Marion city, North Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Marion city, North Carolina has a total population of 7,594, the 126th largest city in North Carolina, with a median household income of $44,472, which is 36% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 36% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 8.2% is notably above the national average.
Marion city Quick Facts
How Marion city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 57 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Marion city Rankings in North Carolina
Explore North Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Marion city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brevard city | 7,795 | $44,356 | $411,000 | 37.5% | 17.2% |
| Siler City town | 7,905 | $51,751 | $154,900 | 15.1% | 25.2% |
| Clinton city | 8,336 | $42,344 | $185,600 | 22.1% | 23.6% |
| Roxboro city | 8,144 | $39,283 | $138,700 | 20.7% | 33.7% |
| Forest City town | 7,368 | $35,897 | $142,100 | 17.2% | 33.6% |
Population Overview
Marion city is a small city located in North Carolina. The total population is 7,594. It ranks as the 126th most populous out of 774 cities and towns in North Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Marion city is 38.3 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 39.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Marion city is $44,472. This is 36% lower than the state median of $69,904. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 43% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.2%. This is 84% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.2%. This is 69% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $131,100. Housing costs are 49% lower than the state median of $259,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Marion city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 46.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 30% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Marion city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.1% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 21.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (21.4% vs 10.9%).
Education
14.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 59% lower than the state rate of 34.7%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 78.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Marion city, North Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against North Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 774 Census-designated places in North Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Marion city, North Carolina?
Marion city, North Carolina has a population of 7,594 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Marion city, NC?
The median household income in Marion city is $44,472, which is 43% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Marion city, NC?
The poverty rate in Marion city is 24.2%. This means approximately 1,568 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Marion city, North Carolina?
Marion city's population is 59.1% White, 11.8% Black, 21.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Marion city, NC?
The median home value in Marion city is $131,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Marion city, North Carolina?
14.2% of adults (25+) in Marion city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.