.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Marlin, TX a good place to live?
Marlin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,500 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Marlin, TX?
11.4% of residents in Marlin 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 Marlin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Marlin, TX: median home value is $49,800 (80% below national), median rent is $739/month, and median household income is $38,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Marlin?
The poverty rate in Marlin, TX is 18.2%, 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 Marlin, TX?
Marlin's population is 30.2% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 40.4% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.