Marion County
KY · Pop. 19,680 · Suburban County
Marion County sits in Kentucky across 344 square miles, home to 19,680 people at 57.2 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. A median home price of $159,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.71% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F and average winter lows of 25.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 50.9 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Spring View Hospital is 1.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 80% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.71% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $159,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Spring View Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 1.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 50.9 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- A poverty rate of 19.5% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Marion County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 85/100
- Median home price
- $159k
- Property tax
- 0.71%
- Growing season
- 179 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 50.9"
- Broadband
- 80%
- Nearest hospital
- Spring View Hospital, 1.3 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 7a with a 179-day growing season, average summer highs of 86.7°F, and average winter lows of 25.4°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $159,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.71%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 80% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Spring View Hospital is 1.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Kentucky Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kentucky
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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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