Marion County
KS · Pop. 11,795 · Rural County
Marion County, Kansas covers 944 square miles with a population of 11,795 and a density of 12.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on wheat, soybeans, corn. The median home price is $114,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.73%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 188-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.8°F and average winter lows of 21.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 34.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Hillsboro Community Hospital is 4.7 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 92.3% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 188-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $114,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 92.3% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Hillsboro Community Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 4.7 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on wheat, soybeans, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.73% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Marion County, KS is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 65/100
- Median home price
- $114k
- Property tax
- 1.73%
- Growing season
- 188 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 34.3"
- Broadband
- 92.3%
- Nearest hospital
- Hillsboro Community Hospital, 4.7 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 6b with a 188-day growing season, average summer highs of 88.8°F, and average winter lows of 21.3°F. The established crops are wheat, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $114,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.73%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 92.3% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hillsboro Community Hospital is 4.7 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.
Explore Kansas Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kansas
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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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