RANK #23 / 996 NAT · #3 / 49 OH · POP 65,366
1YR FORECAST: +5.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +42%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| 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 ranks #23 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 98/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $55,106 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Marion County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $135,900, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.41 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $837/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Marion County are both close to flat — population -0.2% YoY and jobs 0.0%. Home values shifted +5.3% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.06% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Marion County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +5.3% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Marion County is now valued at $135,900. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.