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

Total population
28,664
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$36,301/yr
5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,505
0.6% year-over-year change

Marion County population

How many people live in Marion County

Marion County is home to 28,664 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.9% of Marion County locals are male, and 53.1% are female.

Total population
28,664
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.9%
13,438
Female
53.1%
15,226
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,438 46.9% 0.0%
Female 15,226 53.1% -1.6%
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 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 25.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
25.4%
Over 65
21.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,144 18% -3.2%
15 to 24 3,329 11.6% -2.2%
25 to 44 6,713 23.4% 1.9%
45 to 64 7,275 25.4% -2.9%
Over 65 6,203 21.6% 1.6%
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, 98.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 28,257 98.6% -0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 83 0.3% -36.6%
Non-citizens 324 1.1% -19.6%
Racial breakdown
White
39.2%
Black or African American
54.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 11,234 39.2%
Black or African American 15,736 54.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 185 0.6%
Asian 3 0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 29 0.1%
Two or more races 903 3.2%
Other 574 2%

Households in Marion County

A peek inside Marion County households

Marion County has 12,177 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.2% are families, while the remaining 46.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,177
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,697
Family households
6,480
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,697 46.8% 9.7%
Family households 6,480 53.2% -1.7%
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 14,505 units, with 59.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% 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 32.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,505
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,604 59.3%
1 unit, attached 54 0.4%
2 units 594 4.1%
3 or 4 units 426 2.9%
5 to 9 units 108 0.7%
20 to 49 units 1 0%
Mobile home 4,684 32.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 34 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
251
97.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Marion County

In Marion County, the median construction year is 1982. About 5.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 12.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 860 5.9% 1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 525 3.6% 49.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,631 11.2% 1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,600 11% -10.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,310 15.9% 9.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,657 11.4% -15.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,755 19% -9.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,826 12.6% 10.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,090 7.5% 14.1%
Built in 2020 or later 251 1.7% 97.6%
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 12,177 occupied housing units in Marion County, 62.6% are owner-occupied, while 37.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,177
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,551
Owner occupied
7,626
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,551 37.4% 2.1%
Owner occupied 7,626 62.6% 4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
16.0%
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 $543 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $669.

Median housing costs per month
$543/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
$669/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 60.4% of the population in Marion County went to high school, while 15.8% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 698 3.1% -11.2%
High school diploma 13,487 60.4% -2.9%
College diploma 3,539 15.8% 6.4%
Associate degree 1,607 7.2% 5.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,739 7.8% -2.3%
Graduate degree 1,261 5.6% 15.3%
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 $51,314 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $36,301, reflecting a +5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Marion County
$51,314/year
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Marion County
$36,301/year
5.2% 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 $43,043. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $47,858 overall. Overall, 70% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $43,043 6.9%
45 - 64 $47,858 4.4%
Over 65 $30,390 6.6%
Above poverty level
19,683
Below poverty level
8,445
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,683 70% -4.7%
Below poverty level 8,445 30% 9.2%

Employment in Marion County

Workforce and job types in Marion County

The job market in Marion County is powered by 10,417 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.9% run their own businesses, 69.4% are employed by private companies, and 14.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,417
-4.2% year-over-year change
White collar
6,714
Blue collar
3,703
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,714 64.4% -6.5%
Blue collar 3,703 35.6% 0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
10.9%
Private companies
69.4%
Governmental workers
14.4%
Not for profit companies
5.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,131 10.9% -1.4%
Private companies 7,233 69.4% -3.8%
Governmental workers 1,501 14.4% -10.8%
Not for profit companies 552 5.3% 4.0%
Unemployment rate
7.2%
19.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Marion County stands at 7.2%, 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

In Marion County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 93.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,560 93.4% -3.9%
Motorcycle 10 0.1% 66.7%
Walk 54 0.5% -49.1%
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
29519 99 77 $13,777 $17,256
29546 2,683 1,123 $32,043 $50,143
29571 13,457 5,542 $37,395 $50,290
29574 9,413 4,262 $34,112 $47,338
29592 969 503 $42,649 $53,151

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Marion County demographics 

What is the total population of Marion County?

Marion County has a total population of 28,664 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Marion County?

The gender ratio in Marion County is as follows:
  • 46.9% males (13,438 residents)
  • 53.1% females (15,226 residents)

What is the median age in Marion County?

The median age in Marion County is 42.6.

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

The age distribution in Marion County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (5,144 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (3,329 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (6,713 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.4% (7,275 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.6% (6,203 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Marion County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Marion County is as follows:
  • White: 39.2% (11,234 residents)
  • Black or African American: 54.9% (15,736 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (185 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (29 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (903 residents)
  • Other: 2% (574 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.6% of the population in Marion County.

How many housing units are there in Marion County?

There are 14,505 housing units in Marion County, reflecting a +0.6% 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 12,177 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 $36,301, representing a +5.2% 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 92.8% in Marion County, with a workforce of 10,417 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.4% (6,714 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.6% (3,703 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.9% (1,131 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.4% (7,233 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.4% (1,501 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.3% (552 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