Marion County, Iowa Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Marion County is located in Iowa with a total population of 33,551. It is the 21st most populous county out of 99 in Iowa.

Age Demographics

The median age in Marion County is 39.7 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Marion County is $78,059. This is 7% higher than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is about average. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%. This is 36% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 1.9%. This is 48% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $211,100. Housing costs are 8% higher than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Marion County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 77.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 71.5%.

Race & Ethnicity

Marion County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.2%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 3.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.2%) is well below the state average of 7.0%.

Education

33.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Marion County in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 7% higher than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.6%.