RANK #201 / 1001 NAT · #7 / 28 IL · POP 66,876
1YR FORECAST: +0.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
Marion, the county seat of Williamson County, Illinois, is known for its local restaurants, including Italian and barbecue establishments. Located in Southern Illinois, often called "Little Egypt," the county is approximately two hours southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. The community offers a slower pace of life with access to outdoor recreation, including Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, which provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and hunting across its 44,000 acres. Williamson County also features various local parks with walking paths and lakes. Life in Williamson County often appeals to families, with public schools generally performing above average. The economy is supported by sectors such as healthcare, retail, and educational services. The county has seen investment in energy-related industries, contributing to job growth. Williamson County also participates in an Enterprise Zone program, offering tax incentives for new construction and significant renovations, which can include residential properties.
Williamson County is one of 75 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +1.3% matches the profile's typical +0.8%.
See all 75 Affordable Slow Markets counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.4x 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 North Battery Storage
Unknown
|
$200M | Planned |
|
Ordill Battery Storage
Unknown
|
$190M | Planned |
|
Illinois 37 Resurfacing and Roundabout
Illinois Department of Transportation
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Oasis Sports Complex
Unknown
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Walker's Bluff Casino Resort Expansion
Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Williamson County ranks #201 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 80/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +3.9% and a median household income of $65,604 point to a county with active economic momentum.
By national standards, Williamson County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $156,400, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.42 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $930/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Williamson County are hiring — job growth of +3.9% — but the population is close to flat (-0.0% YoY). Home values moved +1.3% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.53% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Williamson County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.