Marion County, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
33,642
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,680/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,386
0.8% year-over-year change

Marion County population

How many people live in Marion County

Marion County is home to 33,642 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Marion County locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
33,642
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
16,883
Female
49.8%
16,759
Value Percent YoY change
Male 16,883 50.2% 0.2%
Female 16,759 49.8% 0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Marion County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.6% are children under 15, then 14.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.6%
15 to 24
14.8%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,241 18.6% -1.4%
15 to 24 4,979 14.8% 2.1%
25 to 44 7,603 22.6% 0.0%
45 to 64 8,304 24.7% -1.1%
Over 65 6,515 19.4% 2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Marion County, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 94.4% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.9%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 32,737 97.3% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 645 1.9% 3.2%
Non-citizens 260 0.8% -10.7%
Racial breakdown
White
94.4%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.1%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 31,760 94.4%
Black or African American 141 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 12 0%
Asian 473 1.4%
Two or more races 1,039 3.1%
Other 217 0.6%

Households in Marion County

A peek inside Marion County households

Marion County has 13,316 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 67.5% are families, while the remaining 32.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
13,316
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,322
Family households
8,994
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,322 32.5% 0.8%
Family households 8,994 67.5% -1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Marion County

The housing landscape of Marion County

Marion County's housing consists of 14,386 units, with 77.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,386
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,143 77.5%
1 unit, attached 453 3.2%
2 units 378 2.6%
3 or 4 units 426 3%
5 to 9 units 457 3.2%
10 to 19 units 513 3.6%
20 to 49 units 163 1.1%
50 or more units 127 0.9%
Mobile home 714 5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 12 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
121
61.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Marion County

In Marion County, the median construction year is 1975. About 20.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,917 20.3% 8.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 637 4.4% -11.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 803 5.6% -19.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,384 9.6% -6.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,035 21.1% 13.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,055 7.3% 4.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,808 12.6% -8.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,634 11.4% -0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 992 6.9% 0.3%
Built in 2020 or later 121 0.8% 61.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Marion County occupancy rates

Out of the 13,316 occupied housing units in Marion County, 77.7% are owner-occupied, while 22.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
13,316
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,970
Owner occupied
10,346
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,970 22.3% -0.5%
Owner occupied 10,346 77.7% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
7.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Marion County housing costs

Housing costs in Marion County come to a median of $1,009 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $884.

Median housing costs per month
$1,009/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Marion County
$884/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Marion County

Marion County education at a glance

About 36.7% of the population in Marion County went to high school, while 22.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.1% earned an associate degree and 20.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 410 1.6% -13.3%
High school diploma 9,494 36.7% 3.7%
College diploma 5,795 22.4% 4.6%
Associate degree 2,616 10.1% -7.0%
Bachelor's degree 5,369 20.8% -1.8%
Graduate degree 2,189 8.5% -3.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Marion County

How much people earn in Marion County

The average annual household income in Marion County was $100,547 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,680, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Marion County
$100,547/year
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Marion County
$78,680/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Marion County income by age

In Marion County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $96,908. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $96,366 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,332, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,557 in earnings. Overall, 91.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,332 1.5%
25 - 44 $96,908 -1.6%
45 - 64 $96,366 4.8%
Over 65 $56,557 -4.4%
Above poverty level
28,939
Below poverty level
2,589
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 28,939 91.8% -1.2%
Below poverty level 2,589 8.2% 15.2%

Employment in Marion County

Workforce and job types in Marion County

The job market in Marion County is powered by 17,166 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 68.1% are employed by private companies, and 12.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
17,166
1.6% year-over-year change
White collar
12,283
Blue collar
4,883
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 12,283 71.6% 0.6%
Blue collar 4,883 28.4% 4.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
68.1%
Governmental workers
12.7%
Not for profit companies
10%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,574 9.2% -0.2%
Private companies 11,684 68.1% 4.3%
Governmental workers 2,186 12.7% -0.4%
Not for profit companies 1,722 10% -10.3%
Unemployment rate
2.2%
18.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Marion County stands at 2.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Marion County

How people get around in Marion County

Commuting methods vary: 84.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 14,081 84.3% 0.5%
Taxicab 5 0% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0.1% -62.1%
Ferryboat 21 0.1% 75.0%
Motorcycle 22 0.1% 10.0%
Bicycle 81 0.5% 65.3%
Walk 552 3.3% -9.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Marion County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50044 901 405 $75,417 $79,873
50057 327 89 $118,882 $89,739
50062 789 295 $51,146 $70,834
50116 261 102 $47,143 $71,856
50119 392 151 $59,750 $78,513
50138 11,117 4,663 $74,693 $96,085
50139 1,025 434 $72,400 $86,283
50163 689 281 $73,618 $76,355
50170 3,024 1,256 $88,704 $93,907
50214 719 351 $0 $89,195

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FAQs about Marion County demographics 

What is the total population of Marion County?

Marion County has a total population of 33,642 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Marion County?

The gender ratio in Marion County is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (16,883 residents)
  • 49.8% females (16,759 residents)

What is the median age in Marion County?

The median age in Marion County is 39.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Marion County?

The age distribution in Marion County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.6% (6,241 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.8% (4,979 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (7,603 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (8,304 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (6,515 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Marion County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Marion County is as follows:
  • White: 94.4% (31,760 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (141 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (12 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (473 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.1% (1,039 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (217 residents)

What percentage of the population in Marion County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Marion County.

How many housing units are there in Marion County?

There are 14,386 housing units in Marion County, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Marion County and what is the average household size?

Marion County has a total of 13,316 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Marion County?

Marion County has a median household income of $78,680, representing a +0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Marion County?

The employment rate is 97.8% in Marion County, with a workforce of 17,166 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.6% (12,283 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.4% (4,883 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (1,574 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.1% (11,684 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.7% (2,186 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10% (1,722 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025