Marion, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
41,896
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$86,743/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
18,029
2.0% year-over-year change

Marion population

How many people live in Marion

Marion is home to 41,896 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.6% of Marion locals are male, and 53.4% are female.

Total population
41,896
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.6%
19,538
Female
53.4%
22,358
Value Percent YoY change
Male 19,538 46.6% -2.6%
Female 22,358 53.4% 3.4%
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 is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.8% are children under 15, then 8.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.8% of the population, while another 24.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.8%
15 to 24
8.1%
25 to 44
27.8%
45 to 64
24.3%
Over 65
18%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 9,119 21.8% 2.4%
15 to 24 3,410 8.1% -2.7%
25 to 44 11,648 27.8% -0.7%
45 to 64 10,196 24.3% 2.2%
Over 65 7,523 18% -0.6%
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, 95.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.6% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 2.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
1.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 40,178 95.9% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,102 2.6% 38.3%
Non-citizens 616 1.5% -1.0%
Racial breakdown
White
87.6%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
6.3%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 36,701 87.6%
Black or African American 1,089 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 77 0.2%
Asian 895 2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 35 0.1%
Two or more races 2,642 6.3%
Other 457 1.1%

Households in Marion

A peek inside Marion households

Marion has 16,915 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.3% are families, while the remaining 33.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
16,915
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,698
Family households
11,217
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,698 33.7% 1.8%
Family households 11,217 66.3% 0.6%
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

The housing landscape of Marion

Marion's housing consists of 18,029 units, with 65.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.9% 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 4.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
18,029
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,871 65.8%
1 unit, attached 1,600 8.9%
2 units 272 1.5%
3 or 4 units 834 4.6%
5 to 9 units 827 4.6%
10 to 19 units 935 5.2%
20 to 49 units 499 2.8%
50 or more units 431 2.4%
Mobile home 760 4.2%
Homes built since 2020
624
95.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Marion

In Marion, the median construction year is 1994. About 8.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 19.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,507 8.4% -6.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 196 1.1% 21.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,379 7.6% 19.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,017 11.2% 5.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,669 9.3% -10.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,283 7.1% -11.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,509 13.9% -11.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,400 18.9% 10.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,445 19.1% 5.2%
Built in 2020 or later 624 3.5% 95.0%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 16,915 occupied housing units in Marion, 77.4% are owner-occupied, while 22.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
16,915
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,828
Owner occupied
13,087
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,828 22.6% 1.6%
Owner occupied 13,087 77.4% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Marion come to a median of $1,281 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $961.

Median housing costs per month
$1,281/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
$961/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

Marion education at a glance

About 25.9% of the population in Marion went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 15.9% earned an associate degree and 26.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 325 1% 41.3%
High school diploma 8,094 25.9% -7.5%
College diploma 6,369 20.4% 8.0%
Associate degree 4,959 15.9% 6.1%
Bachelor's degree 8,184 26.2% -2.5%
Graduate degree 3,329 10.6% -2.1%
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

How much people earn in Marion

The average annual household income in Marion was $106,844 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $86,743, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Marion
$106,844/year
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Marion
$86,743/year
-0.4% year-over-year change

Marion income by age

In Marion, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $99,439. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $119,788 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,125, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,611 in earnings. Overall, 91.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,125 -7.7%
25 - 44 $99,439 -10.5%
45 - 64 $119,788 15.5%
Over 65 $64,611 2.7%
Above poverty level
37,822
Below poverty level
3,335
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 37,822 91.9% -0.4%
Below poverty level 3,335 8.1% 15.4%

Average renter income in Marion

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Marion, their median household income was $40,879 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,879
Rent-to-income ratio
28.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Marion

Workforce and job types in Marion

The job market in Marion is powered by 21,188 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 70.8% are employed by private companies, and 12.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,188
-1.3% year-over-year change
White collar
17,231
Blue collar
3,957
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,231 81.3% -1.0%
Blue collar 3,957 18.7% -2.7%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
70.8%
Governmental workers
12.7%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,111 10% 3.1%
Private companies 14,996 70.8% -1.6%
Governmental workers 2,692 12.7% -1.2%
Not for profit companies 1,389 6.6% -4.1%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
3.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Marion stands at 3.6%, 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

How people get around in Marion

In Marion, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
0.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 16,263 77.7% -3.9%
Bus or trolleybus 94 0.4% -53.7%
Motorcycle 61 0.3% 15.1%
Bicycle 49 0.2% 96.0%
Walk 178 0.8% -24.9%
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
52302 42,706 17,270 $87,983 $107,432

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Marion demographics 

What is the total population of Marion?

Marion has a total population of 41,896 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Marion?

The gender ratio in Marion is as follows:
  • 46.6% males (19,538 residents)
  • 53.4% females (22,358 residents)

What is the median age in Marion?

The median age in Marion is 40.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Marion?

The age distribution in Marion is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.8% (9,119 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.1% (3,410 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.8% (11,648 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.3% (10,196 residents)
  • Over 65: 18% (7,523 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Marion?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Marion is as follows:
  • White: 87.6% (36,701 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (1,089 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (77 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (895 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (35 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.3% (2,642 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (457 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.9% of the population in Marion.

How many housing units are there in Marion?

There are 18,029 housing units in Marion, reflecting a +2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Marion has a total of 16,915 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Marion?

Marion has a median household income of $86,743, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.4% in Marion, with a workforce of 21,188 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.3% (17,231 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.7% (3,957 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (2,111 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.8% (14,996 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.7% (2,692 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (1,389 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