Marion County
AR · Pop. 17,076 · Suburban County
Marion County is a suburban county in Arkansas, spanning 597 square miles with 17,076 residents at a density of 28.6 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage. The median home price is $158,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.51%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 209-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.3°F and average winter lows of 29.5°F. Annual rainfall averages 41.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Baxter Regional Medical Center is 16.5 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 75.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 209-day growing season in USDA zone 7b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.51% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $158,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Annual rainfall of 41.8 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Broadband reaches only 75.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Baxter Regional Medical Center, is 16.5 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Marion County, AR is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 78/100
- Median home price
- $158k
- Property tax
- 0.51%
- Growing season
- 209 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 41.8"
- Broadband
- 75.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Baxter Regional Medical Center, 16.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Marion County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Marion County?
- Marion County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 209-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.3°F, and average winter lows of 29.5°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $158,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.51%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 75.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Baxter Regional Medical Center is 16.5 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Arkansas Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Arkansas
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The closest counties to Marion County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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