Marion Public RecordsNorth Carolina

Marion city, in McDowell County, NC, has a population of about 7,800 residents. The median age is approximately 40 years, with 48% male and 52% female. The racial composition is 80% White, 8% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino, and 4% other groups (including Asian, Native American, and multiracial individuals).

Marion, in McDowell County, NC, has a homeownership rate of around 60%, with median home values near $165,000 and average rents at $900/month. The city’s property values have increased by about 8% in the past year, reflecting growing demand. Housing includes historic single-family homes, modern subdivisions, and some apartments. Popular neighborhoods are West Marion and Sugar Hill. Property taxes are low, with a combined city and county rate of approximately 0.76%. The market remains affordable compared to statewide averages, making Marion attractive for both buyers and renters.

Marion, in McDowell County, NC, has around 7 public schools, including McDowell High School. The high school graduation rate is about 83%, while 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. SchoolDigger rates local schools between 3/10 and 6/10. The city offers adult education through McDowell Technical Community College and GED programs. School safety scores are average, with incident rates of 0.6 per 100 students. Educational programs include STEM, vocational tracks, and AP courses, supporting diverse student needs.

Marion, the largest city in McDowell County, NC, sees the majority of its workforce (over 85%) commuting by private vehicle, with about 11% carpooling and less than 1% using public transit. The average one-way commute time is approximately 22 minutes, slightly below the national average. Public transportation options are limited to McDowell Transit, primarily serving seniors and disabled residents. Vehicle ownership is high, with over 91% of households having at least one car. Major employment hubs include Baxter Healthcare, McDowell Hospital, and the McDowell County School System, largely located in or near Marion’s city limits.

Marion, the seat of McDowell County, NC, is primarily served by Mission Hospital McDowell (30+ beds), offering emergency, surgical, and specialty care, and several clinics such as Blue Ridge Health. Around 13% of county residents are uninsured, while 19% live below the poverty line. The city’s population is about 69% White, 19% Hispanic, and 9% Black. Leading health issues include heart disease, diabetes, and opioid addiction. Healthcare access is limited, with under 100 physicians per 100,000 people in the county, below state averages, resulting in notable healthcare disparities in Marion.