RANK #30 / 996 · POP 65,366 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.8%
Marion County, Ohio, is perhaps best known as the home of the annual Marion Popcorn Festival, an event that draws large crowds each September with live music, rides, and various popcorn-themed foods. Located in north-central Ohio, approximately 45 miles north of Columbus, the county offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and historical significance. The community has a generally quiet and safe feel, with a focus on local connections. Outdoor recreation opportunities include the Marion Tallgrass Trail, a 12.44-mile paved path for walking, jogging, and biking, and various county parks offering fishing and hiking.
Life in Marion County offers a more budget-friendly lifestyle compared to larger metropolitan areas, attracting families and those seeking accessible homeownership. The local economy, while historically rooted in manufacturing, is diversifying. Recent economic developments include significant investments in manufacturing, particularly in household appliances, and growth in logistics and education sectors. Educational institutions like Marion Technical College and The Ohio State University at Marion contribute to a skilled workforce, with programs in areas such as robotics training. The county also benefits from its proximity to Columbus, offering diverse employment opportunities and contributing to a stable housing demand.
Below national median
Harsh climate or flat terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Marion County Solar Project
Savion (formerly Marion County Solar Project LLC)
|
$100M | Permitting/Planned |
|
Chestnut Solar
National Renewable Energy Corporation
|
$68M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Marion County has a Boom Town Index score of 97/100, ranking #30 among 996 U.S. counties. With a median household income of $55,106, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Marion County is $135,900 with median rent at $837/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4055, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: 0.0%. Home values changed +5.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.06% of Marion County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.